Kelli Kai Headshot

Nursing

Kelli Kai

Assistant Professor - Nursing

Education

  • MSN Mount Mercy University
  • BS Mount Mercy University
  • RN Hawkeye Community College

About

Kelli joined Mount Mercy University in Fall 2025 as a Clinical Assistant Professor, teaching Holistic Human Assessment, Nursing Skills for the Journey, and Pathways to Professional Nursing.

Kelli began her nursing career as a registered nurse in labor and delivery before transitioning into perioperative nursing, where she provided surgical care. Her journey later led her to public health as a school nurse, where she grew passionate about community health and education. This role cultivated her leadership skills as the program administrator for the Waterloo School Nursing Program, overseeing health services across the district.

Returning to her alma mater marks a meaningful new beginning for Kelli. She is excited to share her professional experiences with students while preparing the next generation of compassionate nurses. Her professional interests include maternal–child health, perioperative nursing, community and school health, nursing leadership, and competency-based education.

Kelli lives in Cedar Falls, Iowa, with her husband Brent and their two daughters, Kolby and Romy.

  • American Nurses Association
  • Iowa Nurses Association