The Nightingaler from Australia: Meet John Bouwer, Learner Accounts Coordinator

He comes from the land down under . . . Oh. Wait. That is the song by Men at Work. Whoops.

In all reality, however, John Bouwer, is a native Australian that we are lucky enough to call our Coordinator of Learner Accounts. He has been a part of the Nightingale family for almost three years. For those past three years, we have heard various stories from his life back in Australia, including stories of “killer” kangaroos and cute quokkas. His motto is “Live to Work Not Work to Live.” Wise words, John.

Get to know a bit about John by checking out this month’s Collaborator Spotlight.

What is your position?

Coordinator of Learner Accounts

How do you help our learners?

I try to help learners fund their education and make their dreams come true within the constraints that we all have to work with.

What is your favorite part about your job and Nightingale?

Nothing makes me happier than seeing learners graduate and pass the NCLEX.  Education is one of the few keys to a better life.

Considering your position, what is one piece of advice or tip you would give to learners?

Think very carefully how you are going to fund your education and if you do make the plunge, then make sure that you do respond to communications from Learner Accounts because it will save you a lot of money.

Where are you from and when did you come to the states?

I’m from Perth, Australia and I have been in the U.S since February 2008.

What is your funniest story about living in Australia?

 

I have a house just on the edge of the metropolitan area, so there are still lots of native animals running around. I was in the backyard once which is partly bush, and as I turned around, I found myself staring eyeball to eyeball with a 6-foot-tall male kangaroo. He was ready to go a few rounds, but I wasn’t. I just backed away and retreated to another part of the yard.

What is the wildest thing that has ever happened to you in Australia?

Being stopped by the police in the outback with an unlicensed (unknowingly due to change of address) car and made to walk to the nearest town and get the vehicle towed and re-licensed.

If you could have any of the wild Australian animals as a pet, what would it be?

A kangaroo would come in handy because most Americans think we ride them.

What is your career specialty?

I’ve done a bit of everything from teaching (K-12) in Australia and Europe to accounting. Variety is the spice of life.

Besides being the Learner Accounts Coordinator for the College, you also own a company. Tell us about your company. 

I have a little company called Kanga Custom Products that produces medals and pins for sports tournaments.  It’s nice to be my own boss and lets me explore my creative side coming up with designs.

Outside of maintaining learner accounts, what are some of your hobbies and interests?

Three kids take up most of my time, but once in a while I get some time to myself. I try to maintain a basic level of fitness and like to binge on Netflix series.

What is your claim to fame?

Every dog has its day and good dogs get two. I’ve had a fortunate life and am very thankful for that. I think having the opportunity to travel extensively in Europe and work in 5 different countries has been a great opportunity.  To travel without a care in the world for extensive periods and experience life is something everyone should do.

What are you most looking forward to in the next 5 years? Any goals you want to accomplish? Vacations on your bucket list?

Within 5 years, I would like to be independently wealthy and retire. Short of that I will probably have to complete an MBA and elevate myself. Future travel is definitely on the list, as there are so many beautiful and interesting things awaiting me to discover.

Continuous improvement is one of our values, and a personal favorite of mine. What inspires you to be better and to continually improve?

I need to do a better job at elevating myself.  Education is critical, but because of family life, I haven’t given it the attention it deserves. Thankfully Nightingale has provided Function Leader workshops, which I appreciate

Share anything else you would like our readers to know about you. 

If you get a chance, go and see the world. There are so many wonderful experiences awaiting. And for the record, not everything in Australia will kill you. We don’t give it a second thought.