Every year Career Education Colleges and Universities (CECU) hosts an event called “Hill Day” in Washington DC. Hill Day is an opportunity for institutions of higher education to get more involved in the future of career education. The event is designed to provide attendees with the most recent and comprehensive update on federal events and sector research. Carrington College was proud to show support for Hill Day and had several College leaders attend the event along with Associate Degree in Nursing graduate Katie Mack, who is currently a structural heart nurse coordinator at Renown Health. We had a chance to speak with Katie and discuss some of her thoughts on Carrington College and what the future may hold for others who are interested in a career-focused education. Here is what she had to say:
Can you please tell us a little about yourself?
My name is Katie Mack, and I’m the structural heart nurse coordinator at Renown Health. I live in Reno with my husband and three-year-old son. I enjoy spending time with family, going to the lake during the summer, and visiting the Oregon coast in my free time.
Why did you choose to attend Carrington College?
I chose Carrington College because they offered a fast track (20-month program at that time), and the professors taught courses geared towards nursing. The courses were taught in a way to relate to what I would see/experience in my field, and this was extremely beneficial for me once I graduated. I also appreciated the connection Carrington has with our community’s hospitals because I secured a nursing job before I even graduated.
What was your experience like while attending Carrington College?
I had a great experience at Carrington. I was heavily involved in student council and was the class president for I believe 3 or 4 out of my 5 terms. I enjoyed representing my classmates and interacting with faculty. I enjoyed coordinating and attending community events while representing Carrington as well.
What have you been up to since graduating Carrington College?
I graduated in 2018 and immediately started working as a cardiac telemetry nurse at Saint Mary’s until the end of 2020. I started working at Renown’s ambulatory cardiology office in November 2020 as a staff nurse supporting our clinic’s patients and providers. I was promoted to our Cardiac Valve Nurse Coordinator in February of 2022 where I’m still working. I am the point of contact for any patient referred to our structural heart program and assist them throughout the time they’re in our program. I work closely and directly with our structural heart providers, multidisciplinary teams, and administration to ensure we have a top performing program.
Any personal or professional accomplishments we can highlight?
I graduate with my Bachelor of Science in Nursing this month!! My ultimate goal is to continue on to earn my APRN.
Why did you attend Hill Day at U.S. capital?
I attended Hill Day because it was a unique opportunity, I probably won’t be able to experience any other time in my professional career. I also believe it was important to help support and represent Carrington College because Carrington had prepared me well for my nursing career.
What were some of your biggest takeaways from the event?
I had never thought I would get to participate or be interested in political nursing. I enjoyed meeting with different congressmen and senators, telling my educational story, and learning about the many different legislature relating to higher education.
Anything you would like potential students to know about Carrington College?
I felt very well prepared as a new graduate nurse due to my education at Carrington. The professors were passionate about what they were teaching and cared about the success of their students. I also secured a job with a local hospital before graduating, due to Carrington’s help, and this greatly relieved my stress so that I could focus on passing my state board exam.