Answering the Call to Care
MiAn Luu
BS in Psychology '20, MSN '24
Current Role: Intensive Care Unit Nurse, Beacon Health System
By ELYSE MALDONADO ’20
MiAn Luu ’20, ’24 earned her undergraduate degree at Saint Mary's in psychology, then later earned a graduate degree in the Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program. Today, MiAn works as an ICU nurse at Beacon Health System while continuing her education through the College’s Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program. MiAn reflects on finding her calling in nursing, and how Saint Mary’s has continued to shape her life and career.
What led you to enroll in Saint Mary's MSN program?
After graduating with my degree in psychology, I was still uncertain what I wanted to do in healthcare. I originally thought I might pursue medical school, but after graduation I started to explore different options. I spent time shadowing providers and quickly realized that what drew me to healthcare was the ability to care for people and build meaningful relationships with patients and families. Around that same time, Saint Mary's introduced its MSN program. The timing couldn't have been more perfect.
Tell us about your transition from psychology to nursing.
One thing I appreciated was how personal the program was. The faculty did an excellent job meeting students where they were and adapting to our needs. We were all motivated, but we learned differently and brought different strengths to the classroom. The program recognized that and worked with us rather than expecting everyone to fit the same mold.
Though small, our cohort had diverse backgrounds. Some of us had a career in education, others were fresh out of their undergraduate studies. I, for example, was a small business owner in the beauty industry and graduated with a bachelor’s in psychology years prior. Because I graduated during the pandemic, lockdown was a time where I was able to discern what I truly wanted to do after graduation. I eventually sold my business and began working and volunteering at local nonprofit organizations to better aid those who were disproportionately affected by the pandemic.
I had always been interested in healthcare and medicine, with the original goal to go to medical school after graduation, so I also used this opportunity to shadow any healthcare professionals that would allow me to do so during such strict social distancing times. I was then introduced to the work of a nurse practitioner and realized that my preventative approach to healthcare was able to be achieved through multiple routes, not just medicine.
How did the MSN program prepare you for your career?
One of the most valuable lessons Saint Mary's taught me was that there will always be a gap between learning in the classroom and practicing in the real world. No matter how strong your grades are or how much you study, healthcare is a profession that requires continual learning. The faculty were very honest about that reality, which helped me enter the workforce with confidence and humility.
The MSN curriculum emphasized evidence-based practice and how to evaluate research and medical literature. Those skills are essential in healthcare because best practices are constantly evolving. Saint Mary's taught us not just how to follow existing knowledge, but how to seek out new information and apply it thoughtfully.
How did Saint Mary's help you find your path into intensive care nursing?
I was eager to explore different areas of nursing and discover where I could make the greatest impact. What I eventually realized was that I wasn't just interested in caring for patients, but I was passionate about caring for families as well. My instructors helped guide me toward experiences that matched those interests. When it came time for my capstone placement, I knew I wanted to work in the ICU because it allowed me to care for both critically ill patients and for the loved ones supporting them.
My approach to healthcare has always been geared towards wanting to be more preventative—which is the complete opposite of ICU nursing. To better serve my patient population, I have decided to continue onto and pursue my DNP to take on more of this preventative approach to healthcare.
What stands out most about the Saint Mary's faculty?
Across all of my Saint Mary's degrees, the faculty have consistently demonstrated that they care about students as people first. During my time in the MSN program, my father was diagnosed with lung cancer. I always felt comfortable talking with my professors about what was happening, and they were incredibly understanding. Faculty recognize that students have lives outside of the classroom and have created a wholly supportive environment. Even now, as a student in the DNP program, I continue to experience that same level of care and attention.
What would you say to someone considering the Saint Mary's MSN program?
The MSN program gives you both the clinical preparation needed to become a nurse and the advanced skills that will serve you throughout your career. The emphasis is on evidence-based practice and research. The leadership prepares you to think critically and continue growing long after graduation.
The relationships I developed have become one of the most meaningful parts of the program. Because our cohort was small, we spent countless hours together. We supported one another through challenging coursework and major life events. They are people I still talk to regularly. Saint Mary's helped me build a career I love, but it also introduced me to a community that continues to support me long after graduation.
QUICK TAKES
Favorite part of nursing: Caring for both patients and their families
Favorite spot on campus: The island in front of Le Mans Hall
Favorite Saint Mary's memory: Casual walks around campus