When Alyvia Meeker, RN, decided to become a nurse, she already had plenty of inspiration close to home.
“My mom’s mom was a nurse, my mom is a nurse and then my older sister is a nurse,” Alyvia said. “They kind of inspired me to do it.”
After earning her LPN in 2023 and completing her RN in 2024, Alyvia joined the nursing team at Madonna Rehabilitation Hospitals. Like many early-career nurses, she was looking for more than just a job. She wanted a place where she could continue learning, build meaningful relationships and feel supported by the people around her.
That welcoming culture is what stood out almost immediately.
“Not every place you walk into has that great vibe,” Alyvia said. “Everyone at Madonna, just walking down the halls, it’s always a friendly hello or a wave or a smile.”
One of the qualities Alyvia values most is being a dependable teammate. She believes the best patient care starts with nurses who are willing to support one another.
“I think it’s really important to be someone that others can lean on and not be afraid to ask you for help,” she said.
As a nurse who has spent time working on every unit at Madonna’s Omaha campus, Alyvia cares for patients recovering from serious injuries and illnesses. While each day brings new challenges, it’s the relationships she builds with patients that make the work especially meaningful.
“My favorite part of the job is when you have someone who has a little bit longer stay and you get to know them and see their progress throughout their stay at Madonna,” she said. “It’s really rewarding.”
Even though she’s still early in her career, Alyvia has already found opportunities to continue growing professionally. She recently began training to serve as a weekend fill-in supervisor, an opportunity that reflects Madonna’s commitment to developing nurses at every stage of their careers.
She also appreciates the flexibility that helps nurses balance work and life outside the hospital.
“Flexibility is a big one, especially if you have kids,” Alyvia said. “Madonna is really great about scheduling and moving your days around.”
For nurses beginning their careers, Alyvia offers simple advice: look for a workplace where you feel supported.
“I feel like you can talk to anyone here and not feel like you’re asking a silly question,” she said. “Everyone’s welcoming, and you make great friends when you work here.”
Whether you’re just graduating from nursing school or taking the next step from LPN to RN, Madonna offers an environment where new nurses can build confidence, develop their skills and grow into future leaders.