For Kara DeBaker ’24, the path to St. Ambrose University is one of determination and resilience.
Kara always knew she wanted to be a labor and delivery nurse, and she joined the Navy as a pathway to her degree. During her six and a half years of service, she worked as a hospital corpsman, where she assisted healthcare professionals in providing medical care.
To prepare for nursing school, Kara took online classes and earned an associate's degree in health science. Both her father-in-law and sister-in-law work as nurses, and they offered insight into the field and advice as she planned her transfer to complete a Bachelor of Science in Nursing.
“I asked my sister-in-law for recommendations on schools in the area I should go to. I appreciated that St. Ambrose was a private college, and I loved the school’s values as well,” Kara said.
While at St. Ambrose, Kara completed one semester of prerequisites on the main campus before transitioning over to the health sciences building for her nursing courses. This allowed her to get a feeling of the culture on campus, experience a variety of classes, and meet different professors.
“Matthew Coomber was my theology professor, and he was so supportive of me. It reassured me that I was at the right school to get my education as a nurse, and I was just so excited to start the nursing program that spring,” Kara said.
In the nursing program, faculty and staff created a community of support for Kara. Their encouragement and accessibility made it easier for her to navigate the challenges of nursing school, fostering a sense of confidence and connection for students.
“I appreciated how approachable my professors were. I always felt comfortable coming to them with any questions I had. Knowing I had professors who genuinely cared about my success, along with the encouragement and uplifting words of motivation from Kara Baker, our nursing administrative coordinator, was such a tremendous blessing,” Kara said.
Kara also credits her family for supporting her as she juggled being a full-time mother and a full-time student.
“My husband and children sacrificed so much for me so that I could take the time needed to study for exams,” Kara said.
After graduation, Kara will start her nursing career at MercyOne Genesis in their labor and delivery unit. This role marks the culmination of years of hard work, sacrifice, and unwavering determination to achieve her dream.
“I am so blessed to get the job of my dreams, and it has been the job of my dreams for as long as I can remember. I'm super excited to start, extremely happy, and I pray that I am able to bring God the glory he deserves in my service to His people,” Kara said.
Kara offers two pieces of advice to those looking to go back to school. Number one: make sure that you have a dedicated support system. Number two: Don’t be afraid to ask for help. Balancing school and personal responsibilities can be overwhelming at times, but with the right mindset and support, success is within reach.
“A big thank you to my husband and our two children for their support. Without them, I truly couldn’t have done this,” Kara said.
