McKenzie Mills

Delta Chi at-Large Chapter member McKenzie Mills already knows that hard work and caring are required to become a nurse, but even the hardest worker sometimes needs a helping hand. “Being a full-time nursing student is not easy. Between clinical hours, theory lectures, extracurricular activities, work, and more, there is little room for extra. I currently work two jobs, am involved with campus clubs and committees, and represent my college as a nursing senator and student ambassador. I have wanted to be a member of Sigma since my first semester of nursing school. While I was highly motivated to be inducted into this society, another membership fee did not seem feasible at the time. Thanks to the Edith Anderson Membership Subsidy, I was able to gain membership and attend the induction ceremony, allowing me to begin laying the groundwork for my nursing career.”  

Though McKenzie is new to nursing, her dream to serve others is not. From a young age, McKenzie has desired to help others. It’s the personal moments that are the most meaningful to her. “I love getting to know people, hearing their stories and providing them with some form of comfort or relief,” said McKenzie. She wants to be an advocate for her patients, making a difference through compassionate caring. Her passion for this can be seen throughout her path to nursing. 

Before embarking on her educational journey, she worked as a certified nursing assistant and medication technician. This gave her the opportunity to work in a hands-on setting with patients that she grew to love. This love was further fostered after she started at Washington State University College of Nursing, when her journey led her to Peru. In Peru, she had the opportunity to become immersed in a culture far different from her own and work with individuals of impoverished communities.

As McKenzie gets ready to enter her professional nursing career, she is most excited for the opportunity to aid in the improvement of individuals' health, quality of life, and well-being. She says, “Nurses have the opportunity to maximize health potential in all settings throughout the community by serving people of all ages, ethnicities, and socioeconomic statuses.  I love that I will have the opportunity to interact with people and learn from each of them.”