Growing up, Bryna Benninghoff dreamed of being a professional singer.
It wasn’t just her goal — her mother encouraged it as well.
Bryna Benninghoff, left, who is pursuing a master of science degree in nursing, and her two daughters.
“My mother was a nurse for over 40 years,” Benninghoff said. “And although she has always been my number one supporter, she encouraged me to pursue career paths other than nursing.”
Then Benninghoff became pregnant with her oldest daughter as a college freshman and she rethought her future.
“I ended up deciding that receiving my degree in nursing would be the most beneficial to my daughter and me,” she said. “I started back to school when my daughter was one month old exactly, and never looked back. I love being a nurse.”
After working as a bedside nurse for more than a decade, Benninghoff moved into her current role as resource utilization coordinator/nurse care coordinator at The University of Toledo Medical Center.
“I work directly with the hospital physicians and ancillary staff to help facilitate safe, and cost-effective care within our institution, as well as facilitating safe discharges for the patients whom we serve,” she said. “This position has provided me with a great deal of knowledge of the ‘behind-the-scenes’ of how our institution and the world of healthcare works overall.”
Her position at UTMC also provided her the opportunity to continue her education.
Benninghoff received her associate of applied science degree in nursing from Owens Community College in 2010 and her bachelor of science degree in nursing from Ohio University in 2014. She is now on track to receive her master of science degree in nursing from The University of Toledo in May.
She said pursuing her master’s degree “was a no brainer.”
“My mother received her master’s degree from the Medical College of Ohio, which is now UToledo, so I decided to follow in her footsteps. I am also an employee of the university which provides its staff with educational benefits to continue our education. This has been a huge benefit in pursuing my master’s degree.”
“Bryna has dedicated herself to the care of others and does so with grace, kindness and a keen scientific mind,” said Angela Scardina, an assistant professor in the College of Nursing and director of the Advanced Practice Registered Nurse Program. “She is an asset for The University of Toledo, and I look forward to working with her as an advanced practice nurse.”
For Benninghoff, being a single mother, working full time and going to graduate school has been a significant challenge.
“When I first started graduate school, my youngest daughter was barely two years old. It was very stressful trying to tackle schoolwork, keep a toddler entertained and work full time,” she said. “With the support of my family and friends, I have been able to overcome this challenge and I am nearly done. This challenge has taught me that no matter the circumstance, if you want to achieve a goal, you can do it.”
And once she does walk the stage in May and has her diploma in hand, she has another goal in mind: “I plan to relax. I am not sure if that will happen, but I sure plan to try.”
