Port Clinton grad trades scrubs for cap and gown

PORT CLINTON — While her classmates were out having fun, Brigitte Schroeder was hard at work at Magruder Hospital. Since January, Schroeder, a member of Port Clinton's class of 2023, has been spending multiple days a week in scrubs. Enduring long hours at the city's hospital, she's spent her time helping patients prepare and recover from surgery. Schroeder is the first student at Port Clinton High School to ever obtain a state-tested nursing assistant (STNA) license. The license allows her to administer medication, sterilize medical equipment and track vital signs. Her license allows her to work in a hospital, something she's been doing at Magruder for three months. "I love it," Schroeder said. "I was given a really cool opportunity to gain experience in the emergency room." Schroeder began working toward her certification in September. The five-month class wasn't the only requirement. Schroeder also had to complete a certain amount of hands-on clinical hours as well as take the official state test. The program is free to all Ottawa County high school seniors and is run by the Ottawa County Improvement Corp. Schroeder cites her experience with the end of her grandfather's life as her inspiration to work in the healthcare field. "It was a huge turning point in my life," Schroeder said. "He was my biggest supporter and I loved him more than anything. While he was in the hospital, I always acknowledged the nurses that were taking care of him and saw how their selflessness and compassion made his days better, which is what inspired me to join the medical field." Despite the intense commitment, she didn't let working toward her STNA license stop her from obtaining other achievements. She finished sixth in the state diving tournament and third in the district tournament. She admits that the process wasn't an easy one. "There were times during the program that I had doubted myself," she said. "I was completely shocked that I was able to pass the test on the very first attempt." Schroeder doesn't plan on stopping her education with the STNA license, she sees it as a stepping stone that will help her to become more educated in the field of nursing. "Becoming an STNA before entering a higher level education will give you a major boost when it comes to basic patient care and medical terminology, which is helpful on the path to medical school," she said. "It is important to gain basic understanding and practice before continuing onto a larger position in the field." Schroeder plans on attending Bowling Green State University in the fall and majoring in nursing/geriatrics. She hopes to become a travel nurse. Speaking up Several proudly talked about Schroeder's accomplishments: "Brigitte is so passionate about everything she does and always goes above and beyond to do her best every time. No matter what is going on in her life she never let that stop her from reaching and achieving her goals." — Mia Sanchez, her friend and classmate "I am extremely proud that my daughter, Brigitte Schroeder, has successfully completed all program requirements and is the first PCHS student from this inaugural program to become a State Tested Nursing Assistant! This is a major milestone in her pursuit of a bachelor's Degree in Nursing at Bowling Green State University. Hopefully, her accomplishment will inspire other students to enter the STNA program." — Ralph Schroeder, her father "We are also extremely proud of Brigitte! I just came from a meeting with all the schools in the county and we actually recognized Brigitte for being the first to successfully complete the program." — Pat Adkins, Port Clinton Schools' superintendent