During Megan’s junior year of college, she learned about Mercy’s Earn + Learn program and was accepted into the program for her senior year.

Thanks to the program, Megan didn’t have to worry about paying for her senior year of nursing school, and she gained hands-on experience to prepare her for her future in nursing. Plus, she would say she’s found her new home working at Mercy in Cedar Rapids.

“I was able to gain valuable experience on the unit I would also be on when I graduated. I was able to work flexible hours that allowed me to still focus on my academics and athletics in my final year of school,” Megan said. “The Earn + Learn program allowed me not to worry about student loans at all during my senior year.”

According to Megan, the hands-on experience she gained at Mercy was vital in passing her boards.

“The hands-on experience I received through working as a Patient Care Tech at Mercy during my final year of nursing school allowed me to get comfortable on the unit I would be working on as a nurse, so I could be more prepared when I stepped into that role after taking the boards,” Megan said.

Now full-time on Mercy’s Cardiac Stroke Unit, Megan is involved in the nurse residency program, where she and recent nurse graduates can share experiences and learn from each other.

“The nurse residency program has offered me continuing education in many areas beyond just the specialty I currently work in and helped me practice vital patient care situations in the simulation lab where mistakes can be made and learned from,” Megan said. “This continuing education and hands-on learning in a safe environment have also helped me pass my boards.”

Because of her supportive experience, Megan foresees continuing her career at Mercy.

“My experience at Mercy so far has been nothing but positive, and I can see myself staying here for much longer than my 18-month commitment,” Megan said. “All of the nurses and providers I have worked with on my unit have been nothing but helpful and welcoming, and I truly feel at home here.”