When looking for the right fit for a college education, many people recommend seeking out a campus environment in which a student feels supported by the community and comfortable in the environment, so they can focus on learning technical knowledge that is expected within their chosen industry. That was exactly the case for Moranda Matheson ’21/’22 MBA/’24 MSN who applied to Olivet Nazarene University’s undergraduate nursing program after hearing about the University at a church camp.
“I was mostly there for the speed boat and cliff jumping, trying to escape from my home life,” she reflects. “But I felt God pulling at me that day, saying ‘I need you at Olivet.’ I felt that He was telling me I didn’t have a choice, so I did not apply anywhere else.”
Although Moranda felt instant clarity and peace about the decision, her family was a little less certain. All of the women in her family were nurses, so while the career choice was anticipated, the finances for a private university seemed to provide a huge obstacle.
“My mother would tell me how confused she was at this decision, and I would just tell her ‘you’ll see,’” Moranda reflects. “And just in the nick of time, God made a way. Trusting in that was somehow the scariest and easiest thing I ever did.”
As an undergraduate student in the nursing program at Olivet, Moranda thrived. Clinical rotations offered indispensable hands-on learning opportunities, which particularly shaped her career interests. She developed close friendships with her peers and benefitted from intentional mentorships from professors.
“The faculty not only supported my academic learning, but also provided personal and emotional guidance,” Moranda says. “Many of them felt like motherly figures to me, and without them, I would not be who I am today.”
Moranda graduated with a bachelor of science in nursing degree in 2021 from Olivet, followed by an MBA in 2022, and a master’s of science in nursing education in 2024.
“The opportunity to continue developing my skills in a supportive environment was a significant factor,” Moranda says of her choice to enroll in Olivet’s graduate programs. “Additionally, ONU’s focus on preparing educators aligned perfectly with my career goals in nursing education. One of my undergraduate professors, Dr. Cathy Dillinger, agreed to serve as my preceptor for my master’s degree. The invaluable information I learned from her, Dr. Yvette Rose, Professor Queen Kisoso, and so many others will follow me throughout my entire life. They continue to be beacons in my life when I am in need.”
Just as her life was positively impacted by the intentional care and concern from Olivet’s nursing faculty, Moranda knows that nurses are critical to the healthcare system because they provide holistic, patient-centered care backed up by technical training and expertise.
“I have often heard senior nurses say, ‘Nurses do things that many other people can do, but only the nurse can do them all,’” she reflects. “Nurses are often the primary advocates for patients; understanding their emotions and stories and ensuring their voices are heard. They can perform life-saving hands-on medical care, AND be the warm-blanket-turkey-sandwich-person. Nurses offer invaluable emotional support so patients don’t feel alone or scared, they educate patients and families, and coordinate care across multiple disciplines. All of that on top of their typical nurse duties like hanging and monitoring important medications, carrying out ordered treatments, monitoring heart rhythms, and so much more.”
Bolstered by her advanced degrees and experience working in corrections, emergency medicine, and critical care, Moranda currently serves as the Clinical Coordinator to the C.E.O. and medical director of the Wellness Homes of Chicago. In this role, she bridges clinical expertise with administrative leadership to drive innovative care delivery for underserved populations. She also meets with clinical research companies to identify cutting-edge studies that align with the organization’s mission, ensuring that patients have access to emerging therapies. Moranda is deeply committed to improving quality outcomes, as evidenced by her passion to meet Merit-Based Incentive Payment System (MIPS) quality standards, establishing medication tracking systems to enhance safety and efficiency, writing policies to standardize workflows, and working on the committee for the organization’s efforts to achieve Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) status.
“My journey through Olivet prepared me to approach nursing as both a science and an art,” Moranda says. “It instilled in me a sense of purpose and a drive to support underserved communities. From my work in corrections to my aspirations in professional nursing, I carry Olivet’s values of compassion, integrity and service into every role. I have touched and helped so many people with the knowledge that Olivet put into my brain, and that is crazy special to me.”
“But more importantly,” she continues, “Olivet saved me. This place was my first home and I will forever be grateful to it and the people I encountered there.”
As prospective students consider their own educational journeys, Moranda’s advice is to humbly embrace challenges as learning opportunities.
“Pursue your nursing degree with an open mind and heart,” she encourages. “NEVER think that your job is more or less important than someone else’s on the healthcare team. Build resilience and prioritize self-care, as nursing can be demanding. Most importantly, remember why you chose this path: to make a meaningful impact on others’ lives. Or, as I like to say, to allow God to work through your hands to create miracles for people who need them.”
For more information about Olivet’s School of Nursing, visit olivet.edu/nursing or schedule a campus visit through the Office of Admissions.
