ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT
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“I love nursing," Brandie says. "I love to help the community that I live in. It is so rewarding to see patients in town that I know I have helped." |
From KTC to Award-Winning ER Nurse, Brandie Keller’s Inspiring Journey
If there is one word to describe Knox Technical Center (KTC) alumna Brandie Keller, it is unstoppable.
Brandie’s history with KTC runs deep. She is a graduate of the STNA Program, the Practical Nursing (LPN) Program, and the LPN to RN Transition Program (Class of 2020). Today, she is a highly respected, award-winning nurse working on the frontlines of emergency medicine.
Life on the Frontlines
At 35 years old, Brandie is a dedicated mom of three and a double-threat healthcare provider in her hometown of Mt. Gilead, Ohio. For the past six years, she has worked in the Emergency Department at Morrow County Hospital, navigating fast-paced shifts that average 25 to 30 patients. If that wasn't enough, she recently started at Wyandot County EMS, having her NREMT-B for the past 3 years.
“I love nursing," Brandie says. "I love to help the community that I live in. It is so rewarding to see patients in town that I know I have helped."
Overcoming Obstacles & Redefining Success
Brandie’s path wasn't always easy. When she first enrolled in the intensive LPN program, she faced a devastating setback: she failed out after her first year.
Instead of throwing in the towel, Brandie restarted with the very next cohort and pushed through to graduation. She went on to build her clinical confidence by asking questions and mastering independent problem-solving. Today, she has earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) from Ohio University and is currently applying to their Nurse Practitioner (NP) program.
"For me, it was a hard career to get started," Brandie reflects. "But now I have my Bachelor's and am applying to NP programs. So, never give up."
The KTC Foundation & Advice for Students
Brandie credits much of her success to her KTC instructors, especially Mrs. Moore. "She was my favorite teacher," Brandie recalls. "She was very particular and went exactly by the book. She taught me how to fix things, but she never criticized me, I was always learning how to become a nurse."
With 13 years of healthcare experience now under her belt, Brandie offers two pieces of golden advice for current KTC nursing students:
Celebrating Excellence
Brandie’s incredible grit and passion for patient care were formally recognized this year when she won the prestigious Nurse Excellence Award and a continuing education scholarship from Morrow County Hospital.
The entire KTC community is incredibly proud of Brandie Keller. She is living proof that with dedication and resilience, you can overcome any hurdle and achieve your dreams.
If there is one word to describe Knox Technical Center (KTC) alumna Brandie Keller, it is unstoppable.
Brandie’s history with KTC runs deep. She is a graduate of the STNA Program, the Practical Nursing (LPN) Program, and the LPN to RN Transition Program (Class of 2020). Today, she is a highly respected, award-winning nurse working on the frontlines of emergency medicine.
Life on the Frontlines
At 35 years old, Brandie is a dedicated mom of three and a double-threat healthcare provider in her hometown of Mt. Gilead, Ohio. For the past six years, she has worked in the Emergency Department at Morrow County Hospital, navigating fast-paced shifts that average 25 to 30 patients. If that wasn't enough, she recently started at Wyandot County EMS, having her NREMT-B for the past 3 years.
“I love nursing," Brandie says. "I love to help the community that I live in. It is so rewarding to see patients in town that I know I have helped."
Overcoming Obstacles & Redefining Success
Brandie’s path wasn't always easy. When she first enrolled in the intensive LPN program, she faced a devastating setback: she failed out after her first year.
Instead of throwing in the towel, Brandie restarted with the very next cohort and pushed through to graduation. She went on to build her clinical confidence by asking questions and mastering independent problem-solving. Today, she has earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) from Ohio University and is currently applying to their Nurse Practitioner (NP) program.
"For me, it was a hard career to get started," Brandie reflects. "But now I have my Bachelor's and am applying to NP programs. So, never give up."
The KTC Foundation & Advice for Students
Brandie credits much of her success to her KTC instructors, especially Mrs. Moore. "She was my favorite teacher," Brandie recalls. "She was very particular and went exactly by the book. She taught me how to fix things, but she never criticized me, I was always learning how to become a nurse."
With 13 years of healthcare experience now under her belt, Brandie offers two pieces of golden advice for current KTC nursing students:
- Trust Your Gut: "Keep it basic and trust your instincts. If something doesn’t feel right, go back and research, recheck, ask questions, and learn."
- Stay Humble: "Be open to advice from everyone. The aides, therapists, providers, and other nurses—they can all teach you something."
Celebrating Excellence
Brandie’s incredible grit and passion for patient care were formally recognized this year when she won the prestigious Nurse Excellence Award and a continuing education scholarship from Morrow County Hospital.
The entire KTC community is incredibly proud of Brandie Keller. She is living proof that with dedication and resilience, you can overcome any hurdle and achieve your dreams.
Brandie wins the Nurse Excellence Award
