Spartans of UD - Shauna McAleer (C'21) and Jacey House (C'22)

Spartans of UD highlights what makes the University of Dubuque special - the people.

Shauna McAleer (C'21) and Jacey House (C'22) are pediatric oncology nurses at the University of Iowa Health Care Stead Family Children's Hospital. Best friends since high school, Shauna and Jacey were nursing majors as students and participated in the Fellowship of Christian Athletes. Shauna also was on the women's volleyball team.

You have been best friends since high school and are now pediatric oncology nurses at the University of Iowa Health Care Stead Family Children's Hospital. What inspired you to pursue a career in the medical field?

Shauna: "I have always known I wanted to pursue a career in which I would make a positive impact on people. I worked as a CNA throughout high school and college, so I had the privilege of working closely with some amazing nurses. Those nurses, along with my sister who is an ER nurse, inspired me to pursue a career in nursing. When it came to choosing a specialty, pediatric oncology has always interested me. I have always loved working with kids, and this specialty has allowed me to care for kids during their most difficult and vulnerable days. I found a great love and passion for my job after my first year of working there, so of course I had to convince Jacey to join me!"

Jacey: "I knew for a long time I wanted to do something in the healthcare field, and after my pediatric clinical at UD, I knew pediatrics was the way to go. When I was looking for jobs, the Stead Family Children's Hospital was at the top of my list for places I wanted to work, but I wasn't sure if I wanted to go to a specialty floor or not. A couple days before I was going to apply for a different job, Shauna told me there was an opening on the oncology/hematology floor and I should apply! Ever since, I've been working on an amazing floor with one of my best friends!"

The Hawkeye Wave is a heartwarming tradition in which football fans in Kinnick Stadium - home to the University of Iowa Hawkeyes - wave to pediatric patients and their families watching the game from the Stead Family Children's Hospital, which is adjacent to the stadium. Recently, USA Today named the Hawkeye Wave the best college sports tradition. What is it like to experience this tradition from your perspective as a pediatric oncology nurse?

Shauna: "I have been able to witness the wave from both inside the hospital and from the stadium. In both situations, it is such an amazing moment to be a part of. As a nurse, I see first-hand what these kids and their families go through every day, and I know it means the world to them just to have that extra support. Our kiddos are so resilient and go through so much physically, mentally, and emotionally at such a young age, and they deserve all the support in the world. I know that they look forward to home games so much because it takes their mind off their current situation for just a little bit. This tradition is definitely the best in college sports!"

Jacey: "The wave will always bring tears to my eyes. I've been honored to experience it from the 11th floor and the stadium. Each time we wave, I think of all the children watching from their rooms and how special it is for them and their families to experience such a large event. I really appreciate that we shed light on these kids and get to show how strong they are!"

What advice do you have for current Spartans in the nursing program?

Shauna: "My advice for current Spartans in the nursing program would be to take things one day at a time. I was given this advice and it was truly my motto throughout school! There is always an overwhelming amount of things that need to be done, so you really just have to set goals for one day and cross them off one at a time. It's also so important to find a study method that works for you. This takes some trial and error to figure out, but once you find a way that works for you, stick with it."

Jacey: "Keep your head up! Nursing is a tough program, but it's so rewarding in the end. Find that group of nursing student friends and work together to reach your goals! All that time studying and in clinicals pays off."

What is your favorite memory from your time as a student?

Shauna: "This is hard to choose, but my favorite memory as a student would probably be my nursing pinning ceremony. I loved college, but it was also so challenging. It felt good to have my mom pin me and show how proud she was of me for all of my hard work over the last four years."

Jacey: "My favorite memories were the ones made in the library studying with my friends. It was a good mix of studying and laughing. I would not be where I am today without the friends I had through nursing school!"

In your opinion, what makes the University of Dubuque unique?

Shauna: "I would say the University of Dubuque is unique because of its community. There are so many clubs and activities that you can be a part of if you're willing to join. I was involved in a lot on campus, and I loved being able to walk around and just see so many friends and familiar faces. I also played volleyball and my coaches were so supportive of me. They recognized that school was a priority, and they were very flexible with me when it came to being successful in the classroom as well as on the volleyball court. I truly loved my college experience at UD."

Jacey: "UD is unique in that we are so tight knit. Knowing your class and being able to talk beyond nursing material made school less stressful. I also appreciate that professors get to know you, and when you see them on campus they can chat like a friend - shout out Dr. Cattani and Jose Reinoso."