When nursing student Owen Hellwig learned Viterbo University would be a private COVID-19 vaccination site, he knew he wanted to help.

“I wanted to play my part, however small it might be, in the global effort against this disease,” said Hellwig, a senior from Coon Valley. “I did not want to just stand idly by.”

Hellwig is one of five nursing students who are administering vaccine to university community members through Viterbo health services. This initiative, and the nursing profession itself, were natural fits for him. So was the choice to attend Viterbo.

“I’ve always enjoyed helping people, and I like being able to provide comfort and reassurance to patients who are obviously not at the best time in their lives,” he said. “The university runs in my family, and I’m proud to carry on the tradition of an excellent Viterbo nurse.”

Hellwig has very much enjoyed his time at Viterbo, and he’s been impressed with the “deeply rooted values” of the nursing program and the close connection the university has with area hospitals and health care providers. His favorite clinical experiences were his adult health posting at Gundersen Health and the general medical/surgical floor at Mayo Clinic Health System, both in La Crosse. He also works as a CNA at a local nursing home.

“I am able to work directly with the RNs there and put the skills and knowledge I’m learning in the classrooms into practice,” he said of his job. “I love it.”

Good personal health choices are important to Hellwig as well. Physical fitness, building physical and mental strength, and visiting the gym are regular practices for him. He also enjoys spending time with friends and his latest creative outlet, cooking.

After graduating in May, Hellwig plans to work as a nurse locally for a few years before becoming a travel nurse and working throughout the country.