Male nurses are increasingly common, making up 12% of the workforce in 2022. Often, it’s personal experiences, moments that changed their lives, that lead them to the profession.

For one Davenport University BSN student, a single life-altering moment reshaped his future: the loss of his newborn son. The compassion neo-natal intensive care nurses showed him and his family during their most difficult hours didn’t just support him, it inspired him. His goal is now to be a nurse to help others.

From early in his life, Korey Edwardson has wanted to make a difference. After graduating from high school in northern Michigan, Edwardson moved to Florida and considered joining the police academy. He decided to join the military instead, serving four years in the Marine Corp. 

During his last year of service, Edwardson and his wife welcomed a baby boy, only to lose him a few hours after birth.

“When thinking back, I distinctly remember the nursing staff,” he said. “That was the biggest reason I decided to become a nurse. I want to help prevent that from happening to anyone else. And if it does happen, if I can help someone through a rough time, I’ll be making a difference.”

After his time in the Marines, Edwardson returned to Michigan, eventually landing in Mt Pleasant. He did research online and liked that Davenport had a campus in Midland, with smaller class sizes and hands-on time with professors. He is now a junior studying nursing at Davenport’s Great Lakes Bay campus. He’s also the proud father of a 3-year-old daughter.

“The teachers are wonderful; It feels like you matter here,” he said. “The cohort is small and everyone is supportive. I literally have all my instructors’ phone numbers.”

Another benefit of Davenport is the top-tier equipment students use to train, Edwardson said. The Great Lakes Bay campus recently purchased an Anatomage Table, a 3D interactive digital dissection platform that allows students to study anatomy and physiology through life-size, 3D anatomical models – a realistic alternative to traditional cadavers. 

“I’ve gotten to use the table a couple times. It’s amazing the things you can do – look at the heart and different rhythms. It gives you a whole new perspective versus learning in the lecture. You see how the human body functions in real time.”

After spending time during college working at the MyMichigan Medical Center in Midland as a patient care technician, Edwardson recently transferred to the MyMichigan Alma location to work in obstetrics, further confirming his goal. 

“I want to continue working in the OB or NICU upon graduation,” he said. “When my son passed, the NICU nurses were superheroes. It was amazing to me; they knew exactly what they needed to do. Watching them, I wanted to be exactly what they are, and I’ll do whatever that takes.”

For information on Davenport’s nursing program offerings on campuses throughout Michigan, visit www.Davenport.edu/nursing