Gbemi Ogunwusi ’26 Helps Shape the Future of Nursing at Lebanon Valley College

Key Points:

• Gbemi Ogunwusi ’26 was part of the first graduating class of the PAM Health School of Nursing at Lebanon Valley College.
• As a member of the inaugural cohort, she helped shape the nursing student experience for future classes.
• Her capstone placement in the pediatric emergency department at Penn State Health aligned closely with her career goals and strengthened her clinical confidence.
• She will begin her nursing career at WellSpan Health Good Samaritan Hospital.

When Gbemi Ogunwusi ’26 chose Lebanon Valley College, she was drawn to more than a nursing degree. She saw an opportunity to help build something new as a member of the first class to graduate from the PAM Health School of Nursing at LVC.

“It was an adventure, and it was exciting but also challenging,” said Ogunwusi. “Nursing is already a demanding major, and being part of a program that was still developing added another layer of complexity.”

Rather than simply moving through the curriculum, Ogunwusi and her classmates helped influence the student experience for those who will follow.

“There were many positive outcomes, and I am proud to have been part of the process,” she said.

One of the most meaningful parts of Ogunwusi’s education was her capstone placement in the Pediatric Emergency Department at Hershey Medical Center, a clinical setting that aligned closely with her career goals.

“My clinical was a major factor in helping me transition from student to professional nurse,” Ogunwusi said.

The experience helped Ogunwusi grow more confident in her clinical abilities and communication skills with patients in a professional yet compassionate way. While caring for a patient who had recently undergone a procedure, Ogunwusi spent time sitting with her and getting to know her as a person, not just as a patient.

“That experience helped me realize that nursing allows me to support patients during some of their most vulnerable moments,” she said. “I can serve others and help improve not only their physical well-being but also their emotional and psychosocial needs.”

Her classmates also played an important role in the journey. Ogunwusi said her cohort supported one another, collaborated when challenges arose, and advocated for themselves when needed.

“We were a very supportive class,” she said. “Having a strong support system within our cohort made the journey more memorable.”

Outside the classroom and clinical setting, Ogunwusi found motivation in her family. She comes from a family with an extensive medical background and credits them as her biggest cheerleaders and mentors.

Ogunwusi will now begin her nursing career at Wellspan Good Samaritan Hospital Medicine Department, where she looks forward to caring for patients with a wide range of conditions.

“To me, working in the emergency department is like solving a puzzle,” Ogunwusi said. “Each patient’s presenting complaint provides pieces of information that must be put together to determine the bigger picture.”

In her new role, Ogunwusi hopes to provide safe, evidence-based, and timely care while also offering comfort to patients during difficult moments.

“I want to bring positivity to patient care, advocate for my patients, and ensure they feel heard and respected throughout their healthcare experience,” she said.

Her long-term goals include returning to school to earn a master’s degree and eventually working as an Emergency Nurse Practitioner or Family Nurse Practitioner in a pediatric setting.

As Ogunwusi reflects on her time at LVC, she is most proud of her personal growth. Naturally introverted, she said nursing school pushed her outside her comfort zone and helped her become more confident, vocal, and social.

“My time at LVC has helped me grow both personally and professionally,” she said. “Professionally, it provided me with the knowledge, clinical experience, and confidence needed to begin my nursing career. Personally, it helped me become more resilient, adaptable, and confident in myself and my abilities.”

For future students considering the PAM Health School of Nursing, Ogunwusi offers simple but hard-earned advice: stay resilient, trust the process, take advantage of clinical opportunities, build strong relationships with classmates, ask for help, and develop strong organization and time-management skills.

“Nursing school can be challenging, but every experience provides an opportunity to learn and grow,” she said. “The journey was not always easy, but it helped shape me into the person and nurse I am today. I am excited to begin my career, continue learning, and make a positive impact on my patients’ lives.”