Meant for More

Working in the restaurant industry, Marco Delgado ’22 wasn’t happy in his career.

When Marco’s mother-in-law Sharon was diagnosed with cancer, Marco’s family asked if he would quit his job to be her full-time caregiver—the rest is history.

“After Sharon’s second surgery, she started to really decline and didn’t want to go to the nursing home,” said Marco. “I started to take care of her 24/7.”

Her caretaker until Sharon’s passing, Marco worked closely with the hospice nurses and physical therapists who would come to their home. Everyone noticed Marco’s compassionate, caring nature—especially Sharon.

“I remember Sharon would tell me that I was meant for something else besides the restaurant industry,” said Marco. “She told me that I had a gift and should pursue nursing. The home nurses told me that too, and that planted the seed.”

With the love and motivation of his late mother-in-law, Marco enrolled in a certified nursing assistant (CNA) course as the first step towards his nursing career. On the day of his certification exam, Marco was
nervous and anxiously waiting to be called back to perform the skills portion.

“I was a nervous wreck,” said Marco. “I closed my eyes and asked Sharon to give me strength and guidance because I was so nervous.”

When the exam proctor came out, she stuck her hand out to Marco and said, “Hi Marco, I’ll be proctoring your exam today. My name is Sharon.”

“I couldn’t believe it,” said Marco. “Sharon is always with me. It was meant to be.”

Marco believes going to Mount Mercy was also meant to be. After a turbulent experience at a previous school, he knew after just a couple meetings with professors that he belonged here.

“The professors gave me the reassurance I needed,” said Marco. “After my 22-year sabbatical from education, I was nervous, but I had the feeling that I was supposed to be here. They took care of me.”

“I get to apply what I learn in the classroom to real patients and real scenarios. We’re taught to be critical thinkers and not just treat the patient, but find out the ‘why.ʼˮ

Mount Mercy took care of Marco so he could take care of his patients. Working as a patient care tech at Mercy Medical Center—in addition to his clinical hours—he receives hands-on learning that teaches him skills he can apply to his patients.

“I get to apply what I learn in the classroom to real patients and real scenarios,” said Marco. “We’re taught to be critical thinkers and not just treat the patient, but find out the ‘why.ʼˮ

With his empathetic and caring nature, and Sharon guiding him on his way, Marco not only belongs in health care, but health care needs nurses like Marco.