Kalena Wainwright
Herzing Alumni
Alumni Spotlight
In her role as a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP), Kalena Wainwright provides her patients with an extraordinary level of compassion and care. This dedication stems from trials that Kalena faced in her own life; trials which have helped shape her into the empathetic, dedicated nurse she is today.
Kalena’s interest in the mental health field stems from her need to help others.
“I’m an empathetic person,” she said. “I want to know why a person might be feeling the way they do, and I want to know how I can help them feel better.”
With her daily responsibilities requiring her to ask patients some of the most personal questions you can imagine, Kalena approached every interaction with compassion, empathy, and understanding. It’s this mindset that ensures a consistent level of care for every patient she serves.
Powering Through Adversity
Kalena’s journey to becoming a PMHNP was not an easy one. Completing her education was full of obstacles and moments where she could have given up. From losing support in caring for her one-year-old son to facing the emotional struggle following domestic violence, as well as significant health concerns, Kalena made the daily decision to move forward and not quit on herself.
Despite having to balance two jobs—including plenty of 10- or 12-hour long shifts—plus two different childcare schedules for her son and her own school schedule, Kalena believes in a mantra that has fueled her determination.
“It comes down to me asking myself, “How bad do you want this?” and then answering that every day,” she would note, adding that “I am the first and only college graduate in my family and getting my degree is a goal I was not going to give up on, no matter what.”
The challenges, while incredibly difficult, were lessened by the support she had from the Herzing community — support that helped to lift her up even in the moments where she felt alone.
Virtual Classroom, Tangible Support
Recalling the importance of her relationships with Herzing staff, Kalena acknowledged the incredible validation she received from her advisor, Alicia. Her words and actions helped ground Kalena during tougher most difficult moments. After losing her job, the financial burden of trying to afford college began to add an additional layer of stress, but Alicia and the Herzing support team were there to help Kalena secure the needed financial aid — a career lifesaver. Because of that and the support from other faculty, staff, and fellow students, Kalena completed her degree.
“You can say thank you to an organization or a person, but in moments like that there is nothing you can say that can express your actual gratitude,” Kalena stated. “It’s important that students understand that when you enroll at Herzing, you will be received with care that continues to graduation and beyond.”
Some may think that a school with such a highly focused online, hybrid learning program could struggle to provide the necessary resources to keep students engaged. Kalena’s experience at Herzing suggests that nothing could be further from the truth.
“When it comes to online programs, Herzing really gives its students a different experience,” she explained, sharing how she was able to excel in her MSN-PMHNP program and still commit the time needed to work full-time and care for her son. “They provide you with the flexibility to take classes on a schedule that works for you. You don’t miss out on the critical parts of the knowledge or experience you’ll need after you graduate. You get a great education.”
Through a Healthcare Worker’s Eyes
As Kalena has continued to work and grow her career, she has seen many technological advancements across healthcare. One area that she hopes becomes more fully embraced is the use of artificial intelligence (AI) and the applications it could provide to both the classroom and in outpatient settings.
“I know there is some reluctance to use AI because of the fear that students will use it in unethical ways, but it can be an incredible resource when used properly. Part of our role should be educating students in the proper, ethical use of it,” Kalena acknowledged. “Using AI to filter through study materials to determine what you need the most help with or scanning patient medical information to assist with a timely diagnosis; AI has the potential to be an incredible tool for those who know how, where, and when to use it.”
Looking toward her future, Kalena is eager to continue providing exceptional care for her patients, while also working to be a reliable part of their own committed support system. Many patients believe support is limited to people they see every day or someone accessible 24/7, but that isn’t the case. Even if she only meets with them once or twice a month, Kalena wants patients to know that she and others in her role are always in their corner, cheering them on.
As Kalena continues to flourish as a PMHNP, her advice to students interested in pursuing an education at Herzing is to trust the support they have here and pay it forward to the patients they will care for.
“Just take that first step and know that you will be taken care of,” she said. “If I can go through everything I went through and come out on the other side with a degree and the confidence to give all of myself to the people I work with, anyone can do it. You can do it.”