Christopher LaCroix has held many jobs and is a man of many talents — but when he graduates from the College of Nursing this December, he’s confident that he’s found his calling.
LaCroix, who entered the BSN second-career program in May 2020, calls his future as a nurse a kind of “fourth act,” following previous paths on stage, and in hospitality and philanthropy. During the program, he gained experience in myriad nursing disciplines but found himself most drawn to pediatric and pulmonary medicines. As he approaches graduation, LaCroix is considering several career opportunities, and looks forward to bringing empathy and compassion with him in his future role.
“It’s important to me that I’m not seeing just a number in a hospital bed, but a person — someone with hopes and fears, someone who loves and is loved,” he said. “It’s about looking at and caring for that whole person.”
That same holistic approach is part of what drew LaCroix to Wayne State when he decided to pursue a nursing degree during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“The program is highly respected in the industry, and I knew that with a WSU nursing degree I would have my choice of jobs,” he said. “And Wayne State had a nursing program that looked at me as a whole person, not just a set of test scores and academic statistics. They considered how my experiences would help make me a great nurse.”
Originally from Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, LaCroix attended Alma College, graduating with a bachelor of music in vocal performance. He then moved to New York City, earning a master’s in music theatre and vocal pedagogy from New York University. Shortly thereafter, he landed a role in the North American touring production of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat.
After a year “on the road,” LaCroix quickly grew weary of the audition process in NYC. He then spent years pursuing a career in hospitality before, ultimately, deciding to return home to Michigan. Here, he accepted a position in philanthropy at his alma mater, Alma College.
“In New York, it’s easy to get lost in the shuffle. I felt like the work I was doing wasn’t really adding to society, and I knew I was ready to come home,” he said. “Working in philanthropy was a change of pace, but I didn’t feel like I was at my best, and while the work was fulfilling, I just didn’t see my future in it.”
LaCroix described the idea to pursue nursing as initially goofy, but quickly came to realize that it made perfect sense.
“A friend of mine from the Joseph tour had pursued nursing as a second career and absolutely loved it,” he said. “The more I thought about it, the more I came to realize nursing was this perfect amalgamation of my head and heart. I could have a solid, respected career while utilizing my empathy and desire to connect with people — giving back in a meaningful way.”
His realization was affirmed throughout the coursework, but LaCroix cites his immersion class at Children’s Hospital as formative.
“Being able to see a patient every day and watch them make progress puts it all into perspective,” he said. “Knowing you’re making an impact on someone's life — and the lives of their loved ones — that’s what it’s all about.”
Completing the program in a largely virtual environment presented a unique set of challenges for LaCroix, but he leaned on family and friends for support. He cites the strength and support of his partner of six years, who had earned a Ph.D. around the same time LaCroix started the BSN program, and his mother, who helped him complete a fetal pig dissection as part of an Anatomy & Physiology course. Additionally, LaCroix said he drew support from his peers and professors, especially Dr. Stephen Smolenski and Dr. Jacqueline Moody.
“Our cohort is a class that’s able to roll with whatever might come our way. My fellow students are rock stars — I look at some of them who have managed to complete the program while holding down multiple jobs, raising families... I’m in awe,” LaCroix said. “Our faculty have had to go through so much too, adapting to the pandemic, but they never lowered the bar for us.”
While LaCroix might eventually focus on ear, nose and throat (ENT) specialty care, which would align closely to his experience and background with vocal performance, for now he’s eager to be spending even more time working with patients.
“I could not be more ready or more excited to get out in the field and help people,” he said. “And that drive is something that makes me think this is going to be one heck of a fourth act.”