Student Spotlight: Erin Sabo Educates, Empowers Future Nurses

When graduate student Erin Sabo was in high school, she attended a health care professions explorer program, thinking she wanted to pursue a career in pharmacy.

However, an opportunity to shadow a nurse on a labor and delivery floor changed her mind.

"I was amazed at the scope of practice and impact that RNs had," Sabo said. "I was instantly hooked and pursued a Bachelor's degree in Nursing upon graduation."

For more than eight years, Sabo has practiced as a pediatric cardiac ICU nurse at Golisano Children's Hospital, and has also gained experience in pediatric home care. In 2020, she started teaching undergraduate nursing clinicals, and quickly developed a passion for teaching. The discovery led her to go back to school. 

Now a master's of nursing education student at the University of Rochester School of Nursing, Sabo is excited to further her teaching skills as she continues to support nursing students. 

What have you enjoyed the most about your experience at the School of Nursing?

I have enjoyed the relationships that I have formed with professors as well as fellow learners. The professors come with a variety of backgrounds and different areas of expertise. They are quick to mentor and guide students along their own career paths long after a particular course has ended. My fellow classmates also bring unique skillsets and knowledge and it has been a positive experience to work with and alongside people that I wouldn't ordinarily cross paths with towards our common educational goals.

What has been most rewarding about your role? 

I have worked in the Pediatric Cardiac ICU at URMC Golisano Children's Hospital for the past 8 years. I also worked private duty Pediatric Home Care Nursing for 3 of those years. I started teaching undergraduate nursing clinical for several Rochester area Nursing programs in 2020 and my passion for teaching is what led me to go back to school and pursue a Master's degree in Nursing Education. The most rewarding part about my job at the bedside in the ICU is seeing a patient and their family progress through all stages of recovery and treatment, ultimately going home to thrive. The most rewarding part about my teaching job is helping my students draw connections between what they are learning in class and the real-life scenarios at the bedside. I live for the "lightbulb" moments!

What are your favorite things about Rochester? What recommendations would you share with a student who’s new in town?

My favorite thing about Rochester is how family-friendly it is. The parks, museums, play spaces, zoo, beaches, and pop-up entertainment opportunities provide so many fun experiences for my family. My favorite vegan Rochester restaurant is The Red Fern!

Where can you most likely be found when you're not at work or school?

When I am not at school or working, I spend my time playing with my two boys (ages 3 and 6) or running races with my husband. Family bike rides, water balloon fights, and trips to Seabreeze are some of our favorite Summer past times!

Learn more about our Master's of Nursing Education program.