Finding Her Calling Through a T.V. Show

Because she always wanted to help people in need, Rebecca Moore '11, '13 MSN came to MMU as an undergraduate nursing major. After graduating with her MSN from MMU, Moore earned her position as the Program Manager of Professional Practice Development at UnityPoint Health-St. Luke’s Hospital.

MMU: What made you decide to become a nurse and help people in need?

RM: I used to watch Dr. Quin Medicine Woman and ER with my dad growing up. I was always helping people, so it made sense I’d go into medicine. In 5^th grade, my teacher asked us what we wanted to be when we grew up, and I said a doctor. The next part of the assignment was to look up how long it would take in college to become your chosen profession. After learning how long it would take, I started exploring other medical careers.

My cousin had told the family she was going to nursing school at Mount Mercy, so I started exploring nursing. I quickly determined this would be a better fit for me. My aunt encouraged me to become a CNA since I had said that I was interested in being a nurse. Once I was 16, I completed the CNA class and sat for my certification.  Although the work was incredibly hard, I loved working with the residents in the nursing home and later patients in the hospital. I knew nursing was exactly where I wanted to be.

MMU: How was your time during the BSN program? When and why did you decide to pursue an MSN degree?

RM: I loved everything about MMU. My parents encouraged me to just visit and I’m so glad I did. The campus felt like home. I left that visit knowing that’s where I fit. There’s a reason MMU’s BSN program is well respected. I spent a lot of hours studying and talking with instructors asking my questions to fully understand the material. Through the BSN program, I met some of my best friends. Although classes were hard, my BSN at MMU were the best 4 years of my life.

I decided to pursue my MSN after being asked to be the senior tutor for the junior BSN students. The tutor held study sessions and reviewed content before the exams. Preparing for these study sessions required me to think about how to teach the material to students in alternative ways so they understood. I loved that challenge and thought someday, I wanted to move into a nursing educator role. Fast forward 2 years and MMU announces their MSN in Nursing Education track. I knew I wanted a face-to-face program, and I knew some of the faculty, so I trusted the program would make me a great educator.

MMU: Tell us something about your job. What exactly is your job description and what are your tasks?

RM: I am the Program Manager of Professional Practice Development at UnityPoint Health-St. Luke’s Hospital. I manage and teach a lot of educational programs for the nursing staff at the hospital, including nursing orientation, nurse residency, preceptor training, charge nurse training, and new nurse courses in the acute adult division. I work with the area schools of nursing to coordinate clinical groups and preceptorships at St. Luke’s. My role is also responsible for the summer nurse internship program. I am also involved in a variety of councils and committees at the hospital. My tasks depend on the program at hand. It may include teaching, curriculum development, coordinating with unit leaders, or coordinating instructors. Each day is a little different and I absolutely love it!

MMU: What advice could you give our current nursing students who pursue the BSN degree? Would you recommend them to pursue an MSN degree?

RM: To BSN students—you can still have a social life and make it through the nursing program. Make sure to have some fun and get involved! I was on the track team, both choirs, took private voice lessons, was in a number of campus organizations, worked on campus and at Mercy hospital all while completing the BSN program. 

I’d recommend students who have a goal career in mind requiring an MSN to pursue it. Don’t let people around you pressure you into going back to graduate school. Being an expert bedside nurse, preceptor, or charge nurse carries a lot of value. There are a lot of nursing opportunities even if you don’t go back for your MSN. 

"I think I’ve carried the Mount Mercy values with me since graduation"

MMU: What was your most valuable takeaway from Mount Mercy?

RM: I think I’ve carried the Mount Mercy values with me since graduation. The instructors did such a great job instilling those in students, so you just naturally live them. It made me a better nurse.