Barrere goes from teacher to nurse

April 4, 2025
UNG nursing graduate Rebecca Barrere earned her degree from UNG after a decade in teaching and now works as a nurse in Dahlonega.

Article By: Clark Leonard

Rebecca Barrere had spent a decade in teaching in Louisiana before deciding to change gears when her family moved to Dahlonega, Georgia. After a brief time outside the workforce, she decided to become a nurse.

The Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program at the University of North Georgia (UNG) helped pave the way for the career switch when she graduated with a BSN in May 2022. Experiencing the structure at UNG was beneficial on this new journey.

"The professors are very well organized," Barrere said. "Having been a teacher, I appreciated that a lot."

The Baton Rouge, Louisiana, native was also grateful for the smaller class sizes compared with Louisiana State University, where she earned her teaching degree.

"It's more approachable," she said. "You feel like more of a person than just a number."

She enjoyed the way UNG's nursing program gave her hands-on opportunities as a student.

"The professors really know what they're talking about. They do a really good job bringing in examples," Barrere said. "The simulation lab helps you with real-world scenarios."

Barrere now works in the medical-surgical unit at Northeast Georgia Medical Center Lumpkin.


Students benefit from teacher residency

Students benefit from teacher residency

A record 58 students are graduating this spring as part of UNG's Teacher Candidate Residency Program. This is the third full year of TCRP, which allows students to be teachers of record as seniors.