Finding Purpose in Patient Care

For years, Michael Zenor built a successful career in finance, comfortable in the numbers-driven world of budgets and investments. But amid the COVID-19 pandemic, as healthcare professionals around the world navigated unprecedented challenges, Michael found himself drawn to a different calling.

“During COVID, I was working from home full-time, and I kept hearing about the overwhelming need for healthcare workers,” he says. “It made me take a step back and think about how I could make a difference.”

That reflection led him to an unexpected step: becoming a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) and taking on a part-time role at Mary Greeley Medical Center. What started as a way to help during a crisis quickly turned into something more.

“I realized how much I enjoyed working directly with patients,” he says. “It was rewarding in a way I hadn’t experienced before. I knew I wanted to keep going.”

The Role of the Mary Greeley Foundation in Michael’s Journey

With a newfound passion for patient care, Michael made the decision to pursue a nursing degree through DMACC’s RN program—a choice made possible, in large part, by the support he received from Mary Greeley’s tuition reimbursement program and the Mary Ann and James R. Black Scholarship, which is awarded by the Mary Greeley Foundation.

“The financial support has been incredible,” he says. “Between the tuition reimbursement and the Black Scholarship, about 80% of my education costs are covered. I wouldn’t have been able to do this without that assistance.”

The Mary Ann and James R. Black Scholarship was established to support Mary Greeley employees pursuing degrees in direct patient care, with preference given to those seeking work in emergency or closely related services. Jim and Mary Ann Black, long-time supporters of the medical center, created the scholarship in recognition of the medical center earning the Malcolm Baldrige Award and the excellence of Mary Greeley’s Mobile Intensive Care Services and Emergency Services.

“Mary Greeley has played such an important role in our lives,” says Jim. “We’ve benefited from its services, we’ve seen its dedication to quality care, and we wanted to find a way to give back. We are thankful to have a Baldrige-awarded hospital in our Ames community.”

“When we met Michael,” Mary Ann adds, “we were incredibly impressed by his commitment and his willingness to take on such a demanding path. We’re proud to play even a small role in supporting him and others like him.”

A Balancing Act: Juggling Finance and Patient Care

Michael’s journey is not a traditional one. Unlike many nursing students, he hasn’t left his previous career behind. By day, he continues to work in finance full-time, and in the evenings and on weekends, he takes classes and works part-time at Mary Greeley.

“It’s a lot to juggle,” he says. “But I love both fields, and I find that the skills I’ve developed in finance—problem-solving, attention to detail, and working with people—actually help me in patient care as well.”

Michael has so enjoyed his patient care journey that he envisions a future where he can continue working in both finance and nursing.

“It’s not about choosing one or the other,” he says. “For me, this is about finding a way to make an impact where I can.”

Investing in the Future of Healthcare

Offerings like the Black Scholarship and tuition assistance programs are key to building a strong pipeline of healthcare professionals, ensuring that hospitals like Mary Greeley continue to attract and retain dedicated caregivers.

“Mary Greeley’s commitment to workforce development is one of the things that makes this organization stand out,” says Melissa McGarry, Executive Director of the Mary Greeley Foundation. “When donors invest in scholarships and tuition support, they are investing in the future of healthcare. Michael’s story is a perfect example of how these opportunities can change lives and strengthen our hospital for years to come.”

For Michael, the generosity of donors and the support of the Foundation has meant more than just financial assistance—it’s reinforced his sense of belonging and purpose within the healthcare field.

“When people donate to the Foundation, they’re not just writing a check,” he says. “They’re making it possible for people like me to take a leap, to explore new paths, and to contribute to our community in meaningful ways. It’s a gift that extends far beyond the classroom.”