Core Values at Work: Awareness of God in Nursing Practice

Faith is paramount to Morgan Dunn '22, which is one of the reasons she was drawn to Mount Marty University when attaining her bachelor's in nursing. "I went to a Catholic high school, and it was important to me to continue my Catholic education and grow my faith in an environment that supported me," said Dunn. Now, she gets to bring her faith into her nursing practice as a labor and delivery nurse at Avera McKennan Hospital and University Health Center in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, where she gets to experience one of life's most beautiful miracles every day.

During Dunn's junior year of nursing school, she participated in a summer internship on the labor and delivery unit at Avera Sacred Heart Hospital in Yankton, South Dakota, which helped shape her career path. "It was a perfect way to step into the nursing role and put my skills into practice while also having a safe place to ask questions and learn from knowledgeable mentors," said Dunn. "After that summer, I knew I wanted to continue to work on a labor and delivery unit." Through her clinical and internship experiences, Dunn knew the values and community that Avera provided. "I was attracted to Avera's mission to provide high-quality care rooted in Christian values. I desired to work for an institution that strived and supported me in caring for the whole person—mind, body and soul."

Dunn started her nursing journey in the cardiopulmonary unit at Avera and has since moved to her dream unit of labor and delivery, where she has been for over a year. "One of my favorite parts about working on the labor and delivery unit is getting to be part of one of the most intimate moments of a woman's life, whether that be the most joy-filled day or a very mournful experience. I think it is so special to be there to support, empower and care for each mother. Not every delivery is the picture-perfect birth with a room full of love and joy; however, I enjoy being that person of encouragement and love when my patient needs it the most." One of the most impactful moments for her during her time as a nurse was when she was helping with a complicated delivery. Both the mother and baby came through the birth process safe and happy, but the delivery experience did not go as they all planned. "A few weeks later, the couple sent a thank you letter along with pictures of the baby to the hospital telling me how appreciative they were of all the care and support they received while I was their nurse," said Dunn. "It was so special to me to see the impact I made on this family. Mount Marty University played a large … [role] in shaping me into the individual I am today and has given me the tools to go out into my career as a nurse to care for and make an impact in people's lives."

She is also grateful to Mount Marty for giving her a community that supported her in her faith journey, including her first-year roommate. "She and I would attend daily Mass together, go visit our prayer partners over at the monastery, and push each other to grow our relationship with God," said Dunn. "My awareness of God was, and still is, evident whenever I am around her. I am forever grateful for Mount Marty bringing me this lifelong friendship." Her advice for current nursing students is to get involved in the community, whether volunteering or participating in events. "Not only does the involvement benefit the community, but it also helps you as an individual to network and make connections with other community members. This involvement may help you out in the future."

Dunn brings Mount Marty's core value of awareness of God with her to the start of each shift, praying for the patients she encounters and asking God to help her do His will. "As a registered nurse, I feel as if I am called to be the hands and feet of Christ when caring for my patients. Not every day is an easy day, but I know even the softest touch or caring smile can change my patient's day."

###

Founded in 1936 by the Sisters of Sacred Heart Monastery, Mount Marty University is South Dakota's only Catholic, Benedictine institution of higher education. Located along the bluffs of the Missouri River in Yankton, with additional locations in Watertown and Sioux Falls, Mount Marty offers undergraduate and graduate degrees focusing on student and alumni success in high-demand fields such as health sciences, education, criminal justice, business, accounting, recreation management, and more. A community of learners in the Benedictine tradition, Mount Marty emphasizes academic excellence and develops well-rounded students with intellectual competence, professional and personal skills and moral, spiritual and social values. To learn more, visit mountmarty.edu.