When Dr. Christine Nguyen-Moen came to the United States as a refugee from her native Viet Nam at age 17, she brought no possessions and spoke no English. She made a new home in Houston, learned a new language by watching Sesame Street and Mr. Rogers’ Neighborhood, and found her calling in nursing.

Now, she’s moved for a second time — from Houston to her husband’s home town of Bemidji — to join the Bemidji School of Nursing faculty.

“Teaching has always been one of my passions,” she said. “I want to give back to the nursing profession, share what I know, and grow with the next generation of nurses. It’s our duty to contribute to the nursing profession.”

Nguyen-Moen says she’s been impressed with the resources available to her at Bemidji State to support both her professional development and her role as an instructor in the classroom.

“There are rich resources here to assist new faculty,” she said. “And the communication tools we have provide unlimited accessibility to our students for questions and feedback.”

She says that ease of communication is important to help students feel comfortable in the classroom and know that their questions and concerns can be addressed quickly.

“That access to faculty makes a big difference in a student’s success,” she said. “I want our students to know that the faculty are your friends and they want you to succeed.”

Nguyen-Moen helps students find that success by providing transformative experiences in a student-centered learning environment. Her approach empowers students to take ownership of their own educational journeys and to find the confidence to overcome obstacles.

“Nursing is a discipline of knowledge acquired through formal education and through life experiences,” she said. “To achieve successful learning, one must be willing to make changes, to have the right mindset and have true grit.”

Dr. Christine Nguyen-Moen is an assistant professor of nursing at Bemidji State University. She is teaching concepts of nursing and health care, health assessment, and the adult and gerian health practicum. She holds a doctorate in nursing practice from the University of Texas.