Seeing both her parents deal with life-threatening health issues, Kali Holt knew she wanted to work in the health care field.
Fortunately, her mother set a “wonderful example” for her to follow.
As a nurse nearly her entire life, Eva Jensen, Holt’s mom, dedicated her life to service, including serving in the military during Operation Desert Storm. Jensen also got to go to nursing school a second time, going for her practical nursing license in 2023. She was in full-blown heart failure with 20 percent of her heart working, but eventually overcame it after being told she had only three months to live.
“Both fortunately and unfortunately, as she got better, my dad died,” said Holt. “That was a big wake-up call that I needed to go to nursing school. I was watching her fight and realized how strong she was, so I wanted to follow in her footsteps.”
“It wasn’t long after she earned her licensed practical nurse degree that she encouraged
me to go to nursing school,” said Holt. “We were able to go through it together. My
mom was a constant source of encouragement.”
“We both have a passion for helping others, and it’s been incredible to watch Kali
grow into such a compassionate nurse.”
Eva Jensen
Holt earned her Associate Degree in Nursing at Northeast State in 2024 and now is completing her bachelor’s degree at ETSU, with plans to become a nurse practitioner. Jensen also has her sights set on furthering her nursing education.
The mother-daughter duo says the bond they share in nursing school has been invaluable.
“We have studied together, supported each other, and cheered each other on,” Jensen
said. “We both have a passion for helping others, and it’s been incredible to watch
Kali grow into such a compassionate nurse.”
By Jonathan Roberts | Photos Contributed
Read more incredible stories in the Winter 2025 Edition of ETSU Today. #BucsGoBeyond
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