Danielle Wessel, DNP, RN, CCRP
Nursing Excellence and Outcomes Program Manager, Mercy Health – Clermont Hospital

What do you love most about nursing?
Honestly? I love that nursing lets you show up for people when they need it most — and not just with medical care, but with heart, humor, and honesty. We wear a lot of hats: educator, advocate, teammate, therapist, and sometimes unofficial stand-up comedian. You get to use your brain and your heart every single day. I got into nursing to help people, but I’ve stayed because it keeps evolving, just like I do. There are so many different directions you can take this career — you're never stuck. It's not always easy, but it’s always worth it.

What lessons did you learn at UC that have stuck with you?
UC didn’t just teach me how to be a nurse — it helped me believe in myself. As a single mom, I wasn’t sure college was even an option. I was just trying to survive, and suddenly I found myself in nursing classes wondering if I was in over my head.

At UC, I discovered a community that truly saw me — not just my circumstances. They encouraged me, challenged me, and stood beside me until I could stand on my own.

I learned that you don’t need to have it all together. You just need to keep showing up. Support matters. Grit matters. And sometimes, the most powerful thing you can do is take the next step, even when you’re scared. These lessons have guided me throughout my nursing career and have inspired me to give back to my community. Now, as I run for Batavia Township Trustee in the November 2025 election, I carry forward the values of resilience, service, and leadership that UC instilled in me.

What advice would you give to current UC Nursing students?
Never give up. Seriously — there will be days when you question everything, including your own sanity. But hold on to your “why.” Let it anchor you. Support each other because no one gets through this alone. Be kind. Be curious. Laugh when you can, cry when you need to, and always, always keep learning. You’re going to mess up sometimes. Own it, learn from it, and keep moving forward. This profession needs real people with big hearts — and you’re exactly where you’re supposed to be.

Sara M. Krzywkowski-Mohn, EdD, MSN, APRN-BC
Director Nurse Residency Programs, Cincinnati Veterans Medical Center

What do you love most about nursing?
As a first-year student attending a small liberal arts college, I was unclear on where my professional education would take me. I had always enjoyed the sciences and decided to major in Biology and perhaps become a veterinarian. To make some extra money on the weekends, I decided to take a part time job as a nursing assistant at a local Long Term Care Facility (St. Francis). It was at this humble facility that I fell in love with taking care of patients. So, I decided to become a nurse and have not regretted one moment since. My career has taken me to Germany as a young Army Officer which gave me the opportunity to lead and take responsibility for others at a very young age. Since Germany,  I have practiced across the United States spanning California to Georgia and now Ohio in Medical Surgical, Labor and Delivery and Intensive Care. I have completed graduate degrees in Nursing and Education and now I direct multiple Nursing Residency Programs at the VA Medical Center. However, I continue to provide direct patient care and believe that one single nurse can make a difference in the lives of those in need.  

What lessons did you learn at UC that have stuck with you over the years?
UC has been the common denominator throughout my graduate career. It has offered me the opportunity for both personal and professional growth. I have had numerous mentors at the College of Nursing who have instilled in me a love of learning and the encouragement to dream big. This certainly informed my decision to become an Advance Practice Nurse and complete my Doctorate in Educational Leadership. UC College of Nursing has also offered me a community of learners who deeply care about Cincinnati and all those who reside here.

What advice would you give to current UC Nursing students?
Take advantage of every learning opportunity as each unique experience will provide a different lens for viewing the world and your patient. Be curious, ask questions and think critically. My motto for all of our residency programs is “be kind, be competent and be an advocate for your patient”.