If you find yourself in the surgical intensive care unit, chances are you aren’t having the best day. For patients at University Hospital, though, they can look forward to receiving care from soon-to-be graduate Evan Shearer.
Shearer transferred to Mizzou as a junior student to pursue a nursing degree. He’s wrapping up his nursing degree and will soon start as a fulltime employee in the unit where he was trained. Shearer is combining his personal experience being treated for injuries with a world-class Sinclair School of Nursing education to help patients through some of the most challenging days of their lives.
Read on for a Q&A with Shearer about his Mizzou experience.
Why did you transfer to Mizzou?
When I started college, I was on the pre-medicine track at a different school. As time went on, I realized I wanted a more hands-on career, and I started looking at nursing programs at other universities. Mizzou has one of the best nursing programs in the Midwest and I wanted to be a part of it.
Why do you want to go into nursing?
When I was young, I had an injury and was treated at University Hospital. I remember having a male nurse who helped take care of me … it was eye-opening to learn about his career and how it could be an option for me.
The thing I love about nursing is that I get to help patients of all ages. Not only that, but I get to help them through some of the most challenging times of their lives. Like the nurse I had when I was younger, I want to be there for my patients and be a positive figure in their lives.
What is your favorite place on campus?
I am a big physical activity person who enjoys working out and doing Brazilian Jujitsu, so my favorite place on campus is MizzouRec. It’s a great resource to help keep your mental health in shape during strenuous school years.
What’s your favorite Mizzou memory?
My favorite Mizzou memory is when I was five years old and went to a Black and Gold game. I loved watching Chase Daniel and Jeremy Maclin — and getting their signatures after the game.
Even today, I love watching all of our Tigers play — from football, to wrestling, basketball and more.
Why are you proud to be a Mizzou Tiger?
I’m proud to be a Tiger because it has given me the opportunity to pursue the job of my dreams. The instructors at Sinclair School of Nursing are phenomenal and really care about you. Even at a big university, they make sure you get an individualized education.
What’s next for you after graduation?
The School of Nursing gave me access to do my practicum training in the University Hospital surgical intensive care unit, which is a highly competitive position. After graduation, I’ll start there full-time, which I am really excited about. Eventually, I’d like to become a flight nurse and do search and rescue in areas like Montana, Idaho and Alaska. My Mizzou nursing degree has prepared me for all of these things.
