hospital room

Pre-Nursing

Successful nurses are compassionate caregivers, effective communicators, team-players, lifelong learners and patient advocates. Explore this fast-paced, rewarding career and become part of something special!

Questions? Call 440.891.7732

Nurses are the backbone of every hospital, doctor’s office and clinic – they provide vital patient care and are the unsung heroes of every practice….and they’re in-demand like never before! 
As a Pre-Nursing student, you will learn to monitor patients’ condition and assess their needs to provide the best possible care and support; observe and interpret patients’ symptoms and communicate them to physicians; collaborate with physicians and nurses to devise individualized care plans for patients; perform routine procedures (blood pressure measurements, administering injections etc.); and many other important responsibilities. All of this will take place in our new state-of-the-art labs and classrooms. 
*Please note:  students applying to this program will be placed in either Medical Professions or Pre-Nursing based on their transcript and other criteria. 

Teacher: Jill Lanning

Teacher: Jill Lanning

Email Jill Lanning
Education:  Bachelor of Science in Nursing; The Ohio State University, Master of Science in Nursing Education; University of Phoenix, Doctor of Nursing Practice; Chamberlain University
Certifications:  Ambulatory Care Nursing Certification; Basic Life Support
At Polaris Since:  2021
Industry Experience:  Jill began her career in 1988 at Metrohealth Medical Center as a registered nurse working for over 31 years in pediatrics, trauma/surgical intensive care & ambulatory clinics for family & internal medicine, dermatology and ENT.  Positions held at Metrohealth included staff nurse, charge nurse, preceptor, care coordinator, nurse manager, program coordinator, quality assurance, nurse residency and staff education.  Jill has also held a position as Adjunct Faculty at Cuyahoga Community College for the registered nursing program teaching clinicals at Metrohealth.  She has also worked as a nurse paralegal for a large defense law firm in Cleveland, assisting attorneys in medical reviews, summaries and preparation of medical defense for civil lawsuits.
Interests/Hobbies:  Running, swimming, hiking, travel and reading.  Jill belongs to a running group and enjoys staying active, as well as spending time vacationing with family. 

Teacher: Leslie Simko

Teacher: Leslie Simko

Email Leslie Simko
Education: Doctor of Nursing Practice; Capella University, Master of Science Nursing; University of Maryland, Baltimore, Bachelor of Science Nursing; Cleveland State University 
Certifications:  Certified Healthcare Simulation Educator, Advanced Cardiac Life Support Provider, Basic Life Support Instructor 
At Polaris Since:  2022
Industry Experience:  Leslie has worked at the Cleveland Clinic for the past 36 years in Nursing Education, Simulation, and Critical Care Nursing.  She has also worked in long term chronic care prior to acute care.  
Interests/Hobbies:  Golf, running & tropical travel 

Medical Professions/Pre-Nursing 2024-2025 Advisory Members

  • Sheryl Feeney, Cleveland Clinic

  • Sarah Foxhall, Remembrance Hospital

  • Linda Gardner, Cleveland Clinic

  • Jennifer Kolasinski, Southwest General Health Center

  • Sharon Paizs- Wilk, Southwest General Health Center

  • Scott Russell, Metro Life Flight/Lakewood Fire Department 

  • Sol Sanchez, Cleveland Clinic

  • Noreen Vokic, University Hospitals Cleveland