When Lora Evans decided to study nursing at Ozarks Tech, she knew balancing school with work and family would not be easy. She could not have predicted how hard it would become after her mother was diagnosed with cancer.
Evans, a paramedic with two decades of experience, applied to Ozarks Tech’s Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN) Completion program in mid-2024. She liked how the hybrid format—online classes paired with scheduled clinicals—let her complete coursework between shifts as a CoxHealth paramedic at the Christian County Ambulance District.
The flexible setup seemed perfect for a working single mom with a teenage daughter. Evans had attended Ozarks Tech years before but withdrew when she became pregnant. Now, the timing felt right to take the next step into nursing for more job opportunities.
By July 2024, she had committed to the program. Later that month, everything changed when her mother was diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer.
Evans became a caregiver at home as well as at work, all while carrying a full course load. Her days blurred into a rotation of roles: paramedic, student, mother, daughter, caregiver.
She made long drives with her mother to Barnes-Jewish Hospital in St. Louis. At home, Evans handled her mother’s daily care, cooked meals, kept the house clean and took over the bills. Her dad worked full time to keep finances steady, and her daughter helped where she could. Most of the mental and physical caregiving, though, fell on Evans.
The nursing program’s flexible structure helped her keep up with her studies. “If my mom had an appointment, I did homework at the hotel, during chemo — wherever I could,” she said. “Once, during clinicals, my mom was in the same hospital, and I used a break to finish paperwork in her room.”
By late fall, her mom was too ill to continue trips to St. Louis and was transferred back to Springfield for care. Evans’ instructors knew what she was juggling and stepped in with support. “I had some really incredible instructors who knew the situation and were willing to work with me,” she said.
In August 2025, less than a year after she began, Evans completed her Associate of Science in Nursing. Her dedication and compassion did not go unnoticed. At graduation, Evans received two awards from faculty: Positive Nursing Image for her inspiring example, and Clinical Excellence, which she credits to extensive EMS experience. “I was humbled and surprised,” she said.
“During her time in the program, Lora demonstrated perseverance and a strong commitment to her studies,” said Dr. Susan Inman, ASN Program Director. “Most impressively, she demonstrated the strength of her character. Lora is truly an example of a nurse who will be a credit to our profession.”
Evans is still balancing multiple roles. She continues to work as a paramedic, and added a PRN, or as-needed, nursing job on the side. She relies on a deep faith to carry her through. “It’s been a journey,” she said. “I have always loved caring for people, and I was grateful to be able to care for my mom.”
Credits: Videographer Austin Barton and Photographer Kristina Bridges