Banholzer’s Nursing Skills Extend Beyond the Classroom

For Lea Anne Banholzer, nursing is more than a career, it’s a calling.

As an assistant professor at St. Louis Community College, Banholzer, MSN, RNC-OB, shares her passion for nursing with her students. Outside of the classroom, she leverages her knowledge and energy to help animals as a volunteer with the Wildlife Rescue Center.

Although different, these roles complement Banholzer’s skills nicely.

“As an STLCC alumna myself, it’s rewarding to teach the same nursing program that set me up for my own career success,” she said. “And when I’m not working, it’s wonderful to work with animals, applying the same skills I’ve learned as a nurse and as an educator to help them.”

Banholzer began volunteering at the rescue center in 2021. Since then, she’s learned how to care for squirrels, box turtles, opossums, ducks and geese. 

“I’ve always loved animals, so it’s nice to spend time helping them,” she said. “Right now, it’s baby season, so I’m getting experience nursing some of nature’s youngest animals back to health.” 

One such animal was an injured gosling that was spotted by a colleague on the campus of STLCC-Wildwood. When a call was made to the Wildlife Rescue Center, Banholzer stepped up to help. 

“A Canada goose gosling had fishing line wrapped around its leg,” she explained. “As a result, he had significant swelling in his leg and an infection that prevented him from keeping up with his family.”

After she arrived at campus, she captured the gosling and brought him to the rescue center for care. According to Banholzer, his treatment is going well. Once he’s strong enough, he’ll be returned to the wild. 

Stephen W. White, Ed.D., campus president and chief academic officer, expressed his appreciation of her efforts.

“The steps Lea Anne took to rescue the injured gosling on our campus were impressive,” White said. “Based on this situation, it’s obvious that she brings the same level of care and compassion to her volunteer job that she strives to instill in her nursing students. We hope the gosling will grow up and remember our kind treatment and return the favor.”

About the Wildlife Rescue Center 

Located in a 9,000 square-foot facility in Ballwin, the Wildlife Rescue Center rehabilitates injured, sick and orphaned native wildlife and releases healthy animals to their natural habitat. Through educational outreach the center provides environmental awareness, promotes a harmonious relationship with native wildlife, and encourages the community to protect our delicate ecosystems. Since 1979, the center has treated more than 80,000 native wild patients.