On the road to med school, David Reisenauer instead found ‘the perfect profession for me.’
When David Reisenauer talks about nursing, his passion for the profession is unmistakable. A Minnesota native and current MSN (Entry into Nursing) student at the School of Nursing, Reisenauer’s journey into nursing is one of self-discovery and vision.
The path began at the University of Minnesota Rochester, where he pursued his undergraduate studies. Located near the world-renowned Mayo Clinic, the environment allowed Reisenauer to work as a technician on a hematology-oncology and hospice unit. Initially considering medical school, Reisenauer’s experiences working alongside nurses gave him a new perspective on health care.
“What inspired me was the way nurses were able to be so hands-on and connected to their patients,” he explains. “The intuitive way they addressed physical, spiritual, and mental health was captivating.”
A pivotal moment in Reisenauer’s decision to become a nurse came when a colleague pursuing a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree encouraged him to consider nursing. He attended a training session held by this colleague on integrative medicine practices and was the sole participant, allowing him to witness firsthand the holistic impact nurses have.
“The sense of community here is amazing,” he says. “I’ve grown so much, both personally and professionally.”
“She was interested and engaged in our conversation, as though every word mattered. I was in a place where I was unsure of my next steps, and as I talked about my passions and values, she suggested I consider nursing,” he shares. “The advice didn’t feel forced or biased at all, rather it was honest and freeing. It was like all the dots aligned, and I realized this was the perfect profession for me.”
Driven to make a difference, Reisenauer chose the Johns Hopkins School of Nursing for its outstanding reputation, sense of community, and opportunities for personal growth. “Hopkins stood out to me because I felt valued as a person,” he says. “The support from faculty and peers made it an easy choice.”
As a fifth-semester student, Reisenauer has taken advantage of the many programs and opportunities the School of Nursing has to offer, including the Health Systems Science Scholars program, which focuses on process improvement and quality assurance. These experiences have broadened his perspective on health care, helping him see the big picture while honing his ability to collaborate with patients and teams.
A commitment to patient-centered care is evident in his clinical experiences. He recalls a memorable moment working with a non-verbal patient where, through creative problem-solving, Reisenauer devised a communication system involving frequently used gestures and a whiteboard. “Seeing the relief and gratitude on the patient’s face was incredibly rewarding, and reaffirmed why I chose nursing.”
Looking ahead, Reisenauer plans to work in an intensive care unit (ICU), a setting that aligns with his desire for a challenging, fast-paced environment.
“The ICU represents the pinnacle of critical thinking in nursing,” he explains. “You see immediate impacts and can make a profound difference in people’s lives.”
Reisenauer’s long-term goal is to become a certified registered nurse anesthetist (CRNA), combining his interest in technical precision, patient advocacy, and pain management to further illuminate the holistic perspective that drew him to the field of nursing in the first place.
Beyond academics, Reisenauer has embraced Baltimore’s vibrant culture. Whether exploring its diverse culinary scene or enjoying an Orioles game at Camden Yards, he cherishes the connections he’s made in this dynamic city.
“The sense of community here is amazing,” he says. “I’ve grown so much, both personally and professionally.”
As Reisenauer prepares to graduate this spring, he is ready to take all of the skills he has acquired to the next step in his career, driven by the many lessons learned and the people who have inspired him along the way. ◼