The latest in our series of Alumni Q&As features Kimberly Bizub. A native of Pittsburgh, Bizub graduated from Waynesburg with her Bachelor of Science in Nursing in 2015. In November 2025, she received a Cameo of Caring Award for Case Management for her work as the Maternity Care Coordinator and Certified Lactation Consultant for the Veterans Affairs (VA) Pittsburgh Health Care System.
Q: When and where did you start your nursing career?
A: I began my nursing career after graduating from the Shadyside School of Nursing with a diploma in nursing in 2010. My first position was at UPMC Mercy Hospital on a cardiac step-down unit, where I gained foundational experience in acute cardiac care. I later transitioned to the Cardiovascular Intensive Care Unit at UPMC Passavant, which allowed me to further develop and refine my clinical skills in a high-acuity setting.
Q: Did you always want to become a nurse, or were you drawn to it later in life?
A: Nursing was not my initial career goal. I’ve always been drawn to helping others and originally pursued a degree in education with the intention of becoming a teacher. However, after completing my undergraduate studies, I found myself reevaluating my career path and considering how I could make a more direct impact in people’s lives. While on a family vacation in the Outer Banks, I was involved in an emergency situation on the beach that required quick thinking and immediate action. Alongside another bystander, I helped save a young man’s life. That experience was a turning point for me—it revealed a deep sense of purpose and confirmed my calling to pursue a career in nursing.
Q: What initially drew you to the WU Nursing program?
A: The WU Nursing Program stood out to me for its strong reputation and the flexibility it offered—both of which were essential as I balanced full-time work as a critical care nurse and my responsibilities as a mother of two. The program’s structure allowed me to advance my education without compromising my professional or personal commitments. What truly set WU apart, though, was the unwavering support I received throughout my academic journey. From start to finish, I felt that WU was invested in my success every step of the way.
Q: How did the program help prepare you for success? What skills or knowledge gained through the program have proven most valuable in your career?
A: The WU Nursing Program equipped me with essential skills in leadership, communication and health promotion—each of which has played a critical role in my professional growth. Among these, effective communication has been especially valuable. It has enabled me to advocate confidently for my patients, lead and support evidence-based initiatives and foster collaboration across interdisciplinary teams. The program not only strengthened my clinical knowledge but also helped me grow as a leader in the nursing profession.
From start to finish, I felt that WU was invested in my success every step of the way.
Q: Were there any specific courses, professors/mentors or opportunities that stood out to you?
A: Yes, Mrs. Nicole Dickinson, my professor for evidence-based nursing practice, had a profound impact on both my academic and professional journey. Her passion for nursing and dedication to her students inspired me to pursue a career at the VA, where I now have the privilege of serving our nation’s veterans. Today, she serves as the program manager for the Women Veterans Program at VA Pittsburgh, where we continue to work alongside one another. Mrs. Dickinson is not only an exceptional educator but also a mentor who invests in her students’ success both in the classroom and beyond.
Q: Do you have a favorite memory from your time in the program?
A: While it’s hard to choose just one moment, what stands out most is the overall sense of support and encouragement I experienced throughout the program. Nursing education can be incredibly demanding, but WU fostered a safe, nurturing environment that made it possible to pursue my academic and professional goals with confidence. My time at WU was not only rewarding—it was genuinely enjoyable, and I look back on it with gratitude.
Q: What advice would you give people who are considering applying to Waynesburg's nursing program?
A: Go for it! Pursuing your BSN is one of the most valuable investments you can make—not only in your career, but in yourself. The knowledge, skills and lifelong friendships you gain through the program will lay a strong foundation for your success as a nursing professional. It opens doors to countless opportunities and prepares you to make a meaningful impact in the lives of others.
Q: Where have you worked or served since graduating from WU?
A: Since graduating from WU, I transitioned from the private sector into nursing roles within the Department of Veterans Affairs. Caring for our nation’s veterans has been the most rewarding part of my career. I’ve truly found my passion in advocating for and supporting those who have served, and I feel honored to contribute to their care every day.
Q: What are you doing now?
A: I currently serve as the Maternity Care Coordinator and Certified Lactation Consultant for the VA Pittsburgh Health Care System. In this role, I provide comprehensive care coordination for peripartum veterans, ensuring they receive seamless, high-quality maternity care throughout their pregnancy journey. My work focuses on supporting the unique needs of veterans and promoting positive maternal and infant health outcomes.
Q: Have you pursued any additional education?
A: Yes, I earned my Master of Science in Nursing with a focus in Population Health from Grand Canyon University in 2023. This advanced degree has deepened my understanding of community and public health and further strengthened my ability to advocate for and support diverse patient populations—especially within the veteran community.
Q: Tell us about your nomination for the Cameo of Caring award.
A: I was honored to be nominated by Mrs. Dickinson in recognition of the care I provide to peripartum veterans. Women veterans face a higher risk of pregnancy and postpartum complications due to factors related to their military service. As such, interdisciplinary, high-quality care is essential to ensure their health and well-being during this crucial time.
The peripartum period is uniquely complex for veterans. Research shows that women veterans experience a high prevalence of comorbidities during pregnancy, which increases the risk of adverse outcomes (Gawron et al., 2021). Coordinating care between VA and community providers is vital to delivering comprehensive maternity care.
In my role as the maternity care coordinator and certified lactation consultant, I serve as an advocate, care partner and interdisciplinary leader. I ensure that pregnant and postpartum veterans are connected to essential services, including social work, pharmacologic consultation, obstetric and behavioral health care, reproductive health specialists, lactation support and whole health resources.
Each day, I work to reduce barriers and stressors for veterans by resolving billing concerns, coordinating medical record retrieval across dual health systems and providing compassionate support through the challenges of the peripartum period. I advocate for services that prevent negative health outcomes and promote overall well-being through proactive, preventative care.
Achieving this award is an absolute honor and the highlight of my professional career thus far and reflects the commitment to excellence in my clinical practice as well as from the VA Pittsburgh Health Care System.
Q: What does it mean to you to receive the award?
A: Receiving the Cameo of Caring award is an incredible honor. I am deeply passionate about ensuring that our nation’s heroes receive the highest quality care. This recognition is not only a personal milestone—it’s a powerful affirmation that the work we’re doing is truly making a difference. It reflects our commitment to improving health outcomes for veterans and reinforces the importance of compassionate, coordinated care.
Q: Anything else you'd like to add?
A: The greatest joy in my life is my family. I cherish spending time with my husband, our children and our Australian Shepard. We love being outdoors and make the most of our weekends and summers adventuring together in our fifth-wheel camper. Whether we’re exploring new places or simply enjoying nature, these moments bring us closer and help me recharge for the work I’m so passionate about.
About Waynesburg University Nursing Program
Through real-world scenarios and scholarship, you’ll develop the leadership and technical skills needed for a range of healthcare industry positions, and your Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree from Waynesburg University will give you a competitive advantage as you start your career.
About Waynesburg University
Consistently ranked a best value school, Waynesburg University’s Strategy for the 21st Century affirms its commitment to developing an entrepreneurial mindset and ethical leadership skills for all students. Rooted in its mission of faith, learning and service, the private, Christian university is located on a traditional campus in the hills of southwestern Pennsylvania.
About the Department of Nursing at Waynesburg University
As a student in the Department of Nursing, you'll be well-rounded and capable of providing ethical and scientific care-giving with multi-cultural patients, experiencing diverse health concerns, in a variety of health care settings.
