What does it take to become a nurse?
At Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady University (FranU), it’s more than just mastering skills. It’s about becoming a servant leader, someone who cares for the whole person.
In the latest episode of E.J. IRL, FMOL Health President & CEO E.J. Kuiper and Teione Robinson, administrative fellow, spent the day with nursing student Arielle Perry to experience the heart, humor and hard work that go into shaping the future of healthcare.
A Mission-Driven Education
From the moment you step onto FranU’s campus, you can feel the mission in action. Rooted in its Catholic tradition, FranU is more than an educational institution. It’s an extension of FMOL Health’s ministry, preparing students to lead with compassion and serve with purpose.
For Arielle, that mission is personal.
“Every morning, I pray, ‘God, let me be your hands today,’” she says. “FranU’s core values are a constant reminder of how I can live that out not just by providing physical care, but by meeting patients’ emotional and spiritual needs, too.”
E.J. and Teione joined Arielle in a classroom session led by Amy Hall, PhD, RN, CNE, dean, FranU School of Nursing, where students were learning about medication error rates. It was a moment of connection between the health system and the school, as the group paused to pray together before diving into the lesson.
The lesson also included a lighter moment when E.J. found himself unprepared for a pop quiz. Hoping for some help, he turned to Arielle, only to be shushed as she focused on her own answers.
“It’s clear that FranU isn’t just teaching skills,” Teione says. “They’re forming servant leaders who will carry our mission forward.”
Learning by Doing
In FranU’s Simulated Environment Teaching Hospital (SETH), students don’t just learn. They practice. The 20,000-square-foot facility is equipped with state-of-the-art technology, including manikins who speak in five languages and a birthing simulator.
For E.J., it was a chance to test his skills and his nerves.
“I asked Latisha in Episode 1 if I could deliver a baby, and she said no,” E.J. recalls. “But here at FranU, Arielle said, ‘We CAN do that here!’”
Under Arielle’s guidance, E.J. assisted in one of the most unforgettable moments of the day: helping Victoria, the birthing manikin, deliver her baby.
Teione watched from the control room, offering commentary and encouragement as E.J. and Arielle worked together to bring the newborn into the world.
“It’s amazing how real it feels,” Teione says. “Even holding the baby, you have to support the neck just like you would with a real newborn.”
The delivery wasn’t without its challenges, but it was a powerful learning experience. “Actually doing the skills we learn in class is a whole different experience,” Arielle reflected. “It’s exciting, but it can be nerve-wracking, too.”
Service and Connection
At FranU, education extends beyond the classroom and lab.
Through the Service Learning Program, students combine their studies with meaningful community service. Arielle shares how volunteering at a primary school helped her see the importance of meeting people where they are.
“Not everyone will understand medical terminology,” she says. “That experience reminded me to communicate in a way that makes people feel cared for and understood.”
Arielle’s day wasn’t just about classes and clinical rotations. It also included a bit of campaigning.
As a candidate for FranU’s Student Government Association Treasurer, Arielle spent time at her campaign booth on campus, connecting with fellow students and sharing her vision for the role. E.J. and Teione couldn’t resist jumping in to help, with E.J. enthusiastically promoting Arielle’s candidacy and distributing stickers to students nearby.
“Vote for Arielle!” E.J. called out, adding his signature flair by suggesting free tuition and room and board to students, a promise he couldn’t quite deliver on, but one that brought plenty of laughs, including from FranU President David Bellar, PhD.
E.J. and Teione also joined Arielle for FranU’s All In Campaign, contributing $1 each for a mini Wally mascot to stick on the window. The campaign embodies the spirit of “Walking with Francis,” a meaningful way to support FranU’s mission of forming servant leaders and providing students with the resources they need to succeed.
“It’s such a fun way to bring the campus together,” Arielle says. “And it’s all for a great cause.”
Gifts for Her Future
At the end of the day, E.J. presented Arielle with a thank you gift, a high-end stethoscope and two pairs of FIGS scrubs.
“I’m really excited about the stethoscope,” Arielle says. “I’ll use it at clinicals to take blood pressure and heart rates. And I love my FIGS scrubs. They’re so comfortable!”
E.J. also announced a special gift for FranU: a new manikin for the simulation lab.
“Delivering a baby is difficult to simulate, and having state-of-the-art tools like this makes all the difference,” E.J. says.
Preparing Tomorrow’s Caregivers Today
The day ended with a moment of reflection.
“Today reinforced my respect for nurses,” E.J. says. “Being married to a nurse, I’ve always admired the work they do, but seeing where it all begins, here at FranU, gave me an even deeper appreciation.”
FranU isn’t just a part of FMOL Health. It’s a branch of the same tree. Together, we’re building the next generation of healthcare leaders.
