Student Spotlight

A passion for helping others and a deep family history of caregiving inspired sophomore Delainie Casey to seek a career in nursing.

“I think it’s because my dad’s a nurse; he’s always been my role model and I love the way he takes care of people,” said Casey. Her older brother is also a nurse. Her mom is a pharmacy technician and her grandmother previously worked as a supervisor for a nursing care facility. To say health care runs in the family would be an understatement. Casey transferred to the new Nursing BSN Prelicensure Program at Mount Mary University in the spring of 2021. The chaos of COVID-19 wasn’t the ideal time to make a collegiate transition, but with a high acceptance rate and automatic placement into the nursing program, Casey says Mount Mary was an easy decision. Coursework for the program began this fall and so far, Casey couldn’t be happier with her decision. Casey credits Mount Mary for providing her more opportunities than she’d ever expected, noting how caring and nurturing the Mount Mary experience has been so far. In addition to her BSN, Casey has chosen to minor in psychology, thanks to the encouragement of her adviser, Chief Nurse Administrator Kara Groom, saying, “her enthusiasm really makes the program exciting. She makes all of us really want to get into it.” Casey was first introduced to Mount Mary three years ago when her boyfriend’s sister, an MMU alum, brought her to campus. She received a tour at the time which included a stop at the old swimming pool, a full-circle moment for her now as that’s the current site for her classes and the new nursing skills lab. An interest in nursing started early for Casey, becoming a certified nursing assistant (CNA) while in high school and working at a nursing home. She loved helping with an older population because, “you actually get to know your patients (in that setting).” Upon graduation, she’d consider a career in geriatric medicine, but her real passion lies in helping children with developmental issues. Casey continues her role as a CNA while in school, currently working at West Bend Hospital. Departing Campbellsport, Wis., for Milwaukee was a big leap, but part of the draw for her was Mount Mary’s unassuming placement in the city. “It’s in the city but it feels like the country. I like that it’s small and you can walk to everything.” When not studying or working, Casey enjoys watching movies, exploring Milwaukee and bowling. On weekends, she often returns home to study with her dad and ride horses.

Still early in her career, Casey looks forward to diversifying her clinical experience and working in the labs on campus. If she decides to continue her education beyond the BSN, Casey hopes to teach nursing. “I like helping other people understand what I do.” n