MCC Daily Tribune

Nurses Week Alumna Faculty Profile: Karleen Hollander

To celebrate Nurses Week, we are profiling some of the MCC nursing faculty who are also graduates! Today we feature Karleen Hollander.

Veronica: Why did you choose to become a nurse?
Karleen: I chose to be a nurse when I was in kindergarten! The nurse at my pediatrician's office was amazing. She was always so kind, and I remember everything about her to this day.

Veronica: How did your education at MCC prepare you for your career?
Karleen: I never realized how valuable my MCC education was in the professional field. I felt prepared as a novice nurse and ready to grow in the specialty I chose. I returned to MCC as an adult student and an LPN, ready to advance my career. Because of the affordability and flexibility within the Nursing Program, I was able to advance my career in nursing and pursue an RN degree.

Veronica: Why did you choose to come back and teach at MCC?
Karleen: I knew when I was an LPN that I enjoyed teaching. As I finished my undergraduate studies, I was conflicted about what master's program I was going to apply for and which one was available. I knew I wanted to teach, so I set off to get my master's degree in nursing education. I also knew that I wanted to teach at MCC. The program gives people so many opportunities! The community college is where my heart is because if I didn't have the opportunity at MCC, I would not be where I am today in my career!

Veronica: What advice do you have for someone considering joining the nursing field?
Karleen: Nursing is hard, but it is also rewarding. It is stressful and fulfilling at the same time. You will have experiences that you will remember for a lifetime. Our community needs great, kind, caring, knowledgeable nurses.

Veronica: If you could choose a spirit animal, what would it be and why?
Karleen: My spirit animal is Winnie the Pooh! Pooh teaches us gratitude and taking pleasure in the small things. We have an importance of friendship and community. His empathic and nonjudgmental approach reflects in my qualities as a nurse. Plus, our humor helps maintain the lighthearted outlook on life most days!

Photo caption:

Headshot of Karleen Hollander wearing a yellow sweatshirt smiling at the camera while sitting in her office. Photo has s graphic border with MCC logo, stethoscope illustration and text: Nurses Week Spotlight: Karleen Hollander, MCC Alumna.

Attached Files:
Nurses Week - Karleen Hollander.jpg

Veronica Chiesi Brown
Community Relations
05/08/2025