Garret A. Eisin MSN, RN '68 '93

-

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.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Traci Gaydos ’02

-
Image
Lights, curtains, action! Traci Gaydos ’02 came to Lewis University to study Theatre and Music. While pursuing her BA in Theatre, she stumbled upon Stage Management. Stage Management was the springboard for her successful career in event production because it provided her with a transferable skillset. “My Lewis Experience was exactly what I needed for that time in my life: highly connected instructors who met my individual learning style and needs, and a department full of folks cheering each other on to success on and off the stage,” explains Gaydos. After graduating from Lewis and interning at the Kalamazoo Civic Theatre, Traci applied to the University of Illinois’ MFA program in Stage Management.   After completing her MFA, she continued in opera and theatre production roles until she landed the Production Manager and Marketing Director role for the University of Northern Iowa’s Theatre Department. Traci stayed in Cedar Rapids for three years before being selected to serve as
Read more

Lewis Alumni Spotlight: Jaylen Bush '21

-
Image
Black History Month Alumni Spotlight: Jaylen Bush '21 For Jaylen, Black History Month has always been about celebrating the beauties of Black Excellence. Black Excellence is a mindset, and those we highlight this month had, or have, that mindset, according to Jaylen. "Through adversities and tragedies spanning from the darkest days of, not only American history but of our world’s history, Black Americans have fought tirelessly to make all peoples question: 'What kind of country, what kind of world, are we going to be?'" It is Jaylen's hope that we all use this as a time to reflect on ways to, not only celebrate, but also spread beauty and love throughout the world. For him, this is something he is committed to each and every day - especially as he begins his career and paves his own path for excellence. Growing up, Jaylen took part in after-school programs that were sponsored by the Organization of Black Aerospace Professionals (OBAP). This connection led him
Read more