Veronika Larson in the Atrium at Mary Greeley Medical CenterSometimes, career aspirations evolve in unexpected ways. For Veronika Larson, a former Human Resources intern at Mary Greeley Medical Center, the supportive environment and hands-on experiences she gained during her internship inspired her to pursue a future in nursing.
A May 2024 graduate of Iowa State University with a degree in Healthcare Management, Veronika initially explored her interest in healthcare administration through internships in workforce engagement and contract management at Mary Greeley. But as she shadowed clinical and non-clinical staff, she realized her passion lay in connecting with patients directly.
“I didn’t anticipate making the switch to the clinical side,” Veronika says. “But through job shadowing, I saw how rewarding it is to care for patients. All the fears I had about being squeamish disappeared when I experienced how meaningful the work is.”
On the Path to a Nursing Degree
Today, Veronika works as a Patient Care Technician (PCT) on the Medical-Telemetry Unit at Mary Greeley while pursuing her nursing degree at DMACC. She credits her internships with helping her discover a path she hadn’t previously considered.
“Mary Greeley’s team was so supportive during my transition,” she says. “They encouraged me to explore what made me happy and allowed me to shadow different roles. That experience solidified my decision to pursue nursing.”

Mary Greeley’s robust internship program, supported by the Mary Greeley Foundation, provided Veronika with opportunities to explore both administrative and clinical roles. In 2024, the program hosted 17 interns across 10 departments, exemplifying the medical center’s commitment to workforce development.
“Internships are vital for cultivating the next generation of healthcare professionals,” says Tammy Stegman, M.Ed., Talent and Engagement Manager. “Foundation funding ensures we can maintain and grow these opportunities, directly impacting the hospital’s ability to recruit and retain talented individuals.”
Generous Support Enables Program
Veronika is one of many interns whose journey was made possible through donor support.
“Knowing that donors are willing to invest in a stranger’s journey is incredible,” she says. “It’s their generosity that creates these life-changing opportunities.”
Her story highlights the importance of Mary Greeley’s workforce initiatives, which also include scholarships, continuing education programs, and practical learning experiences. These programs not only help students discover their passions but also strengthen Mary Greeley’s mission to deliver exceptional care.
For Veronika, the most rewarding part of her work is building connections with patients.
“I love hearing their stories and making them feel safe with their care team,” she says. “It’s an honor to play a role in their healing process.”
As Veronika continues her journey toward becoming a nurse, her story stands as a testament to the power of internships in shaping meaningful careers and ensuring high-quality healthcare for the community.
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