Human Interest Alumni

Growing into a Caring Nurse

12 May 2025

Planting Seeds for a Healthier Community through a Public Health Minor

Beginning a nursing career at the height of a global pandemic may seem like the proverbial “baptism by fire”. But with a freshly minted Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree from Clarkson College, Katie Vaca had the confidence and skill set to succeed. In addition, she had chosen a minor in Public Health, a concentration offered by the Community Health program. It further prepared her to face the challenges of a chaotic health system at a crucial time.

Katie completed prerequisite coursework at Metro Community College before completing her nursing degree at Clarkson College. Her life experiences had her considering a career in mental health nursing but her true passion for women’s health was discovered during an OB rotation. She stated, “to be able to care for a woman and her family during one of the most vulnerable times in her life felt like such an incredible gift.” She fondly recalls attending a delivery the first time, and the palpable feeling of joy in the room. She also learned that tears of happiness can switch to tears of anguish in a split second. That adrenaline rush was the hook.

Katie appreciated that through her Public Health minor coursework, she learned how health factors can affect entire populations. Having a greater understanding of health disparities helped steer her to her first position as a bedside nurse at CHI Health Creighton University Medical Center - Bergan Mercy in the hectic, early days of the pandemic.

Katie shifted gears and moved to the Nebraska Medicine Olson Center for Women's Health, an outpatient clinic. Her roles as a nurse in the Early Pregnancy Assessment Clinic, and later as a Nurse Care Coordinator, primarily consisted of coordinating care for patients who were having symptoms or a history of miscarriage or ectopic pregnancy. Katie explained, “caring for those patients during the worst time of their lives was an honor of a lifetime.”

With a deeper understanding of health promotion, Katie was able to educate OB patients and make a positive impact. From the importance of monitoring for postpartum depression to providing vaccines for their newborns, it was important for her to empower her patients with knowledge. To do this for patients who were at greater risk of health disparities really felt true to her mission.

Seeing what she learned in the classroom come to fruition in real time during the pandemic was impactful. Once the vaccines were approved, Katie eagerly signed up to work multiple CHI vaccine clinics and was happy to manage a few. She was rewarded by helping to bring the medical miracle of vaccines to her own community. Katie credits her Public Health coursework for helping her become a well-rounded nurse. In fact, she had hiring managers tell her that having a minor made her a more appealing candidate.

Katie stated, “now more than ever, we need people that are willing to fight to be public health advocates. Medicine has come such a long way that people don't remember what it was like to have large-scale, devastating diseases. But I think that distance seems to have created a false sense of security. We need healthcare providers that are willing to share their understanding of what constitutes research. It would be a huge benefit to our community, and after all, we are really all in this together”.

With her nursing career paused, Katie has embraced life as a stay-at-home mom to two-year-old Jack. She and her husband, Matt, reside in Omaha and share their home with two “giant, furry toddlers,” Saint Bernard pups Winston and Walter. Though she finds being a mother wonderful and challenging, she looks forward to returning to work. She credits Jack for teaching her the importance of living in the moment and thriving through change.

Students pursuing undergraduate degrees at Clarkson College can choose one of several interdisciplinary options for minors through the Community Health program. These include Nutrition, Women’s Health, Public Health, Human Services, Gerontology and Pre-Health Professional studies.

Sarah Flanagan, Director of Community Health & Interprofessional Engagement, welcomes your questions about the Community Health program. Contact Ms. Flanagan: [email protected] and find more information on the Clarkson College website, ClarksonCollege.edu.