February 18, 2025

How does a nursing student at Drexel find herself in the middle of chest compressions at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania (HUP) during her third week of co-op?

Meet Hannah Stetson, a junior undergraduate nursing student in Drexel’s College of Nursing and Health Professions. Just hours after completing her night shift at HUP, she sat down to speak about her experiences at Drexel University. After mere minutes of speaking with her, the New Jersey native’s passion for and dedication to nursing was clear.

Stetson explained that pursuing a nursing degree is deeply personal.

Growing up, I spent my days here as a Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) patient. I was hospitalized for a while, and I would commute back and forth from New Jersey to Philadelphia. These experiences led me to admire the health care workers, and I felt very inspired to become a CHOP nurse,” Stetson recounted.

The college application process was a “no-brainer” for her as well.

I have always had a love for Philadelphia. After completing the application process, I decided I wanted to be in Philadelphia—especially with its proximity to CHOP. Choosing Drexel and getting into the nursing program was a full-circle moment for me,” Stetson expressed. Her enthusiasm for the program was palpable. “The nursing program is amazing. My professors have been very understanding and supportive and have contributed to my academic and professional growth. I love that we get to apply everything we learn in our classes in the field,” Stetson said.

Stetson found herself in a particularly interesting situation in her third week of co-op at HUP where she applied knowledge to a real-life scenario. On her first night shift rotation, Stetson was called to a medical emergency—also known as a code. Her co-workers encouraged her to try compressions to help build her learning and confidence. Out of fear, Stetson initially backed down from the challenge.

“I thought to myself, ‘what if this patient doesn’t make it because of me? ‘That is why I’m not going to do these compressions this time,’” she elaborated.

Another shift passed, and Stetson was once again in the middle of a medical emergency which had her passing on participating.

I had a moment in the restroom where I said to myself, ‘I need to do compressions. I cannot let a mental block stop me from being able to do my job.’ On my way back to my apartment, I ran into one of my professors, and she encouraged me to reach out to Professor Zimmer for help,” Stetson explained.

She described how meaningful that connection was, and the pivotal role it played in her education and progression as a student nurse.

“She [Zimmer] spent an hour with me in the Health Sciences Building practicing compressions. We worked together to figure out how to get the most depth out of the compressions and complete them correctly. Professor Zimmer helped me build the confidence to conquer the mental block of completing compressions in a stressful environment, Stetson said proudly.

Two weeks after her lessons with Professor Zimmer, Stetson found herself in yet another code. But this time, she sprang into action.

“It was still a scary moment, but I ended up facing this challenge. I really appreciate the professors working with me and helping me grow as a student and as an emergency department tech,” Stetson said.

She also has a deep appreciation for Drexel’s co-op program.

“If I didn’t go through the co-op experience, I wouldn’t be where I am now. I feel that it has really helped me grow as a nursing student. I have become more adaptable and flexible in my work and dealing with complex situations. It has helped me to feel really prepared for my future as a nurse.”

In addition to her work as an emergency room technician at HUP, Hannah is a member of the Delta Gamma Sorority, and a prospective member of Drexel University Student Nursing Association (DUSNA).

By Myleah Herbert; marketing '25