Student Stories - Janis Bauman

Growing up on a farm in the tiny southwestern Wisconsin rural community of Cassville, Janis K. Bauman cultivated a strong work ethic that is still quite evident today. She credits her love of learning with her childhood experiences in 4-H. A registered nurse who works as Vice President of Patient Care Services in her civilian role, Bauman was drawn to the military at a much later age in life than most.

“I was looking for something more exciting, meeting new people and possibly traveling,” she said. “I joined the military in 1987 and little did I know that I would be whisked away within four years to the sands of Saudi Arabia during Operation Desert Storm.”

Her first military experience was with the Wisconsin Army National Guard, sworn in as a Second Lieutenant. Still enjoying her service to the country, today she holds the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. With this rank a military officer is required to complete several educational frameworks, including Officer Basic Course, Officer Advanced Course, Combined Arms Exercise and Command and General Staff College. She currently is completing Phase II of a three-phase course in Command and General Staff College.

Bauman most recently was mobilized with the military to assist in caring for the injured troops returning from Iraq and Afghanistan. As an RN, Bauman worked as a case manager with a Community Based Healthcare Organization (CBHCO) located at the Rock Island Arsenal in Rock Island, IL. Her job was to assist the soldiers in continuation of their medical care from the VA medical Centers, such as Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington D.C. This mobilization was for a one-year timeframe; she recently returned home to her civilian job and continues her work with the Wisconsin Army National Guard.

An avid student, Bauman’s civilian education includes and LPN (Licensed Practical Nurse), an ADN (Associates Degree Nursing), and a BSN. Bauman is graduating this year from JIU with an MBA in Health Care Management. A divorced mother of two grown children, her son is a Captain in the Marine Corp., currently stationed in Iraq. Her daughter graduated with bachelor’s degree in accounting and works in Madison, WI.

Excited for her upcoming graduation, Bauman recently spoke with JIU about her experience and goals:

Why did you decide to pursue your degree?

I have always wanted to pursue a master’s degree; however, raising a family and other personal commitments prevented this for a period of time. Working full-time in the healthcare industry and a part-time military career kept me very busy. When I finally came to a point when I was able to start this degree, I needed it to be flexible and portable.

Why did you choose JIU?

I chose JIU because of its vision to make education more equally available to students regardless of their location. With a military career, I knew that I may be mobilized at any time and needed to be able to take this learning opportunity with me wherever I may be in the world. This was a major concern of mine, but I was reassured by the admissions counselor that this would not be an issue. The second reason I chose JIU is because it was fully accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. This reassured me that the educational quality of this organization is affirmed through public certification of acceptable institutional quality.

As a member of the armed forces, how were you able to balance your studies with your other personal and professional commitments?

In order to balance my personal and professional commitments, I needed to be very organized and plan my weekly schedule according to my course assignments and weekly readings. This didn’t come easy and I met challenges every step of the way, however I was able to balance my civilian job along with military requirements and basically took one day at a time or one week at a time. If I looked at what I needed to accomplish in the long term, it was very overwhelming so I just said one day at a time right now. As I reflect on my accomplishments, it looks like a view from the top of a mountain; I can’t believe what I am seeing. It’s a beautiful view.

What was the highlight of your time at JIU?

The highlight of my time at JIU was meeting students from around the world and learning from people working in different sectors of business, not just the healthcare arena. Peer interaction provided opportunities to grow, develop, and share experience. The professors were incredible; they were always willing to go the extra mile when you were having a bit of difficulty. It was nice to submit assignments late at night and, when you checked the forum early in the morning, there would be a response. I loved having professors from overseas; it was a new outlook.

How would you rate the quality interaction between your classmates and your professors?

The quality of interaction between students and professors I would rate as superior. Each student brought unique experiences to the forum with a variety of viewpoints and ideas to share with the class. The professors were expert facilitators that directed discussions to make it a positive learning environment. You could tell they were passionate about education as well as the experience each of us received.

How were you able to apply what you learned at JIU on the job and/or in your life?

I was able to apply what I was learning at JIU on the job on a daily basis; each class brought me a new perspective or idea on some aspect of my job as Vice President of Patient Care Services. Accounting and finance gave me a better understanding of the financial statements and how to analyze them. The strategic planning component enabled me to get a better grasp of the whole process by engaging in an activity that enhances the organization’s future impact. By working through this course and then by participating in this planning process through my job, it brings a level of satisfaction—which naturally brings you to a stronger commitment within your organization. I use the concepts and tools I have learned every day in my job.

In what ways do you see your career/life changing as a result of your education?

Through completion of this degree, I feel that I am more marketable if I choose to change employers. I see that it will open doors for me to continue my career in any aspect of the healthcare field, as well as my military career. This degree has broadened my knowledge base and my confidence related to knowledge management and I look forward to sharing this with staff and military personnel to help them become successful in their own professional and personal life.