A mother’s pursuit of nursing education
Balancing motherhood and nursing school, Vanessa Cruthers is using USask’s distributed program to give back to rural Saskatchewan.
Vanessa Cruthers is a nursing student in the University of Saskatchewan (USask) Bachelor of Science in Nursing program, balancing her studies alongside life as a single parent to four children.
As a mature student living in southern Saskatchewan, Cruthers said the availability of USask’s distributed nursing sites has made pursuing a nursing career much more accessible.
“Without the option to study at a distributed nursing site like Swift Current, continuing my education wouldn’t have been possible,” said Cruthers.
“The flexibility and support have made it possible for me to succeed, while raising my kids.”
Cruthers said her background as a parent and caregiver has strongly shaped how she approaches nursing. Years of navigating health and social systems, often under pressure, have helped her develop empathy, patience, and problem-solving skills that translate directly into her learning.
Choosing nursing felt like a natural fit for Cruthers, who has always been drawn to supporting others. She values the combination of science, compassion, and advocacy that pursuing nursing provides.
Nursing gives her the opportunity to make a real difference, particularly in communities that need it most.
“Nursing has felt like a natural fit,” she said.
“It gives me the opportunity to understand why things are the way they are.”
Cruthers’ proudest accomplishment during her time in the program so far has been returning to school, while raising her family on her own.
She credits the College of Nursing with helping her develop resilience, confidence, and strong clinical skills.
Looking ahead, Cruthers plans to continue her education, with the goal of earning a master’s degree and becoming a nurse practitioner while remaining in rural Saskatchewan.
She hopes to give back to the communities that raised her and provide comprehensive, community-based care that patients can trust and feel comfortable with.
“I want to give back to the communities that raised me,” she said.
“USask has made it possible for me to balance my education with work and raising kids while doing it.”
As part of National Nursing Week, the University of Saskatchewan College of Nursing acknowledges the commitment of nursing students working diligently toward their future careers, such as Bachelor of Science in Nursing student Vanessa Cruthers from Swift Current.
Together we will support and inspire students to succeed. We invite you to join by supporting current and future students' needs at USask.