Larinda Fandrich has spent the previous two years teaching at Union college, adding her 30 years of experience to the Union collective. After working across America at several medical centers and hospitals, Fandrich took up teaching in the nursing program, helping further the college’s students.
Union: When did you realize you were called to be a nurse?
Fandrich: I have wanted to be a nurse since I was a small child. I read nursing stories and played nurse all the time. I love serving people and helping them during their most vulnerable times.
Union: What are you teaching at Union?
Fandrich: I teach Medical Surgical Nursing II, which is on the neurologic, cardiac, respiratory, renal, and reproductive systems. I love each of these units. The body is so amazing! And I love seeing the information come to life as the students take our classroom discussions to the clinical sites and apply the knowledge in real life situations.
Union: Where did you go to college?
Fandrich: I graduated from Union College in 1986 with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree. I obtained a master’s degree in nursing and master’s degree in healthcare administration through the University of Phoenix.
Union: Where have you worked before coming to Union?
Fandrich: I have been a nurse for 30 years—17 years in critical care and 13 years in outpatient surgery. I continue to work in outpatient surgery during the summer and on breaks. I have worked in California at Loma Linda University Medical Center in Southern California, Sutter Memorial Hospital in Sacramento;and Bryan Health and Lincoln Surgical Hospital in Lincoln. I specialized in cardio-thoracic surgery, including heart and lung transplants. I have worked as a charge nurse and as a director of outpatient surgery.
Union: What do you like best about Union so far?
Fandrich: I love the family atmosphere at Union, the ability to really know other faculty and staff, and the opportunity to really connect with the students.
Union: In the time you’ve been here, what has been the most striking thing about Union?
Fandrich: My most memorable event or events at Union College to this point involves my interaction with the students. We love having them over for Sabbath lunches and getting to know them on a personal level.
Union: Can you tell me a little about your family?
Fandrich: My husband, Scott, and I have just celebrated our thirtieth anniversary. Scott also attended Union College, and he is a physical therapist at Madonna Rehabilitation Hospital specializing in traumatic brain injuries and pediatrics. We have three children.Alex who is a graduate of Union College and now attends Loma Linda University pursuing physical therapy. Lindsay will graduate from Union College in 2017. She is currently serving as a student missionary at an orphanage in Bolivia and will attend Loma Linda in 2017 to study physical therapy. Jared is a freshman at Union College in the International Rescue and Relief program. We also have two dogs and a hedgehog!
Union: Is there something you want all your students to know?
Fandrich: I want the students to know that I care about them individually. I am here to help them be successful as a nursing student and as a person. More importantly, I want them to know that I love Jesus and that He loves them.
By Elizabeth Bearden