Care for Others Inspires Career

This article was originally published in the Mount Mercy Times on Feb. 18, 2019 by Brielle Kiewiet, staff writer.

Mount Mercy nursing student Cali Arbuckle knew from a young age that she had a passion for helping people. Arbuckle’s family and her church taught her to care for others, specifically the elderly, which sparked her desire to become a geriatric nurse.

Arbuckle’s journey began with her being homeschooled by her mother, a Mount Mercy alumnus. After her years of homeschooling, Arbuckle got her CNA through Kirkwood.

She credits her “great CNA professor” as part of the reason she chose to become a nurse. Once her CNA was complete, Mount Mercy’s nursing program led her to the Hill to work on completing her degree.

"I have had the opportunity to study and work with some of the most amazing professors who have encouraged me to be a life-long learner," said Arbuckle. "The nursing professors are amazing people who have a passion for helping others.”

Arbuckle recently completed her Mayo Clinic Summer Externship where she assessed patients of all ages in surgical trauma general care. She also recently came back from a J-term trip to the UK to study and compare healthcare systems with fellow students.

Arbuckle knew that nursing was the path for her after talking to many of the retired nurses involved in her church. She also participated in many service trips and is the current resolution director of the Mount Mercy University Association of Nursing Students (MMUANS), an organization for students to promote nursing as a profession.

Arbuckle will be traveling to Salt Lake City, Utah April 2-7 to represent MMUANS and speak at nationals in front of nurses from all around the US.