Her Story
About Renee
Renee Burgess is a senior nursing student at the University of Michigan School of Nursing, pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Registered Nursing with an expected graduation in 2027. She has built a strong foundation in clinical practice, patient care, and interdisciplinary collaboration through more than 500 hours of clinical experience in medical-surgical, telemetry, behavioral health, and OB/GYN settings. Renee is dedicated to providing evidence-based, patient-centered care while fostering strong communication and meaningful relationships with patients and healthcare teams.
Throughout her nursing education, Renee has developed a strong interest in women’s health, maternity care, pediatric nursing, NICU, and labor and delivery. Her clinical experiences have allowed her to develop skills in patient assessments, wound care, vital sign monitoring, ECG application, catheter care, and supporting patients’ physical and emotional needs. She is also actively involved in nursing and pre-health organizations, where she contributes to service initiatives, health advocacy, and community outreach.
In addition to her healthcare experience, Renee has developed valuable leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills through roles in sales, food service, facility management, childcare, and volunteer work. Her experiences as a Clinical Assistant and American Red Cross volunteer have strengthened her commitment to compassionate care and serving others. As she progresses in her career, Renee hopes to gain bedside nursing experience, explore travel nursing opportunities, and pursue future leadership roles in nursing administration.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Renee
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to the passion and dedication I have had toward nursing since high school. From an early age, I was drawn to the nursing profession because of the many opportunities it provides to make a meaningful impact on people’s lives while continuing to grow personally and professionally. My commitment to this field has motivated me to pursue my goals, embrace challenges, and continue developing the knowledge and skills needed to succeed.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I have ever received is that the power of love should always be greater than the desire for power. This lesson has taught me the importance of leading with compassion, humility, and genuine care for others. I believe that when we prioritize kindness, understanding, and helping others over personal gain, we create a more positive environment where people can grow and succeed together.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering nursing is to be strong, resilient, and confident. Do not let gender limit your opportunities or experiences. Embrace every opportunity, learn from others, and remember to prioritize self-care because nursing is a rewarding but challenging profession.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
The biggest challenges in nursing are managing the demands of the profession, including lack of sleep and the financial challenges of nursing education. However, the support from staff and colleagues has been a great opportunity and has made the journey more rewarding.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values most important to me are having a giving heart and helping others. I believe compassion, kindness, and a willingness to serve are essential both in my work as a nurse and in my personal life.
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