This National Nurse Appreciation Week, we are proud to celebrate Connor Larson, a nurse whose dedication, curiosity, and compassion reflect the very best of Mount Olivet Rolling Acres (MORA).
On April 21, Connor reached an exciting milestone by presenting his Doctor of Nursing Practice project at the University of Minnesota. Over the past year, his work has focused on implementing strategic dementia screening and early identification of symptoms for MORA clients. This effort is helping care teams provide more informed, proactive, and compassionate support.
Connor’s journey with MORA spans nearly a decade. He began as a Direct Support Professional and has spent the last seven years serving as a Registered Nurse. Throughout that time, his commitment to both residents and his own professional growth has remained strong.
What keeps him here?
For Connor, it is the mission.
He values being part of a nonprofit organization that prioritizes people over profit. He shares, “I feel that we prioritize the overall lived experiences of our residents over making profit.” That sense of purpose has shaped his experience and strengthened his connection to the work.
He also credits MORA with giving him the flexibility and support to grow. Flexible scheduling and educational support made it possible for him to continue working while pursuing advanced education. This allowed him to keep serving the community while reaching his academic goals.
Reflecting on his time, Connor says, “I have really enjoyed working at MORA and feel very grateful for the opportunity to serve the population that we do.”
Connor’s story is one of dedication, growth, and meaningful impact. It is a reminder that nurses not only care for individuals but also improve the systems that support them.
This week, we celebrate Connor and all nurses who make a difference every day.
