From the Gridirons to the Emergency Department

Seth Gerken looks like a football player.

Standing at 6'5", it is no surprise that he played at Napoleon High School and five seasons of Division II football on the offensive line at Ohio Dominican University. However, it wasn't a football injury that brought him to the emergency room; now, Seth also looks like a nurse and is part of a care team.

Seth says, "Initially, with a degree in exercise science, I looked into physical therapy and physician assistant programs after graduating from Ohio Dominican in December 2019. I decided nursing was what I wanted to pursue, and since I had a bachelor's degree, the accelerated BSN program at Mercy College was the right fit for me."

Seth managed the four-semester program while working about 24 hours a week at Mercy Health - Perrysburg Hospital emergency department. "Working at the hospital enabled me to access Mercy Health's tuition assistance to get my BSN at little or no cost, but it also provided valuable experience. I felt part of the team. I interacted with patients, assisted with procedures, and determined which department I wanted to work in after graduation," he said.

The commitment and organizational skills required of college athletes transferred to his nursing education. Seth adds, "Nursing education is tough. There's a lot to learn and keep up with, but my professors were great. They were always available and supportive."

He has accepted a position in the emergency department at Mercy Health - St. Vincent Medical Center. "I know working as a nurse will be a big change from working as a nurse extern, but I believe my experience working in the hospital will greatly help my transition. I feel prepared and can't wait to pass the NCLEX and get started," he adds.