When Jenna Easley decided to pivot from a career in education to nursing, she knew she needed a program that would challenge her, support her, and prepare her for a fast-paced healthcare environment. That’s exactly what she found in MidAmerica Nazarene University’s Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) program. Now, as she approaches graduation in February 2025, Jenna reflects on the journey that has solidified her passion for pediatric oncology nursing.
Jenna’s career began after earning a bachelor’s in early childhood education. After spending a decade in the classroom shaping young minds, a growing desire to make a difference in healthcare led her to reconsider her path.
Jenna’s mom, Katherine Mick, a nurse, suggested she start with a Certified Nurse Aid (CNA) certificate so she could work in healthcare while pursuing her BSN. “I had loved teaching,” Jenna shares. “But nursing had always been in the back of my mind, and I finally decided to take the leap.”
MNU’s ABSN program offered the perfect opportunity. It’s designed for students with previous college credit, who are ready to transition into nursing. The rigorous, one-year program provides an intensive, immersive experience that allows career changers like Jenna to quickly gain the knowledge and skills needed to excel in the field. She loves the program’s structure. Taking courses with the same group of students, the one-year timeframe and the Christian atmosphere was appealing. Faculty have been supportive as well.
“The professors have been wonderful,” Jenna says. “They are so generous with their time, and you can feel that they really want us to succeed. Whether it is something we’ve been struggling with or if it’s just to say hi, their doors truly are always open.”
Beyond the classroom, Jenna has been gaining hands-on experience by working full time as a nurse tech on the hematology/oncology unit at Children’s Mercy Hospital in Kansas City, Missouri. Her work has deepened her passion for pediatric oncology, and she hopes to stay on as a unit nurse after graduation. Working with children facing serious illnesses can be both heartbreaking and inspiring.
“Every child reacts to their treatment plan differently and some handle it better than others,” she says. “But there are nurses and people at Children’s Mercy who, like me, are going to keep fighting the hardest battles with those kids.”
Jenna’s dedication was recognized at Children’s Mercy through the Jared Coones Endowed Nursing Scholarship in Hematology and Oncology. The scholarship is funded by a foundation created by MNU alum Tom Coones (’91) and his family. It honors his son, Jared, who at age 10, passed away from leukemia. And, though neither of the parties knew it before the scholarship was awarded, Jenna’s mother had been one of Jared’s nurses during his treatment at Children’s Mercy. Receiving the scholarship was a meaningful affirmation of Jenna’s journey to provide compassionate, skilled care to those who need it most.
Pumpkin Run Founder: MNU Alum Tom Coones
Tom Coones(’91), his late wife, Jayne, and their family started the Jared Coones Memorial Pumpkin Run 25 years ago after their son Jared passed away from leukemia in 1998 at age 10. Just eight years later, Jayne also passed from cancer. The Pumpkin Run honors both Jared and Jayne and has grown over the years surpassing $1 million in proceeds for leukemia, lymphoma and community needs.
One of the recipients of Pumpkin Run funding is an endowed nursing scholarship at Children’s Mercy Hospital in Kansas City, Missouri, where Jared was treated for his illness. Other beneficiaries include Children’s Mercy Cancer Center, The Dream Factory of Greater Kansas City, Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, The National Marrow Donor Program, Ronald McDonald House Charities, Solace House, and Alison’s Allies.
The Pumpkin Run draws nearly 2,500 runners, many of whom are from area elementary schools’ running clubs. Coones says that recently the organization has expanded to help students from Title I schools’ running clubs join the Pumpkin Run by waiving entry fees, providing transportation, event swag, food, and fun for their entrants. Many MNU students, faculty and staff have participated in the Pumpkin Run over the years and the university is proud to be one of its sponsors.
“I was fortunate enough to be chosen for this scholarship, and getting to meet the Coones family in person was incredible,” she says. “It was a memorable day for all of us.”
As she looks ahead to her future, Jenna is grateful for all that MNU’s ABSN program has provided. “This program is challenging and intense, but the support of the professors is like none other” she says. “MNU has provided a really good foundation to get me started and to feel more confident going into the start of my nursing career.”
Jenna’s story is a testament to the power of a passion for others, perseverance, and the right educational environment. MNU’s ABSN program is not just accelerating her path to a new career—it is equipping her to make a lasting impact in the lives of her patients. Learn more about MNU’s School of Nursing and its newest program, the 18-month Hybrid BSN offering coursework online with in-person skills clinics and lab work at mnu.edu/pgs-nursing.
