Get to Know HFC: Shannon Hasper was always meant to teach nursing
HFC nursing instructor Shannon Hasper joked that she was “born and raised” at Corewell Health in Dearborn.
“I’ve been there since 2008 when I started as a nurse extern while finishing up nursing school,” recalled Hasper. “I have been there through so many changes: Oakwood to Beaumont to Corewell. I have also been there through my own personal life changes: graduating, getting married, having children. I even delivered my youngest at Dearborn with some of my closest nursing friends taking care of me!”
She continued: “Nursing is sometimes called a ‘thankless job.’ It’s hard work, mentally and physically. And sometimes you have to find joy in the little things: A smile from a patient, a hug from a family member, watching a patient take that step independently for the first time in weeks, or the tears of joy from a new mom and dad as they hold their baby for the first time. All of these things and so much more make nursing the best profession! It's more than just about saving lives; it's about changing lives. I couldn't imagine myself doing anything else.”
Hasper spoke about what inspired her to become a nurse.
“I always wanted to be a nurse from a very young age,” she said. “I consider myself blessed that I had a path right out of high school. My grandmother was a nurse, and I loved to listen to her stories about how the patients she took care of throughout her career made an impact on her life. I wish I could share my stories with her!”
Earning her master’s degree was a team effort
The eldest of three, Hasper is a lifelong Downriver resident, where she lives with her husband, Justin, and their two daughters.
After graduating from Grosse Ile High School, Hasper attended Wayne State University on a scholarship. She earned her bachelor’s degree in nursing from Wayne State and her master’s degree in nursing education from Western Governors University in Utah. She is certified in the state of Michigan in Electronic Fetal Monitoring (C-EFM).
Hasper has been a registered nurse since 2010. She started her nursing career in a Neuro Medical Surgical Acute Progressive Care Unit, taking care of stroke patients, patients with traumatic brain injuries, and spinal surgical patients. In 2016, she accepted a position in labor and delivery, where she still works.
“Graduate school was extremely challenging because I was working full-time as a nurse, part-time as a school nurse, and I am a mom and wife,” said Hasper. “I spent seven months pushing to get my master’s degree and couldn't have done it without the support and sacrifice from my husband and family. Perseverance and dedication were key!”
Retired HFC nursing instructor mentored Hasper
Hasper’s mentor at Corewell is retired HFC nursing instructor Cathy Gangarossa, who inspired Hasper to go into teaching.
“I always loved training new nurses in our unit. It was my passion, and I found I was happiest when I was able to train and mentor someone! Cathy noticed this and told me I would be a great instructor,” explained Hasper. “Cathy ‘planted the seed’ of teaching in my mind and watered it for about a year. I finally decided to step out of my comfort zone and accepted a position as adjunct instructor for the nursing program at HFC. I loved it! And here I am, full-time. I don't know if I'm quite filling Cathy's shoes, but I definitely give it my all every day!”
Gangarossa expressed her admiration for Hasper.
"From the moment I met Shannon, there was something that stood out: An energy, a determination, and a genuine love for what we do for a living,” she said. “I remember our conversation at the nurse's station, and I explained how coming to HFC was the best professional decision I had ever made. I knew that retirement and travel nursing were in my future, and it was important that the right person took my place. Shannon deserved to be invested in. I saw her future as someone who could rise above challenges, lead with her heart, and make a real impact. That's what made me want to mentor her.”
Gangarossa continued: “As time went on, it was clear she wasn't just growing, she was thriving! I began to see how capable she truly was, and how naturally she could step into the role I had held. She had everything it would take to fill those shoes and make them her own. Mentoring Shannon was a very rewarding experience, and watching her grow in her role reaffirmed everything I believed about her from the start. She was meant for this!"
“HFC was doing something right, and I wanted to be a part of that”
Hasper called her fellow nursing faculty members some of the most selfless people she ever met.
“I have not once felt alone in this role. I can always ask questions on how to handle situations, how to improve my skills as an instructor, and how to help my students succeed. The faculty have quickly become great friends,” she said.
Hasper became a full-time faculty member at the College in early 2024.
“I trained and worked with many nurses who graduated from HFC, and they were always excellent," she said. "Graduates were always well-prepared, engaged in learning, and had a passion for their patients. HFC was doing something right, and I wanted to be a part of that. I love that HFC is dedicated to the community I’ve been working in for so many years.”
Instilling the confidence for excellent practice
Hapser takes great pride in seeing her students’ success and growth during their educational journeys.
“I am blessed to teach Beginning Health and Physical Assessment in the first semester. Students are often nervous and just getting their bearings. I enjoy showing them how amazing the profession is and how much nursing can really impact the lives of patients and families,” she said. “I also teach Women's Health and Maternity Care in the third semester. I love seeing how much growth there is. Students show knowledge and the ability to apply concepts to real-life clinical experiences. I always strive to instill confidence in them. Every one of these students has the ability to be excellent nurses, to be keen observers, and diligent caretakers. And I get to play a role in that!”
HFC nursing student Diana Towfeeq called Hasper an inspirational teacher.
“She consistently goes above and beyond to ensure we understand complex material,” said Towfeeq. “Her approachability, encouragement, and genuine investment in our success create a learning environment that is both empowering and motivating. She is not only an exceptional educator, but models what it means to be a compassionate and competent nurse.”
One of Hasper’s favorite moments is the Nursing Pinning ceremony, an annual tradition that acknowledges the students’ accomplishments and dedication to the profession as they graduate.
“There are so many students of different ages, cultures, experiences, and backgrounds who are some of the most kind and dedicated people I have met,” she said. “I just love seeing the joy on their faces when they graduate from nursing school. I get to meet some of the students' families who supported them throughout the program. The pride they have in their loved one is so evident! It warms my heart every semester. You just never know the positive impact you might have.”