Nursing

Meet our Alumni

Julia Havluck

Licensed Practical Nursing Diploma, Associates Degree in Nursing

Rainy River Campus

My name is Julia Havluck, I am a mom of two kids and was able to show my kids that you should never stop chasing your dreams thanks to the opportunity of learning at Minnesota North College – Rainy River Campus. I graduated in 2020 with my licensed practical nursing diploma and in 2021 with my associates degree in nursing. I attended the Minnesota North Rainy River campus branch of the nursing programs offered from the Itasca and Hibbing campuses. I live in International Falls and the nursing programs being offered through Rainy River allowed me to further my college education while still being home and being a mom. I do not believe I would have been able to get my nursing degree without the flexibility of completing the programs at the Rainy River campus. I have two young children and the ability to go to school and still be there for all the important moments was irreplaceable. The program instructors were so supportive and helpful as well as understanding that I am not only a student but also a mom. One of my favorite memories was attending the health fair at the Itasca college, where we all had the opportunity to present projects related to mental health. It was fun to get together with these instructors and students that we had mostly interacted with through a screen. I worked in the local clinic after I graduated as an LPN, and after becoming an RN I have since been working as a public health nurse for Koochiching County. I now have the privilege to also get to teach skills labs for a new class of LPN students at the Rainy River campus and I am so thankful for this full circle opportunity. My time at Minnesota North College helped prepare me for my career both in hands-on learning and through a wide array of knowledge that I am able to apply while working within the community. Minnesota North offers students the opportunity to learn in a variety of ways and in many areas that can be applied right where they live. The instructors and staff are helpful, supportive and truly want to see you succeed, it is such a unique environment that truly promotes learning and advancement.

Amy Glass

Minnesota North has always been there to support my professional and personal goals. I was a PSEO student and earned an Associate of Arts degree first. Later I returned to the Itasca campus because of their high-quality programming to earn my Practical Nursing diploma, and continued on another year at the Itasca campus for an Associate of Science in Nursing degree through Hibbing for my RN. The Practical Nursing and Associate’s in Nursing Programs at Minnesota North College supported me to advance my education without traveling far from home, they also taught me how to be a person of integrity in my community. This was extremely important to my active family. One thing I appreciate about the Itasca faculty is that they are still available to me and offer support to me in the nursing profession. Since graduating from Minnesota North I have obtained a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree online and am currently enrolled in an online Master’s of Nursing program. I currently work in the area of mental health in the Grand Rapids community.

Staci Bannert

Staci graduated in 2008 from the practical nursing program at Rainy River. Also, through Rainy River, she was part of the distance cohort for Hibbing and finished her Associate of Science in nursing in 2009 and then took the MN State Board Exam to become a Registered Nurse. She finished her Bachelors of Science in Nursing in 2014 from University of North Dakota. She currently lives in Saint Paul, and works as a nurse in a Level 1 Trauma Emergency Center. One of only three Minnesota’s Level 1 hospitals to treat both Adult & Pediatric Trauma.

Program Planners and Accreditation