University of Mary Nursing

Mary Nurses in the Community

Shout out to Issabelle Schesso who through her clinical experience had the privilege of engaging with young children during the Western Plains Summer Lunch Program.

Thanks Western Plains Public Health for supporting our nursing student’s growth and development in public health nursing!

Stories, smiles, and nutritious meals make for a great summer afternoon! 📚🍎

A special thank you to Isabelle, a nursing student from the University of Mary, for spending time reading with children at the Summer Lunch Program. Programs like this provide more than just meals. They create opportunities for learning, connection, and fun.

The USDA partners with Mandan Public Schools to provide free, nutritious meals for children throughout the summer, Monday through Friday (with a few holiday exceptions). There are no income requirements, and any child 18 years of age and younger may enjoy a meal. Adults are also welcome to purchase a meal for $5.

Thank you to all of our community partners and volunteers who help make summers brighter for local children and families! 💙

Enjoy heartwarming, hands on learning highlights from Mary Nurses initial hospital clinical rotations. Thank you clinical faculty and health system partners!!
💙🧡
I had the most fun learning about wound care for necrotic tissue this week.
My patient taught me the difficulties of a new amputation.
I look forward to learning more about wound care.
My UMary faculty helped me understand best practices for assessment.

🔶🔷Meet a Mary Nurse🔷🔶
Gracie Carr was born and raised in Carrington, North Dakota, where she continues to reside. She attended the University of South Dakota in Rapid City, where she earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing in 2022. Upon graduating from nursing school, she obtained her RN licensure and began her nursing career at Altru Hospital on the Progressive Care Unit. She has since transitioned to long-term care, where she currently holds a nurse management position in an Assisted Living Facility in her hometown of Carrington. Gracie’s anticipated graduation date is the spring of 2028 with a Doctor of Nursing Practice, Family Nurse Practitioner degree from the University of Mary. In Gracie’s free time, she enjoys spending time with family, reading, and being active.

Service and community partnership in action! 🌱🛠️
On Friday, our Semester 8 nursing students joined their professor, Dr. Mary Beth Johnson, in supporting a community garden project she helped establish in Cannon Ball. Together, they spent the day installing a fence at the community/church garden, helping to strengthen and sustain this important local resource.
Experiences like these demonstrate the value of community engagement and service, while giving students the opportunity to contribute alongside faculty who are making a difference beyond the classroom. This project exemplifies nursing service and community partnership in action, as students and faculty work together to support initiatives that strengthen community health, well-being, and sustainability.
We are proud of our students for lending their time and energy to this meaningful project and grateful for the partnerships that help our communities thrive.

🔶🔷Meet a Mary Nurse🔷🔶
Lizbeth Alcantara was born and raised in New York City, NY, and spent her adult years in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, where she currently resides. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Thomas Jefferson University. While in Nursing school, Lizbeth worked as a Critical Care Technician in the Emergency Department. Upon Graduation and getting her licensure, Lizbeth began her nursing career in a Cardiac Surgery Progressive Care Unit. Lizbeth is now a registered nurse, currently practicing in the Heart and Vascular Intensive Care Unit at The Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, providing care to critically ill patients and studying for her Critical Care Registered Nurse Certification. Lizbeth is currently pursuing a Master of Science in Nursing in Nursing Education at the University of Mary, with an anticipated graduation date of May 2027. Apart from her professional role, Lizbeth values family, lifelong learning, and service. She enjoys playing tennis, traveling with friends, and volunteering on medical mission trips, which help maintain balance and a commitment to global health.