Following a Lifelong Dream at Assumption University: Keri’s ABSN Journey

For Keri Lowe, it’s never too late to pursue a dream. At 50, she’s not only a mother of four, but also a dedicated student in the Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) program at Assumption University. “I’ve always wanted to be a nurse. My grandmother was actually a nurse, and she’s somebody that I look up to.”

Initially, parenting and making ends meet took priority. But Keri was eventually able to transition into healthcare as a surgical technologist. “I enjoyed working in healthcare, but my interaction with the patients was when they’re asleep. I just didn’t really get that face-to-face patient interaction. That was the missing piece.” This realization crystalized during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“It was a tough time as a healthcare worker. But during that time, I actually had the mindset that this is exactly where I’m meant to be. . . . The timing happened for a reason.” The Operating Room shut down multiple times, and the OR teams were redeployed to different areas of the hospital. Keri was sent to the ICU for eight weeks.

“I worked with a lot of very, very sick patients. They weren’t allowed visitors. And for the COVID patients, you couldn’t even go in without full PPE gear, so they had very, very limited contact with anyone. We were it. The pandemic had a huge impact on me, and it just took away any question I ever might have had about wanting to be in health care and be a nurse. It gave me even more of a sense of purpose.”

Soon after, Keri completed her bachelor’s and began researching ABSN programs. “Assumption has a really good reputation. When the program came up, it was sort of like, wow, this is definitely somewhere that I would like to be. Because convenience wise, reputation wise, and ultimately the cost—it’s much more affordable than a lot of the other programs.” But what truly sold her was the welcoming atmosphere. “It was a much warmer experience than with other programs. I just felt much more of a sense of connection to Assumption than I did elsewhere.”

The ABSN program at Assumption is intense. The hybrid format mixes online classes with hands-on simulations in the state-of-the-art nursing lab. Keri describes one experience when a mannequin began having a seizure, requiring her to react in real-time. “It’s a little bit jarring even when you expect it,” she admits. Despite the intensity, Keri has found the hands-on experiences invaluable for gaining confidence in her skills. “Our lab is very state of the art. We’re pretty lucky to have the resources that we have available.”

Keri’s personal experiences also drive her. She experienced the loss of both her uncle and grandmother within 24 hours of each other. A year later, she was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. Keri wants to provide the same comfort and care to patients and families that she and her own family have received. “I think it’s really what gets you through it,” she says, “Not only the patients, but the family as well.”

Now halfway through the program, Keri’s proving that it’s never too late to chase a dream and make a difference. “You only regret the chances you don’t take,” says Keri.

---