Dayne Krachey’s Path from First-Generation College Graduate to Nurse Leader
By Rebecca Jamieson
As a child growing up in the small town of Wauzeka, Wisconsin, Dayne Krachey ’25 dreamed of becoming a doctor. But, when his father and grandfather faced health challenges, his perspective changed after witnessing the compassion and empathy that nurses offered. “I knew I wanted to be that person for someone else,” he says. “Whether it’s listening to a family member vent or showing a patient how to care for themselves at home, that’s what keeps me going. I strive to be there for people like those nurses were there for me and my family.”
Today, Krachey lives in Lancaster, Wisconsin, where he works at Grant Regional Health Center (GRHC), a rural hospital where he wears many hats. His roles span the medical-surgical inpatient unit, the emergency department, and the charge nurse position. “I’m constantly doing something different at work, and I love it,” he says. “It really cuts down on the dread of going to work. One day I’m in the ER, the next I’m on med-surg. It keeps things fresh.”
As he has grown in his career, Krachey has developed a grounded, community-focused, and deeply empathetic approach to nursing, which earned him the Rising Star award at GRHC in 2023.
His approach to nursing is fueled by a desire to constantly be learning and growing in the profession. As a first-generation college graduate, continuing his education was both a personal and professional goal. “I value education deeply,” he says. “I knew that if I ever wanted to work at a Magnet-status hospital or take on leadership roles, I’d need a BSN.” After earning his associate degree in nursing from Southwest Wisconsin Technical College in 2022, Krachey enrolled in the BSN@Home program at UW–Madison.
The flexibility of the BSN@Home program was a perfect fit for Krachey, who worked night shifts while completing his degree. “A normal person’s noon is my midnight,” he jokes. “I was worried about scheduling, but the program was incredibly accommodating. I had friends who recommended it, and they were right—it was a great experience.”
“Having well-rounded, BSN-prepared nurses on staff makes us well-equipped to guide initiatives and drive improvements in these unique settings.”
One of Krachey’s favorite aspects of the program was connecting with instructors across the UW System. “Each nurse sees the world differently, and stepping into their point of view was really impactful,” he says. His capstone project focused on improving education and protocols in the perioperative department at Grant Regional. “It was almost like taking on a managerial role where I got to use the leadership skills from my program,” he says. “The BSN@Home program does a great job of fostering leadership skills. I strive to be a positive leader, and that was one of my biggest takeaways.”
Since graduating in spring 2025, Krachey notes that leadership is a growing part of his role. Initially unsure about the charge nurse position, he has found fulfillment in being a calm presence during high-intensity situations. “People started coming to me for help, and I realized I could be that steady hand,” he says. “Whether it’s troubleshooting a medication drip or lending an ear during a tough moment, I want to be that person.”
He also notes that nurses in rural health care tend to juggle diverse responsibilities, and having a BSN is an advantage in those situations. “Having well-rounded, BSN-prepared nurses on staff makes us well-equipped to guide initiatives and drive improvements in these unique settings,” he says.
Krachey is passionate about rural health care, recognizing both its strengths and challenges. “It’s great to have care close to home, but specialized services can be hard to access,” he explains. “We have to educate patients to advocate for themselves and make sure they understand follow-ups.”
In addition to his duties providing bedside care at GRHC, Krachey hopes to become a nurse educator. He’s already begun teaching Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) and Basic Life Support (BLS) classes. “It’s fun to be a resource for newer nurses and staff,” he says.
His hospital’s current educator, who is preparing for retirement, has also encouraged him to pursue teaching. “I was nervous at first, but after teaching my first class, I realized I really enjoy it,” he says. “I love helping students work through tough questions and build confidence and leadership skills that are career-changing. That’s where I see myself making a difference.”
Graduating from the BSN@Home program prepared Krachey to step into these opportunities. For those considering the program, Krachey says, “Just do it! There’s no time like the present.” For those who might be afraid of balancing school and the rest of their responsibilities with work and life, Krachey offers reassurance. “Don’t be afraid. It’s such a supportive environment.” His instructors were an email away, and he always received a timely response. “They were always willing to meet in person or virtually to make sure I was really understanding the material,” he adds. “You’re not on your own.”
For Krachey, the decision to earn his BSN from the UW–Madison School of Nursing has opened doors and made clear the impact nurses have on the future of health care. “Just by showing up every day. Being present, advocating, comforting. That’s how we make a difference.”
Learn more about the BSN@Home program at UW–Madison.
Original content drafted by Rebecca Jamieson and formatted by Copilot. Final copy reviewed and edited by Liz Fitzpatrick and Megan Hinners.