Spring 2026 marked an important milestone at the University of Wisconsin-Superior with the launch of a fully online Registered Nurse to Bachelor of Science in Nursing (RN to BSN) degree. Lorraine Smith, known as Dr. Lo, serves as program director and is now joined by a familiar and trusted colleague – Rachael Mooney, who recently joined UW-Superior as a teaching assistant professor of nursing.

While Mooney is new to campus in her faculty role, she brings deep familiarity with the BSN@Home program and with the educational journey of registered nurses.

From Clinical Practice to the Classroom

Mooney began her nursing career at Essentia Health in Duluth, working initially in clinical care before transitioning into the heart and vascular center. Over time, she moved into supervisory and management roles – positions that helped clarify her true professional passions.

“I really enjoyed working with patients and providing education to the staff I worked with,” Mooney said. “So I combined that with becoming a nursing instructor.”

That path led her to Northwood Technical College’s Superior campus, where she taught in the registered nursing program for seven years.

“I taught primarily in students’ final semester,” she said. “Being able to see them make connections between what they learn in class and apply it to clinical practice was incredibly rewarding. Watching those ‘a-ha’ moments and seeing their confidence and skills grow-it was exciting to see them truly ready to become RNs.”

Helping Shape the RN to BSN@Home Program

During her time at Northwood Tech, Mooney also served as a nurse consultant for UW-Superior during the development of the RN to BSN program.

“This is a program I’ve been hoping to see at UWS for a long time,” she said. “It was exciting to be involved in those beginning stages and now to be here, teaching in the program and working with the very first group of students – it’s incredibly meaningful.”

Mooney has already enjoyed connecting with students and learning about their aspirations.

“Students return for their BSN for many different reasons and have different visions for their careers,” she said. “I’m really excited to support them and help them in achieving those long-term goals.”

Understanding the RN Student Experience

Mooney’s background gives her a strong understanding of the realities RN to BSN students face as many balance coursework with full-time work, family responsibilities and other commitments.

“Most of the students I work with are either finishing their ADN while taking BSN courses or are already working as RNs. They’re juggling a lot. Recognizing that they have full lives outside of school and working with them to find balance is really important.”

Strength in Collaboration

UW-Superior’s RN to BSN@Home program is part of a statewide collaboration across the Universities of Wisconsin. Students benefit from UW-Superior’s supportive learning environment while accessing faculty expertise and curriculum shared among seven UW institutions.

“Even though it’s a new program at UWS, it’s joining a long-standing collaborative, which is a huge strength,” Mooney said. “The curriculum has been tested and evaluated over time and we were able to tailor elements to today’s nursing landscape.”

A Campus That Already Feels Like Home

If the Mooney name sounds familiar, it’s because UW-Superior has long been part of her family’s life. Her husband, Joe Mooney, is head coach of Yellowjacket men’s soccer, and her brother-in-law, Ben Mooney, serves as director of admissions.

“UWS has always felt like my second home,” she said. “We spend a lot of time here supporting the soccer team and other events. Joining the UWS team was both exciting and natural because it already felt like family.”

RN to BS in Nursing

Designed for working registered nurses, this flexible, high-quality program builds on your professional experience to strengthen leadership, clinical and evidence-based practice skills. Rooted in holistic, person-centered care and a commitment to Indigenous and community health, this program prepares you to improve health outcomes locally and globally through compassionate, informed and innovative nursing practice. Learn more about the RN to BS in Nursing program.