Kiki Suttle is a role model for self-sufficiency. A full-time nursing student at the IU School of Nursing Fort Wayne, Kiki also works nearly 40 hours most weeks to put herself through school and pay for her living expenses.
It’s rare for her to ask for help, but last year when her borrowed laptop died minutes before an exam, she was able to find timely support thanks to the IU Nursing Student Emergency Fund.
“I went to nursing administration, and a big shout out to Dr. Jamie Rausch who helped me manage the exam that day and then told me about the IU Nursing Student Emergency Fund,” Kiki explained. “I went straight home and applied. They were so quick to respond, and I used the funds to buy a new laptop and put the rest toward my school and tuition expenses.”
Without the new computer, Kiki said she couldn’t have completed nursing school. Enrolled in IUSON’s Second Degree Accelerated BSN program, Kiki earned a bachelor’s degree in community health from IU Bloomington in 2022. Taking out student loans to pay for nursing school, she started at the IU School of Nursing Fort Wayne in January 2023 and is on track to graduate with her BSN in May 2024.
“I’ll be in debt when I finish–but not too much—and it’s been worth it,” she said. “Two degrees from IU—I can’t complain.”
Even while completing her first bachelor’s degree, Kiki never gave up on her dream of being a nurse. Her interest developed at a young age from watching her mom put herself through nursing school while raising Kiki and her older sister Tee.
“I always saw her studying and when I got older, I started asking her questions and gaining interest in what she did,” Kiki said. “It was a real journey for her, but it was exciting for me to see.”
Today, Kiki sees what her mom does firsthand. For the past three years, Kiki has worked as a nurse’s aide at Fort Wayne’s Lutheran Hospital in the cardiovascular intensive care unit—the same unit where her mom is an RN. In addition to seeing her mom sometimes, Kiki said it’s been a great environment to learn and grow.
“I think I want to stay working on my unit for at least a year after I graduate from nursing school,” Kiki said. “I’m appreciative of all I’ve learned, and I really love my coworkers.”
With graduation just around the corner, Kiki reflects on her experience at the IU School of Nursing Fort Wayne with gratitude.
“I think the nursing school has some of the best faculty—they’ve definitely contributed to my growth and knowledge in this journey, and they’ve been very supportive.”
Kiki’s self-sufficiency and perseverance, coupled with the right support, have set her up for success as she transitions from working student to full-time nurse. As she starts this next chapter, she’s leaning into the qualities and beliefs that have worked for her in the past.
“Believing in yourself is most important because it all starts from within. If you really want something and have the drive, it will come to you.”
Gifts can be made to the IU Nursing Student Emergency Fund.