ONWARD SENIORS: Legacy, leadership shape Frantsvog’s journey

MINOT, N.D. - Cambry Frantsvog was introduced to health care long before she ever stepped into nursing school.

Watching her mother, Sara '99, work in health care and navigating her own Type 1 diabetes diagnosis at age 8 introduced her to patient care from a young age.

But it was a personal loss that ultimately confirmed her calling and deepened her passion for helping others feel seen and supported during life's most difficult moments.

Her father, Dean '97, a longtime professor at Minot State University, passed away in 2022 after battling cancer.

"There were several factors that inspired me to pursue nursing," she said. "Growing up and watching my mom work as a nurse first sparked my interest in the medical field and being diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes at the age of 8 solidified that path for me.

"However, my biggest inspiration came from watching my dad battle cancer during my high school years."

As she watched hospice and CancerCare nurses care for both her father and her family, Frantsvog realized she wanted to make the same kind of impact on others.

"I saw firsthand the impact that hospice and CancerCare nurses had on both him and my family, and I knew I wanted a career where I could provide that same level of comfort and compassion to others," she said. "Throughout my time at Minot State, my motivation has only grown stronger. My experiences in both the classroom and clinical settings have reinforced my passion for nursing, and I am driven to make my family proud while honoring my dad's legacy by becoming the best nurse I can be."

That drive has translated into both academic and leadership success during her time at Minot State. Frantsvog has earned multiple honors and embraced opportunities to lead through service, including serving as the 2025 Director of Community Health for the Nursing Student Association.

"Leadership in nursing centers around compassion, confidence, and accountability," she said. "It's all about advocating for your patients, being a team player, and setting a positive example through your actions. To me, a strong nurse leader is approachable, willing to step in when needed, and passionate about their career and the people they care for."

Her leadership role allowed her to organize initiatives, including the Henry Towers Hygiene Drive, Powers Lake Transition Holiday Drive, bone marrow awareness events, and community blood pressure screenings.

"Seeing the impact those events had on others made me realize how meaningful leadership can be and showed me how I could use my skills to positively influence the people around me," she said.

Frantsvog credits consistency, organization, and strong relationships with classmates and instructors for helping her succeed in the demanding nursing program. She also said some of the most meaningful lessons came through difficult moments.

"Without sharing specific details, there were difficult patient care situations during nursing school that took an emotional toll on me," she said. "Although those experiences were challenging, I am thankful for what they taught me about compassion, resilience, and the importance of empathy in healthcare."

Her personal experience living with Type 1 diabetes has also shaped the way she approaches patient care.

"It has given me a unique perspective as both a patient and a future nurse," Frantsvog said. "From a young age, I've understood what it feels like to navigate challenges that many other children may not experience, including frequent appointments, lab draws, injections, and the emotional aspects of managing a chronic condition. This has made me more empathetic and attentive to my patients' needs."

One clinical experience during her education especially reinforced her calling to pediatric nursing.

"One of the most impactful experiences was during my time in the ER, when I cared for a young child recently diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes," she said. "The child was visibly scared and overwhelmed, and I was able to connect with them by sharing that I also live with diabetes, even showing them my matching Dexcom. I have never seen a bigger smile on a patient's face, and that moment reminded me exactly why I chose nursing and reinforced my passion for working in pediatrics."

Minot State has long felt like home for Frantsvog.

Sara continues to teach in the MSU Department of Nursing, and Dean taught in the College of Business - as it was known during his time - for 18 years. Her brother, Quaid '23, graduated from MSU with a degree in finance, and her uncle, David Frantsvog '04/'07, continues to teach in the Department of Business.

Those connections became even more meaningful when she eventually took classes taught by her mother.

"A lot of people might view having a parent as a teacher as a challenge, but I truly valued the experience and would consider it one of the highlights of my college career," she said. "I grew up around Minot State since both of my parents taught there, so it has always felt like a second home to me."

She said her mother's example, as both a nurse and an educator, helped inspire her own professional goals.

"My mom teaches pediatrics, and she definitely held me to a very high standard. If anything, she expected more from me," Frantsvog said. "Seeing the way she connects with her students and genuinely cares about their success had a huge impact on me. Her influence played a major role in inspiring my passion for pediatric nursing."

Following graduation, Frantsvog will begin her nursing career in the pediatric unit at Trinity Health.

"I have experienced firsthand how frightening illness and hospitalization can be for a child, which has shaped my desire to be the nurse who makes children feel safe and unafraid, transforming the hospital from a place of fear into one of trust and healing," she said.

Looking ahead, Frantsvog hopes to continue growing as both a nurse and a leader while potentially pursuing a future role as a pediatric nurse practitioner.

"I hope to be a resource and mentor for newer nurses and continue expanding my knowledge," she said.

Reflecting on her journey at Minot State, Frantsvog said the growth she experienced extends far beyond academics.

"Minot State's nursing program challenged me in ways I never expected," she said. "I've come out of it more confident, resilient, and prepared for the next chapter of my life and career."

For future nursing students, she encourages them to hold tightly to the reason they chose the profession in the first place.

"The best advice I would give incoming nursing students is to always remember their 'why,'" Frantsvog said. "Whether you are struggling through a difficult clinical day or preparing for a challenging exam, remembering why you chose nursing can help carry you through the hard moments. Your sense of purpose is an incredibly powerful message, and it reminds you that all the hard work is worth it for such a meaningful and rewarding profession."