To address non-nursing challenges students face while in school, GW Nursing has added two professional advisers to its Office of Student Affairs.
Chloe Harner works with students from the Bachelor of Science in Nursing program, and Hannah Hahn is the adviser for graduate students.
“Professional advisers offer students support and have a clear understanding of program, school and university policies and procedures,” said Jennifer Hayes-Klosteridis, assistant dean for student affairs.
Both are trained by the National Academic Advising Association and assist students with completing necessary paperwork, registering for courses and navigating degree requirements.
“Our job is to make sure students are in good shape and have the right information when they need it,” Ms. Hahn said.
In addition to ensuring all degree requirements are met, Ms. Hahn said professional advisers help students take “a holistic view of academic life.” Advisers can offer suggestions and resources to help students successfully complete their degrees no matter what challenges they may encounter, she said.
“I’m good at helping people adjust to an accelerated program and be a successful student. I’m not a nurse, so I haven’t been through everything students are going through. For that, they have a faculty mentor,” Ms. Harner said.
With offices at the school’s Virginia Science and Technology Campus location, both advisers are readily available to students.
Ms. Harner said her workday may include teaching a student test-taking strategies, sharing information about various apps that can help with time management or passing tissues to an emotional student in need of support.