It’s time for another UofL Online student highlight! Today we’re thrilled to highlight Tracy Nordmann, an online RN-BSN nursing student who will complete the program Summer 2025. Check out her responses to our interview questions below!  

What is your name and your current program of study? 
My name is Tracy Nordmann and I’m a student in UofL’s online RN to BSN program. 

Where are you from?  
I am from Louisville, Kentucky but I grew up in Chicago, then lived in Atlanta for 20 years. During those years I attained my LPN license and while doing travel LPN, I decided to go back to school and attain my RN from Henderson Community College. 

How did you get involved with UofL’s online RN-BSN program?  
While in that program I was offered to be part of the pilot program and be one of the first LPN’s that bridged in an RN program to also do dual enrollment at University of Louisville RN-BSN program as I complete my RN program. I started in the summer of 2024 at UofL. 

What was your academic experience prior to this program?  
I graduated from Henderson Community College with my RN in December 2024. I received my RN license in January 2025. 

I knew I would go back and get my BSN and anticipated waiting a few years, but since I was offered a grant scholarship to attend, I made the choice and was in both programs at the same time. I thought maybe I was crazy (and so did my friends), but I couldn’t pass up the opportunity. So, I talked to my advisor at UofL, Colleen Costar, and explained my thought process. I wanted to get it done as quickly as I could. She devised a unique plan so I can get through the program quickly. And it is working! I have two classes left for this summer and I will be graduating this year! 

The program allowed me to have the flexibility to make this happen. I spoke with my advisor and instructors throughout the program, always gaining insight on how to attain what I wanted to accomplish. 

What were some of the challenges you experienced over this program?  
Many times, I didn’t feel I could get through the semesters, but I persevered. I found ways to manage my schedule to allow me to go to two programs, work part time and travel back and forth to Atlanta when I needed to.  

I also had many family issues happen throughout the program. I did apply for grants and was awarded them just for applying. So, I am forever grateful for the encouragement to apply and getting the help I need to continue to pursue my degree. Many times, I truly thought I would have to quit because I didn’t have the means. 

Where do you work now?  
I currently work at Ascension St Thomas Midtown as an Oncology nurse in Nashville, TN. 

What are your plans after graduation?  
To pursue my nurse practitioner license. 

What are your career aspirations? How will this degree help you to pursue those passions?  
This degree allows me to be more knowledgeable on many aspects in my field. I see it working already while in my career. 

What would you want to communicate to other students considering this program? 
Take the BIG LEAP! Don’t wait to pursue your education further! Apply for scholarships because you never know how and when it can help you. 

It’s time for another UofL Online student highlight! Today we’re thrilled to highlight Chasity Eversole, an online RN-BSN nursing student who completed the program Summer 2023. Check out her responses to our interview questions below! 

Please share your full name, credentials, where you are from and your current program of study. 

My name is Chasity Eversole. I am from Whitesburg, KY, and I’m a graduate of UofL’s online RN-BSN program, completing a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree. 

Please share when you started the program. 

I began the program in the summer semester of 2023. 

Please share what drew you to the UofL online programs. 

I had considered returning to college several times throughout my nursing career. However, I wasn’t sure which program to enroll in or how to go about juggling family and school life. I work full-time, and having a family, including two children, I’ve always wanted to keep my focus on them whenever possible. Then the opportunity emerged through my employer to begin the RN-BSN program through the University of Louisville. Each of my children had completed their bachelor’s degrees in recent years and are now adults, so I thought it was the perfect time to start on my degree. 

What was your experience with this program like? What did you find helpful or beneficial? 

I had an excellent experience with this program. It was helpful as a full-time employee to be able to complete the assignments and work around my work schedule. At times, I was able to complete the assignments early and turn them in before the due date. The instructors were available to answer questions and address concerns either by phone or email. They were very understanding and willing to work around any issues that I had. For the most part, replies were received very quickly.  

Did you experience any personal or professional challenges over the course of this program? How did you overcome them? 

Over the course of the program, I experienced challenges such as trying to juggle coursework, family, caring for a home and being a full-time nurse.  Some of my fellow nurses, who were also students in the program, had the same problems. We worked together to overcome a lot of challenges by creating a group message on social media. Since we lived several miles away from each other, we were able to communicate through this group. It was beneficial because often some of the questions one might have may have already been addressed with the instructors, and we could share the information we gained. I was especially reliant on my family to be able to overcome these challenges. They picked up the slack on the housework, provided me with the support, encouragement and quiet space that I needed to complete assignments. Since both of my children had finished college recently, they were able to give me tips on websites and tools to assist with coursework.  I was nervous about beginning this program and afraid of failure, but in the end, I finished feeling proud of myself and what I was able to accomplish.   

What are your plans after graduation? 

Since graduation I have continued to work full-time with my current employer. I am happy in the job that I am doing and want to continue with my career here.  

What are your career aspirations? How will this degree help you to pursue those passions? 

I am currently certified as a diabetes care and education specialist. I would like to build on this role by gaining more certifications and enhancing my learning. I feel that earning my BSN degree and the things I’ve learned throughout the program, will allow me to demonstrate the leadership, knowledge and skills to pursue these goals and improve patient outcomes. 

What would you want to communicate to other students considering this program? 

First, just do it! There is a wealth of support within this program, from the fellow students, the instructors and all of the tools and resources that UofL has to offer. Second, you are never too old to start a new adventure. I will be 50 years old this month and I just completed a bachelor’s degree; you can do it!