Influential Woman · Healthcare
Marijo Donar
Retired Registered Nurse, Healthcare Institution
Marion, IA 53202
Her Story
About Marijo
Marijo Donar is a retired registered nurse based in Marion, Iowa, whose career was shaped by compassion, faith, and a deep commitment to helping others. She earned her Registered Nursing (RN) qualification from Kirkwood Community College in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, completing her prerequisites one class at a time before successfully passing the NCLEX. She began her healthcare career as a nursing assistant in the burn unit at University Hospital, where she discovered her passion for providing meaningful patient care. She later spent 14 years working in an obstetrics and gynecology (OBGYN) office, providing patient intake, support, and compassionate assistance.
Throughout her professional journey, Marijo credits her success to her faith in God, which has sustained and guided her through both professional and personal challenges, including her battle with cancer. Her approach to nursing was grounded in empathy, kindness, and genuine love for people. She believes in listening carefully to patients, understanding their needs, and thinking before speaking, recognizing the importance of compassion during vulnerable moments. Her experiences in healthcare strengthened her desire to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others.
Beyond her nursing career, Marijo is a published book author who has a genuine love for writing and creative expression. In retirement, she continues to demonstrate her commitment to service through charitable activities, including sponsoring a child named Edison in Guatemala and participating in the Christmas Shoebox program. Whether through patient care, writing, or supporting those in need, Marijo remains dedicated to sharing kindness, encouragement, and compassion with others.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Marijo
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute all of my success to God and His grace. After being diagnosed with cancer and undergoing surgery that resulted in the removal of my right ear, I am grateful that the cancer was successfully cleared. During that difficult time, my child was my rock and greatest source of strength. My faith in God has carried me through life's challenges, and I give Him all the glory for where I am today.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I have received is to always listen to my patients and think carefully before speaking. Taking the time to understand others and choosing my words wisely allows me to communicate thoughtfully, build trust, and provide better care.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering the industry is to avoid smoking, embrace the opportunities of the digital age, and, most importantly, make personal connections with the people they serve. Take the time to listen to their needs and wants, understand their concerns, and focus on providing the help and support they are looking for.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of my biggest challenges is adapting to technology and computer-based documentation, as I was not raised in the digital generation. I prefer traditional charting because it allows me to describe patient conditions, particularly wounds, in greater detail, rather than selecting from limited options in a computer system. I value the accuracy and personal detail that traditional documentation provides.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values most important to me are love for others, compassion, and empathy. I deeply care about my patients and often feel their pain as if it were my own. My empathy is so strong that I sometimes wish I could take their place and bear their suffering instead. I believe genuine care means treating every patient with kindness, understanding, and heartfelt compassion.
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