Garret A. Eisin MSN, RN '68 '93

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Fostering community through service has been part of Lewis University’s mission since its inception. Lewis alum, Garret A. Eisin MSN, RN ‘68 ’93, exemplifies these values through his vocation as a Registered Nurse whose passion is to help our nation’s heroes. 

Garret’s story began in 1968 when he graduated from Lewis University with his Sociology degree. By 1969, Garret had enlisted in the U.S. Army and served as a medic at Letterman Army Medical Center, San Francisco. After serving as a medic, he enrolled at Saint Xavier University School of Nursing and graduated with a BSN in 1974. Eisen then began his nursing career as a Registered Nurse at Edward Hines Jr. VA Hospital, where impacted the lives of his patients through his dedicated service.

He later returned to Lewis and graduated in 1993 with a Master’s in Nursing. Eisin acknowledged the important role Lewis played in his life in better preparing him to live out his calling as a nurse. Garret stated, “My education at Lewis University has positively impacted my life, professional and military career in so many ways.  My master’s degree provided me with the advanced leadership skills that I utilized as a nurse case manager at Edward Hines Jr. VA Hospital, as well as when I served as a nurse officer in the U.S. Army.”

Garret was recently awarded the 50-Year Federal Service Award for his career accomplishments from the Department of Veterans Affairs and received a congratulatory letter from President Joe Biden.

Throughout his lengthy career at Hines VA Hospital, he worked in Spinal Injury Service, Hematology-Oncology, Diabetes Endocrinology, Podiatry, and Diabetic Clinics.  Garret felt especially privileged to be the first registered nurse at Hines VA Blind Center where he established a comprehensive diabetic education program for blind and visually impaired diabetics.  The program’s goal was for participants to achieve independence with their insulin administration and diabetic self-management.  

Presently, Garret serves veterans in the home-based primary care program at Hines VA Hospital. Additionally, he has given a number of educational presentations and has even been published in a major medical journal.

Serving the community Garret was a part of for 24 years has greatly impacted him. Eisin stated, “In my nursing career I feel I have made a difference in the lives of the veterans I serve. It has been an honor and a privilege to serve our nation’s heroes!”

Garret Eisin beautifully exemplifies Lewis University’s mission and values of serving others in association. We thank him for his own service to our country and his patients and for being a Flyer who continues to create a better world.

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