Originally published on November 14, 2023.
As a registered nurse licensed to practice in 48 states, Faelynn Kartchner (’18) is living out her high school dream of practicing medicine and helping those in need. Having received her associate degree in 1999, Faelynn returned to SUU after raising her family to earn her bachelor’s degree in nursing in 2018.
“In high school I just knew I wanted to be a nurse! I went forward at my own pace and accomplished my goal,” says Faelynn of her lengthy educational process.
As a triage nurse with CareXM, a Lehi, Utah-based healthcare provider, Faelynn works remotely, taking calls from all over the United States to help patients in home care and hospice receive the help they need.
“It’s fulfilling and rewarding, but it is a super hard career path and field. You have to love helping others to be a nurse,” she says.
Faelynn and her husband made Cedar City their home, and she chose SUU because “it’s the best university.” The highly lauded nursing program and SUU’s comprehensive curriculum helped her gain the education she needed to help others and, further, taught her that she is capable of accomplishing her goals.
“I love our campus, our staff and our family of SUU friends! I learned there are wonderful people at SUU that want your success,” Faelynn says.
In addition to serving her community as a nurse—including in the arduous area of hospice care—Faelynn has also served as the project coordinator for the Iron County Safety Council and on the board for Canyon Creek Services, keeping children safe on the roads and supporting victims of domestic violence.
She and her husband Michael, a fellow SUU graduate (’05) who has been a campus employee—in multiple areas—for more than 30 years, are active in a variety of community activities.
