At an early age, Vivienne knew she wanted to pursue a profession in nursing. Her cousin love and dedication for the field helped shape Vivienne’s own goals and set her on a course toward a career in health care.
As a nursing student in the University of Hartford’s College of Education, Nursing and Health Professions (ENHP), Vivienne found an environment that challenged her, supported her, and helped her grow both personally and professionally. Through a combination of coursework and extensive clinical experiences, she developed the confidence and skills needed to succeed in high-pressure health care settings.
One of the most impactful parts of her UHart experience was her clinical placement at Hartford HealthCare’s Bliss 11 step-down unit. There, she gained hands-on experience working with critical care patients. This opportunity not only strengthened her clinical abilities but also solidified her long-term goal of becoming a critical care nurse.
“Those real-world experiences really showed me where I want to be,” Vivienne shares. “They pushed me and helped me grow so much.”
Vivienne also completed a summer externship at Penn Presbyterian Medical Center in Philadelphia, where she worked on an orthopedic medical-surgical floor. During this time, she shadowed nurses multiple days each week, gaining deeper insight into patient care and daily nursing responsibilities. She also had the opportunity to observe in both the Trauma ICU and Cardiac ICU, experiences that inspired her to return to school and become a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA).
Her hands-on training and clinical exposure played a key role in helping her secure a position before graduation. Vivienne will begin her career at Robert Wood Johnson Community Medical Center in Toms River, New Jersey, where she has been accepted into a nurse residency program starting this September.
Reflecting on her time at UHart, Vivienne credits the close-knit nature of the nursing program and the support of her professors as key factors in her success.
“The program is really close, and the professors are always willing to help you,” she says. “That made such a difference.”
As she prepares to take the next step in her career, Vivienne carries with her not only the knowledge and experience gained in the classroom and clinical settings, but also a strong sense of purpose and determination.
Her advice to incoming students is simple but powerful: “Never let anyone dull your spark. It’s hard sometimes, but never lose it. You are here for a reason.”
With her passion, resilience, and clear vision for the future, Vivienne Koory is well on her way to making a meaningful impact in the field of nursing.
Vivienne Koory ’26, UHart Nursing ProgramThose real-world experiences really showed me where I want to be. They pushed me and helped me grow so much.