Back to school after launching four kids, Grace Angelondous got a curveball – raising her granddaughter

January 20, 2021

Grace Angelondous, APRN, CRNA, DNAP (NA ’19), worked in nursing for 16 years, including a dozen years at Mayo Clinic, before returning to school to become a nurse anesthetist.

“I’d wanted to continue my education for a long time but waited until my four children were grown,” says Angelondous. “I wanted to be present for them when they were in school and active in sports. When the youngest was ready to graduate from high school, I was accepted in the Mayo Clinic School of Health Sciences (MCSHS) Doctor of Nurse Anesthesia Practice Program. I had colleagues who had completed the program, and I shadowed one of them. I felt like it was would be a good fit for me and would allow me to stay remain in a clinical nursing role instead of versus an administrative role.”

Within a week of going back to school, Angelondous got a curveball. She needed to take over raising her granddaughter, then 1-1/2 years old.

“I’d postponed school to make sure my kids were launched,” she says. “I never imagined I’d be raising a child in my 40s, but my daughter wasn’t on solid ground. My husband and I did what we needed to do. He cooked and cleaned and helped me to be able to focus on school. I had four young kids when I went through nursing school; I was astonished at how much more difficult it was to raise just one child at an older age. Everyone in our family stepped up and helped.”

Angelondous was older than her MCSHS classmates and at a different stage of life but found them to be supportive. “The program is all-consuming, so I sometimes envied the luxury of those who didn’t have to switch to mom/grandma mode when they got home from school, but time with my granddaughter is well spent. We’re helping her develop into a kind, compassionate person. If I had known in advance that this situation would arise, I might not have continued my education. I realize that there’s no right time for growth. I’m thankful it all worked out.”

Angelondous completed the Doctor of Nurse Anesthesia Practice Program in 2019 and has been employed in the Mayo Clinic Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine on the Rochester campus since then. “I feel fortunate to be part of the anesthesia team. It’s challenging and keeps me on my toes,” she says. “It was a good career choice.”

Angelondous says deciding to raise her granddaughter was another good choice. “The second time around in parenting, you have a different perspective – and more patience. You realize how quickly time passes by, and try to cherish the moments a little more. My granddaughter, now 7, is happy and healthy, doing well in school, and loves to read and cook with me. She came to my graduation and was excited to have a picture taken with me in my cap and gown. I hope I’ve shown her how to be resilient and to keep striving to achieve your goals.”