Advancing skills

Tatelynn Walters ’23, ’24 MSN knew that to be successful in healthcare, she needed to pursue her graduate degree.

Although Tatelynn knew she wanted to be in the healthcare field, she debated between being a doctor or a nurse, but she solidified her decision after getting a closer look into the occupation. 

“I chose nursing because I like the idea of spending more time getting to know the patients and the bedside aspect,” said Tatelynn.

Since she went to a small school district, choosing Mount Mercy University was an easier decision for Tatelynn because she was already used to a smaller community and teachers knowing their students by name.

Not only did the size and less competition draw Tatelynn’s eye toward the Hill, but the simulation labs and previous classes' success also caught her attention.

“The main thing was the high NCLEX pass rates,” said Tatelynn. “I could tell they were preparing the students for the exam.”

Tatelynn chose to take MSN courses through MMU Plus because she felt she received a good education in her undergraduate and already felt comfortable with the professors. She knew she would do the master's program eventually, so she figured there was no time like the present.

“I knew I wanted to be a nurse practitioner, so I needed my master’s,” said Tatelynn. “My senior year, I only had two bachelor classes, so I figured I might as well start now.”

In addition to participating in Mount Mercy’s nursing group called MMUANS, she also worked three-twelve-hour shifts a week while balancing online classes between her shifts.

During nursing school, Tatelynn worked as a Patient Care Technician in the Medical Pool at Mercy Medical Center. She has now transitioned into the Critical Care Float Pool as a Nurse on the Cardiac Floor, ICU, and Emergency Room.

Tatelynn says that the curriculum taught in the Holistic Human Assessment class is something she applies daily.

“I’ve gained a ton of hands-on exposure from the simulation labs and clinicals, which has helped me with my current job,” said Tatelynn.

Throughout Tatelynn’s time at Mount Mercy, she made connections with her professors and appreciated their experience.

“All the professors come from different nursing backgrounds and units, so all of them have a good deal of knowledge across the spectrum of nursing,” said Tatelynn.

Jodee Reed and Lydia Christofferson taught Tatelynn’s Interventions of Nursing class, and she felt that they both were great professors and highly personable. She also connected with Cathy Penn, her advisor, when she was trying to learn more about MMU Plus.

“She was willing to research information she wasn’t familiar with,” said Tatelynn. “She also talked to the master’s professors to give me the best knowledge possible.”

By participating in MMU Plus, Tatelynn has gained many things, such as knowledge within the health advocacy program and vulnerable populations—and how public health can support cheaper and higher quality care.

"There are so many benefits of MMU Plus, so I suggest you just go for it." —Tatelynn Walters '23, '24 MSN

Tateylnn’s advice for students looking into MMU Plus is that the sooner you get the class rhythm down, the sooner the program is more manageable and less overwhelming.

“There are so many benefits of MMU Plus, so I suggest you just go for it,” said Tatelynn.

MMU Plus was the next step in the right direction to help Tatelynn achieve her dreams.