A Northwest Indiana Life in the Spotlight: Hannah Ruszkewicz

Figuring out who you are and what you want to do can take years. For Ruszkewicz, it wasn’t a matter of what she wanted; it was how she would get there.

Ruszkewicz is a nursing student at the University of St. Francis in Crown Point, balancing a demanding academic schedule with part-time work at Bronze Sol Tanning Salons. She is in her first year of a two-year associate program and plans to graduate next May.

“I’m really grateful for knowing what I wanted to do so early on, because I know some people really struggle with that,” she said.

She began her college journey at a four-year program in Florida, but a lack of available clinical seats forced her to transfer back home. Adjusting to a new program, unfamiliar peers, and an immediate start in clinicals proved challenging.

“I came from a four-year program that didn’t work out. I was living in Florida for about a year and a half. It was just a lot all at once: coming back home to transition into a two-year program, not knowing anybody, and starting immediately into clinical. Managing the workload with my daily life was a lot,” Ruszkewicz said.

Her interest in the medical field dates back to middle school, but it wasn’t until her junior year of high school that she decided nursing was her path.

“I was really drawn to wanting to help people and make a difference,” Ruszkewicz said.

Ruszkewicz began her hands-on experience during high school, earning her CNA license and working at a rehab center for about a year and a half. She rotated through assisted living, rehab floors, and long-term care, gaining exposure to various aspects of patient care.

“As soon as I started, I loved it so much. I couldn’t stop talking about it, so I knew that nursing was where I was supposed to be,” she said.

Now, in her associate program, Ruszkewicz is focusing on clinical experience while planning to return for a bachelor’s, and eventually, a master’s degree. Her ultimate goal is to become a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA).

“I have a big support system at home. I’m really grateful because I know I have a lot of school left,” she said.

Ruszkewicz grew up in Cedar Lake and began working at Bronze Sol during her senior year of high school. She continued working there during college breaks and now still works part-time while attending school.

Balancing coursework, clinicals, and part-time work requires careful planning. Ruszkewicz has structured her week to reserve weekends for studying and preparation, though some days leave little room for anything else.

“Sometimes, there is no balance. Sometimes, I come home and I’m locked in my room for the rest of the night when I get out of school at 3 p.m. Some days, I’m able to sit down, do homework, go to the gym, and come home. It really just depends on what’s going on in my classes,” she said.

Her family support keeps her motivated through the toughest days.

“My family tries to help me as much as possible. They just keep telling me to keep the end goal in sight and it’ll be there before I know it,” she said. “It’s a challenge to keep your head up and keep yourself determined.”

Ruszkewicz knows that nursing isn’t for everyone.

“God just doesn’t put this passion into anybody. You’re in it for a reason, and you can do it. It’s just a lot of work,” she said.

After graduation, she plans to take the National Counsel Licensure Examination NCLEX, move to Florida, and begin working in an ICU to gain experience before applying to a CRNA program. Summers in Florida spent with her grandparents have made the state feel like home, and she’s excited to have sunshine over cold winters. While it’s a lot of work, Ruszkewicz doesn’t shy away from a challenge.