Double ’Cane nurses Lauren Cagen, B.S.N. ’14, M.S.N. ’17, and Stacy Feemster, B.S.N. ’12, M.S.N. ’14, met over a microscope in 2017. Eight years later, they’re still connected by their passion for science, innovative health care, and the University of Miami School of Nursing and Health Studies. Feemster, a graduate of both the accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing and Family Nurse Practitioner master’s programs, was Cagen’s preceptor for her women’s health clinical rotation at BioCollections Worldwide Inc., a Miami lab. There she showed Cagen how to analyze diagnostic biological specimens for use in the in-vitro and molecular R&D community. “Stacy went out of her way to teach me,” recalled Cagen, also a graduate of the accelerated B.S.N. and Master of Science in Nursing FNP programs. “It was so educational.”
Feemster, meanwhile, said having a nursing student depend on her helped her stay up to date on nursing principles. After graduating in 2017, Cagen went to work as an advanced practice nurse at private neurology clinics, but she never forgot her positive research experience with Feemster. “There is a level of trust, support, and shared experiences that connects people for life,” said Cagen. So, when she was ready to make a career move, she called on Feemster, who had since been promoted to a national role with the company.
Their long-time ’Cane connection led to a new job for Cagen, who joined BioCollections this past November. Today, working in the same lab where she first met Feemster, she is responsible for collecting gynecological specimens that inform women’s health studies and testing for sexually transmitted infections among high-risk populations. “I was so fortunate to connect with someone like Lauren through the University of Miami,” said Feemster, who now lives in Las Vegas. “I was honored that she valued her clinical experience with me and reached out to help continue my work here. She was a perfect fit.”
Both women agree their alma mater provided them with “the best” clinical opportunities. “My small, intimate nursing school experience made a huge impact on my education,” said Cagen. As a result, she’s eager to become a preceptor herself. “This experience with Stacy gave me an understanding of the discipline it takes to work in health care. It helped me want to keep going down this nursing pathway and paying it forward.”
Email BeACaneNurse@miami.edu for more information.