Christina Rasanen Memorial Scholarship

I am a registered nurse currently working in the emergency department at a critical access hospital. In addition to my hospital role, I volunteer for my local emergency medical services (EMS) agency, responding to 911 calls as an RN. These experiences have shaped not only my clinical skills, but also my understanding of how access to timely, high-quality healthcare can profoundly influence outcomes, especially in rural and underserved areas like those found throughout South Dakota. Through my medical career, I plan to make a positive impact by strengthening emergency and primary care services in communities that too often face limited resources, staffing shortages, and delayed care. My desire to pursue advanced practice as a CNP grew directly from my work in emergency medicine. In the emergency department, I have seen how early assessment, rapid decision-making, and strong provider-patient relationships can alter the trajectory of a patient’s life. I am particularly drawn to the autonomy and expanded scope of practice that advanced providers hold, allowing them to diagnose, treat, educate, and advocate for patients across the lifespan. Working alongside nurse practitioners and physician assistants has inspired me to pursue a role where I can blend clinical expertise with leadership, especially in settings where advanced providers often serve as the backbone of care. South Dakota’s rural landscape presents unique healthcare challenges, including long transport times, limited specialty access, and high rates of unmet mental and physical health needs. My goal is to practice in an underserved area, where I can help close gaps in care by providing compassionate, evidence-based treatment to patients who may otherwise go without. Whether stabilizing a trauma patient in the emergency department, managing chronic disease, or addressing mental health concerns, I hope to be a provider who improves both access and trust within the community. My commitment to mental health advocacy is deeply personal. While I was completing my undergraduate nursing degree, my father died by suicide. This loss fundamentally changed my perspective on healthcare, relationships, and purpose. My father believed strongly in striving to be the best version of oneself, and his encouragement continues to motivate me to pursue excellence—not only academically, but also as a clinician and human being. Experiencing such a profound loss reinforced the importance of checking in on others, recognizing silent suffering, and treating mental health with the same urgency and compassion as physical illness. This experience has strengthened my passion to become a provider who listens closely, asks difficult questions, and creates a safe space for patients to be honest about their struggles. It has also influenced how I interact with colleagues, family, and patients—leading with empathy, awareness, and intention. Through advanced practice education, service, and advocacy, I aim to honor my father’s legacy by helping others find hope, healing, and the care they deserve. If awarded this scholarship, I will use it to further my education and ultimately serve communities where compassionate, skilled providers are needed most.