EFY Race Hits Home

Marshall Muehlbauer ’21 decide to become a team captain for the Cedar Rapids Especially for You Race Against Breast Cancer after reflecting on how many people in his life have been affected by breast cancer.

This was Muehlbauer’s first-ever EFY race. He said he saw it as an opportunity to support his loved ones who were previously, and are continuously affected by breast cancer. His goal is to raise awareness and money for breast cancer prevention and other women’s health initiatives.

"This year, I am walking for my grandma who passed away from breast cancer, and my aunt who is a breast cancer survivor," said Muehlbauer.

Muehlbauer led the MMU team. As president of the Mount Mercy University Association of Nursing Students (MMUANS), he created Team Mount Mercy with the help of advisor Audrey Sheller. They invited students across multiple majors and organizations to join.

“It was a good change since we are including non-nursing students and executive members from other MMU organizations,” Muehlbauer said.

When it comes to his major, Muehlbauer likes to joke around. He likes to say that he wanted to be a lawyer but walked in the wrong classroom and decided to stay.

“If you asked me five years ago what I would be doing, I don’t think I’d say a ‘nurse.’”

“If you asked me five years ago what I would be doing, I don’t think I’d say a nurse.”

Muehlbauer chose nursing because he can make a real impact on their patients.

Best practices and best skills

Some of the best skills Muehlbauer has learned throughout the nursing program are autonomy and accountability. During clinicals, he felt his assessments, recommendations, and questions were all taken seriously.

"The program's autonomy has instilled in me to act with confidence because I know my professors, instructors and peers will listen to what I have to say," said Muehlbauer."

"I know I can ask important questions and act on what I think needs to be done," said Muehlbauer.

MMU has also taught Muehlbauer accountability.

“We as students are held accountable for our learning—coming to class ready to learn, having our work and reading done beforehand. As a leader, accountability is an indispensable skill. In nursing, you are not only held accountable for your work, but you must also other people’s work as well.”

Muehlbauer said he is driven to pursue his nursing degree because nurses are at the forefront of change.

“I firmly believe that a nurse is for everyone, not just one patient. The world needs more change-makers; people who see clinical or social problems and are willing to tackle them head-on.”