Bright beginnings

Becca always had a strong passion for helping people and knew nursing was the career she wanted to pursue. Mount Mercy University's partnership with St. Luke’s-Unity Point Hospital made her dream career possible. 

“I’ve always been the one on my block growing up, if somebody got hurt, I was the first one to get them a band-aid,” shared Becca. 

Becca was no stranger to the Hill. Both her aunt and mother are Mount Mercy nursing alumni. Becca sees how much Mount Mercy nursing program has grown since her mother was in school. From new technology—like the Clinical Simulation Lab—and new programs including the Master of Science in Nursing and Doctor of Nursing Practice. 

Becca knew as soon as she came to the Hill that Mount Mercy was the best place for her to achieve her dreams of becoming a nurse.  

“I looked at five nursing schools in high school. Compared to those, Mount Mercy was the best. The structure of the program sets you up for success, and the classes directly correlate to the clinicals that you experience,” said Becca, “I truly believe Mount Mercy has the best nurses.” 

Becca made the most of her time on campus. She was involved in the Admissions Office, track, Student Ambassadors, Mustang Welcome Leaders, JumpStart, and Council of Student Athletes.  

Becca also participated in the UnityPoint Health-St. Luke’s Hospital Senior Student Promise Program. 

The Senior Student Promise Program helps support senior nursing students in completing their education, with the promise of a nursing role there after graduation.  

Becca has done an internship with St. Luke’s, worked as a tech, and completed many of her clinicals there. She was excited to start her nursing career at St. Luke’s. 

Becca was excited when she first learned of the Senior Promise Program. The Senior Promise Program was a huge assistance to Becca during her time in nursing school, while also navigating the news of the pandemic.  

“The impact of the program is huge. Going through nursing school during the pandemic created a variety of challenges with tuition, learning, clinicals, and trying to cope with the craziness of the world. This program can provide financial assistance which will help ease some of the student loans and the cost of college,” said Becca. 

Becca feels that the Senior Promise Program is a wonderful way for St. Luke’s to congratulate students on the start of their nursing careers. 

“The Senior Promise Program allows me to pay back my tuition costs and ensure that my feet are on solid ground once I graduate college. It is also a way to say, ‘You did it. You are a nurse. Let us help you succeed at the start of your adult journey,’” said Becca. 

Becca started as a nurse in the Emergency Department at St. Luke’s in August. She oversees getting people checked in and helps them to get the answers they need.  

“I am super excited. This has been my dream,” said Becca regarding her new position at St. Luke’s. 

Becca believes the Senior Promise Program will be an excellent opportunity to help future students along their path to being a nurse. 

“I think the future impact of the Senior Student Promise Program will allow for nursing school to be more affordable after college. Nurses will be able to pay back loans and build stable financial ground after college. Ultimately this will attract more nurses to a field that desperately needs them,” said Becca.