Audrey Carragher ’25
Surgical Transplant ICU Nurse
Audrey Carragher carries a deep respect for the role nurses have in the healing process during some of the most vulnerable moments of life. This understanding, combined with her passion for helping others, led her to pursue a career in nursing.
When she was first exploring nursing programs, Carragher was drawn to the reputation of the nursing program at Fisher. Four years later, and after clinical experience on a surgical intensive care unit, she feels ready for the high-pressure health care environments ahead. “The nursing program at Fisher provided a solid foundation through hands-on clinical experiences, supportive faculty, and comprehensive coursework that helped me build the confidence, skills, and critical thinking needed to thrive in real-world health care settings.”
Now, she encourages anyone with a passion to help others to pursue nursing at Fisher. “The faculty are truly invested in your growth, the clinical experiences are diverse and immersive, and the program equips you with the knowledge and confidence to succeed in a variety of health care settings.”
Margaret “Maggie” Rustowicz, '19
Nursing Instructor Erie 1 BOCES
From a young age, Maggie Rustowicz ’19 knew she wanted to make a difference in people’s lives. Her father was a first responder, and as a teen, she served as a Fire Cadet and learned about emergency medicine. “I saw how much of a difference my dad made attending calls, saving lives, and helping others.”;
As a nursing instructor at Erie 1 BOCES, Rustowicz works with high school students to prepare them for careers in nursing and other health care professions. Working with students from the Buffalo area is something she finds rewarding, sharing, “This program can really guide students to be successful, creating a bright future, and bettering themselves.”
Rustowicz describes her professors at the Wegmans School of Nursing as empathetic, independent, and hardworking. Their commitment to patient care had a profound effect on her nursing career, sparking an interest in nursing education. Her work with high school students confirmed her passion for teaching nursing. She is enrolled in a graduate nursing education program and looks forward to a career at the collegiate level while maintaining a part-time nursing career.;
“The personal relationships I had with both faculty and staff made me the nurse I am today,” she affirmed. “My Fisher education helped me not only realize what goals I had for my career but helped me achieve them by forming connections with people in my field and by providing me with internships in both Rochester and Buffalo.”
Rustowicz advises students to take their time finding their professional path and to feel comfortable changing jobs, continuing their education, or exploring career options. ”There are countless opportunities in the world and Fisher will prepare you for anything,” she noted.
She credits her time at Fisher for teaching her to be courageous, as well as giving her the skills and confidence needed to work as a nurse during a global pandemic. “Fisher molded me into the person I am today, the nurse I wanted to be, and showed me the instructor I strive to be,” Rustowicz shared. “Nothing compares to a Fisher Nurse."