This Veterans Day, we’re sharing the stories of four students in College of Nursing’s BSN for Veterans (VBSN) program, including those who are preparing to graduate and begin their nursing careers, along with others who are just getting started.

Casey Guevara, VBSN Senior

Casey Guevara came to Detroit from her hometown of Tulsa, Oklahoma, where she served in the Oklahoma National Guard from 2010 to 2019, achieving the rank of sergeant.

Guevara initially joined the military to receive financial assistance that would help her return to school. While her primary occupational specialty was in water treatment, she was secondarily assigned as a combat medic. Alongside her military service, Guevara also worked as a phlebotomist at Ascension St. John Medical Center in Tulsa.

For a long time, Guevara hoped to pursue a medical degree, with plans for a career in obstetrics and gynecology. Those dreams shifted after a lifesaving surgery in 2016.

“Along the way, I noticed where the majority of my care really came from. As I discussed the details of my surgery with my gastrointestinal doctor and wound, ostomy and continence nurse, they thought nursing would be a perfect fit,” she explained. “By fall 2016, I had returned to school, changed course to pre-nursing and I’ve been on that road ever since. They were right: Nursing really is a better fit. They saw something in me that I hadn’t, and I’m grateful for that.”

Guevara moved to the Detroit area in January 2020 and searched for the right place to pursue her nursing degree when she discovered the BSN for Veterans program at Wayne State University.

“I knew that was exactly where I needed to be,” she said.

Guevara will graduate in December and begin working as an emergency room nurse at Corewell Health Beaumont Grosse Pointe Hospital, continuing to hone the skills she’s built during her time in the National Guard and at Wayne State. She is following her instinct to stay open to new opportunities but ultimately hopes to advance her nursing career in midwifery.

“My goal is to conduct research on women with irritable bowel syndrome/inflammatory bowel disease during pregnancy and postpartum with treatment through nutrition and exercise,” Guevara said. "The thought makes me warm and fuzzy, so it must be my calling. I just enjoy taking the long road, and that’s OK.”

Lettia Morgan, first-year VBSN student

Born and raised in Detroit, SSG. Lettia Morgan is serving full-time active duty in the Michigan National Guard while pursuing her nursing degree at Wayne State. She is currently on a tour of duty assignment in Warren, Michigan, where she helps soldiers get on short-term, active-duty tours.

In search of a fulfilling career, Morgan decided to join the military alongside her twin brother. Joining together, she explained, provided a partnership where the siblings could hold each other accountable.

Morgan previously worked as a medical assistant and helped conduct clinical research related to HIV/AIDS. Being a caregiver for her grandparents sparked a passion to pursue a career that would allow her to care for others. Her decision to become a nurse ultimately arose from an honest moment of self-reflection.

“After leaving the medical field to do civilian recruiting for a large auto company, I realized I was really missing that work,” she said. “I felt that I had to walk in my purpose, so I decided to step out, change gears and follow my heart.”

On COVID-19 orders for the National Guard, Morgan met a nurse who told her about Wayne State’s BSN for Veterans program. After taking a closer look, she made the decision to follow her dreams at WSU.

As she approaches the end of her first year in the VBSN program, Morgan has her sights set on pursuing a master’s in nursing science, with hopes to continue her military service and commission as a nurse in the U.S. Air Force or U.S. Army.

Ryan Oke, VBSN senior

Staff Sgt. Ryan Oke is a nine-year veteran of the U.S. Air Force and current member of the Air National Guard, serving as a firefighter in both branches.

From Madison Heights, Michigan, Oke joined the military for educational benefits and training opportunities. Having worked as a firefighter and EMT, he capitalized on the chance to provide emergency medical care in the military, where his experiences in the field helped inspire his path to the nursing profession.

“I wanted to become a nurse because, as an EMT, you don’t get to see the long-term effects of care,” Oke said. “I really enjoy seeing that now as a nursing student. My wife is also a nurse, so I love being able to talk about different things I’ve learned or procedures I’ve seen with her. Sharing this experience has been awesome.”

Oke’s decision to pursue his nursing degree at Wayne State was tied directly to the BSN for Veterans program.

“Wayne State was the only school I could find that actually catered to veterans,” he said. “That was a huge selling point. They form the entire experience around us being veterans.”

As he finishes his BSN program at WSU, Oke is working as a nurse technician in the medical intensive care unit at Corewell Health William Beaumont University Hospital, where he will transition to a full-time RN role in January. Eventually, he hopes to return to Wayne State to pursue graduate studies and become a certified registered nurse anesthetist.

Victoria Rush, first-year VBSN student

Petty Officer Second Class Victoria Rush served in the U.S. Navy for three years before her honorable discharge from active duty in 2014. A Detroit native, Rush currently serves in the U.S. Navy Reserves.

Feeling dissatisfied with the direction of her life and career, Rush was drawn to military service by the opportunity to travel, the stability of a military career, mentorship and the chance to pursue a college degree without taking on a financial burden.

Despite having no prior experience in the health care field, the COVID-19 pandemic helped Rush find a path to the nursing profession.

“At the height of the pandemic, I realized I’d rather be a public servant helping people hands-on than at a desk,” she said. “I want to be able to advocate for patients and intervene when there are care concerns by working to address their needs while protecting their rights.”

Rush earned her bachelor’s in criminal justice and forensic investigation from Wayne State in 2021, building a strong affinity for the university throughout her program. When she decided to pursue a career in nursing, WSU’s VBSN was an easy choice.

“I absolutely love this school. It was a no-brainer when I made the decision where I’d want to complete my nursing degree,” she said.

After earning her BSN, Rush hopes to continue her military service and use her skills to improve the health and well-being of individuals through education and advocacy.

“My goal is to serve in the Medical Corps as a nurse, but I also would like to be involved in educating underserved communities and high school students,” she said. “I believe it’s an honorable thing to be able to help people, provide information that will put them in a better position, or provide service to help with preventable conditions.”

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The Wayne State College of Nursing’s BSN for Veterans program is designed for U.S. military veterans as they transition from active service and pursue a nursing career. Learn more and apply. For a closer look at the program, its opportunities and impact, read this story from May 2022.