Vanderbilt University

04/17/2025 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 04/17/2025 16:05

CLASS OF 2025: Keira Claessen-Womack, connecting through respect

Vanderbilt School of Nursing master's graduate Keira Claessen-Womack spends her days helping a group of people that others might ignore. She works in a special nonprofit clinic in Nashville providing holistic health care for those with substance use disorders. She is intentional about creating an environment of dignity and caring, so patients in vulnerable populations and their families know they matter.

"If I could wave a magic wand and change our health care system, the first thing I would do is make it a nonjudgmental space that is approachable," said the Washington, D.C., native. "I just want these patients to feel empowered to focus on their health."

LIFE EXPERIENCES

Keira Claessen-Womack during a nursing rotation (Submitted photo)

Claessen-Womack has personally experienced the pain of addiction in family members, which strengthens her empathy and resolve to offer holistic care. She excelled as a Collaborative Academic Practice scholar, a program that supports nursing students with a specific interest in caring for people in medically underserved or rural communities.

"My experiences growing up significantly changed my perspective on how vulnerable patient populations, such as those with substance use disorders or other mental health needs, are treated in the health care system," she said. "As a nurse practitioner today, I am able to help them take a deep breath and relax and feel safe and heard and finally be open to seeking treatment."

Keira Claessen-Womack as a baby with her parents (Submitted photo)

Her instructors saw the passion behind her purpose early on.

"Keira's passion and vision was palpable," said Chance Allen, instructor in nursing. "I was able to connect her with one of my mentors to help her reach her vision of landing at Meharry Medical. I believe Keira's compassion and her energetic demeanor will instill hope and positively impact many people. I'm grateful to have been a pivotal part of her journey."

VALUE OF A TEAM

As a first-generation college student, Claessen-Womack pursued her undergraduate dreams as a student-athlete in North Carolina. She said the intensity of juggling collegiate softball with classes and then working in a pediatric emergency room while on breaks gave her a strong work ethic and reinforced her values of building an empathetic support system.

Keira Claessen-Womack playing softball at East Carolina University (Submitted photo)
Keira Claessen-Womack celebrates her senior softball season at East Carolina University. (Submitted photo)

"My sports community, my upbringing and the support of my parents instilled so many things that I think allowed me to get to VUSN," she said. "I lead with humility so I can be the best caregiver I can be."

A journey in caregiving that she is inspired to pursue.

Keira Claessen-Womack and other nurses in their program at their White Coat Ceremony (Submitted photo)

"I would promote nursing to anyone and everyone, because there is no one size fits all in terms of where you can end up in your career and what you can focus on," Claessen-Womack said. "Nurses are so innovative, and they work together for the benefit of others. That's true belonging."