Teaching with Purpose

Teaching with Purpose: Kimberly Briese Inspires the Next Generation of Nurses at Carteret

Through compassion, real-world experience, and a deep commitment to student success, nursing instructor Kimberly Briese is helping Carteret Community College students grow into confident, capable healthcare professionals.

Behind every confident, compassionate nurse is someone who helped guide them along the way—and at Carteret Community College, instructors like Kimberly Briese play a vital role in shaping that journey.

For Kimberly, the path to teaching began with a simple but powerful desire: to help others.

“I originally went into nursing because I wanted to help people in a real, hands-on way,” she shared. “Over time, I realized I also loved helping others learn and grow, especially newer nurses. Teaching just felt like a natural next step.”

A Supportive Learning Environment That Prepares Students for the Real World

As a nursing instructor, no two days look the same for Kimberly. From classroom lectures to hands-on lab work and clinical experiences, each day brings new opportunities to guide students as they develop their skills and confidence.

“Some days I’m teaching in the classroom, other days we’re in the lab or at clinical,” she explained. “A lot of my time is also spent answering questions and helping students build confidence.”

That consistent support is what defines the learning experience at Carteret. Students are not only taught technical skills—they are encouraged, challenged, and prepared for the realities of working in healthcare.

 “I try to keep things as real as possible,” Kimberly said. “We use scenarios, share real experiences, and have honest conversations about what the job is actually like.”

She emphasizes that nursing is about more than memorization.

“You’re constantly thinking, making decisions, and adapting,” she added. “That’s something that really surprises people.”

Watching Students Grow with Confidence

One of the most meaningful parts of Kimberly’s role is watching students transform throughout the program.

“Watching students go from nervous and unsure to confident and capable—that’s the best part,” she said.

She recalls a student who struggled early on but stayed committed.

“By the end, they were doing so well and felt proud of themselves. Seeing that kind of growth is why I love what I do.”

Moments like these reflect the heart of Carteret’s Nursing Program—helping students discover their potential and believe in themselves.

Kimberly understands that confidence doesn’t come overnight.

“A lot of students doubt themselves at first,” she shared. “It’s great to watch that confidence grow.”

That approach is shaped by her own experience as a student, where an instructor encouraged her to think independently while offering support.

Now, she brings that same balance into her classroom every day.

Lessons That Last Beyond the Classroom

For Kimberly, teaching nursing is about more than preparing students for a career—it’s about preparing them for life.

She hopes her students carry forward simple but powerful reminders:

“To be kind, stay confident, and trust what you’ve learned.”

Nursing has also shaped her own perspective.

“It’s taught me to slow down, be patient, and treat people with kindness,” she said. “You never know what someone is going through.”

A Passion for Teaching—and Life

Outside of the classroom, Kimberly enjoys traveling, reading crime novels, and relaxing with a good TV show after a busy day. She has visited places as unique as Stonehenge and values experiences that broaden her perspective.

“I could eat my weight in popcorn,” she said with a laugh.

These personal moments help students see that their instructors are not only educators, but people who understand balance, growth, and resilience.

Shaping the Future of Healthcare

At Carteret Community College, instructors like Kimberly Briese are more than teachers—they are mentors, supporters, and leaders who help shape the future of healthcare.

Through hands-on training, real-world preparation, and a commitment to student success, the Nursing Program continues to prepare graduates who are ready to make a difference.

And for Kimberly, the work she does every day can be summed up in three words:

“Busy, rewarding, meaningful.”

For more information about our Nursing program visit carteret.edu.