For 2019 Pahrump Valley High School graduate Kaylie (Dalzin) Saenz, the path from student life to professional success has been anything but ordinary. Her story is one of perseverance, sacrifice, and unwavering compassion—anchored by a deep desire to care for others and a fierce determination to reach her goals. Today, Kaylie serves as a registered nurse at a podiatry clinic in Pahrump, and is a proud wife, mother, and role model who continues to give back to the community that helped shape her.
Kaylie’s journey into the medical field began before she even crossed the graduation stage. During her senior year at PVHS, she started taking prerequisite college courses, laying the foundation for what would soon become a fast-paced and rewarding career. In 2020, she enrolled in a phlebotomy and lab assistant program at Medical Skills for Life Institute in Las Vegas, diving into hands-on medical work. But her ambitions didn’t stop there. By 2021, she had committed to an accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program at the Arizona College of Nursing in Las Vegas—one she would complete in under three years while juggling motherhood, marriage, and two jobs.
Throughout her high school years, Kaylie was deeply involved in extracurriculars, most notably the cheerleading team. She started on junior varsity as a freshman and later joined the varsity squad during her sophomore and senior years. Her versatility as a cheerleader allowed her to try every position—flyer, base, backspot, and front spot—but she ultimately found her groove as a secondary base, forming strong bonds with her stunt group and teammates. Cheering at games and supporting her school’s athletes left her with fond memories and lasting friendships that she still cherishes today.
In addition to cheer, Kaylie participated in track for two years, running long-distance events. Her academic strengths were especially evident in English, a subject she gravitated toward and excelled in. As a member of the yearbook team, she found joy in contributing to a creative project that captured the essence of her high school experience. These varied experiences helped her build a well-rounded foundation of teamwork, perseverance, and time management—skills that would later become vital in her career as a nurse.
After graduation, Kaylie continued to stay connected to PVHS through the friendships she maintained with her classmates. These bonds proved especially meaningful when several of her high school friends attended her baby shower in 2021, a moment that reminded her how enduring those teenage connections could be. Although the rigors of nursing school sometimes made it difficult to keep in touch, she found that true friends understood the demands she faced and continued to support her from afar.
The transition from student to healthcare professional was not without its challenges. As the first in her family to attend college, Kaylie had to navigate uncharted waters. Balancing the responsibilities of school, work, motherhood, and marriage all at once was daunting. Yet, she pressed forward with the same determination that once helped her push through high school algebra, a subject she admits was never easy for her. That “keep pushing” mindset, instilled in her by supportive teachers, remained with her through every exam, clinical rotation, and night of minimal sleep.
One of the most emotional and motivating aspects of Kaylie’s journey was the memory of her grandfather, who was one of her greatest champions. He always encouraged her to pursue her education and never doubted her ability to succeed. When he passed away in September 2021, just a month after her son was born, Kaylie made a promise to honor his legacy. Three years later, on September 20, 2024—exactly three years to the day after his passing—she passed her NCLEX state boards. For Kaylie, that milestone carried deep personal significance. It was a moment of triumph and healing, made brighter by the belief that her grandfather was still with her in spirit.
Kaylie also credits her husband Jacob with being her rock during the most difficult moments of nursing school and everyday life. His unwavering support, encouragement, and pride in her accomplishments have been a constant source of motivation. Their three-year-old son, Ivan, has likewise inspired her to push harder, to be someone he can admire and look up to. “Becoming a mother changed everything,” she reflects. “It gave me a whole new reason to keep going.”
Professionally, Kaylie’s most rewarding moments come not from accolades or promotions, but from the gratitude of her patients. She takes pride in knowing that her presence and care can brighten someone’s day and make a tangible difference in their health journey. Each “thank you” and heartfelt compliment reaffirms her purpose and commitment to being the best nurse she can be. While she admits that being a new nurse comes with a steep learning curve—including managing time effectively and learning from mistakes—she’s embraced every challenge as an opportunity to grow.
Looking ahead, Kaylie has her sights set on returning to school to earn her master’s degree and become a nursing educator. She wants to inspire and train future nurses the same way her instructors inspired her. She also hopes to give back through volunteer work and plans to sign up for the next Remote Area Medical (RAM) clinic in Pahrump, providing vital care to underserved residents in the community. Kaylie will also soon be starting as an RN at Family Health and Pediatric office in addition to the podiatry office.
In her free time, Kaylie enjoys unwinding with her family—whether it’s watching TV series, listening to music, or playing outside with Ivan and their two dogs, Hazel and Bison. When it comes to maintaining a healthy work-life balance, she follows advice from one of her nursing professors: “Leave your monkeys at the door.” That simple mantra reminds her to compartmentalize work stress and focus on family when she’s home, creating a happier, more fulfilling life on both fronts.
From her high school days filled with cheer routines and yearbook meetings to her current role as a devoted nurse and mother, Kaylie Saenz embodies resilience, compassion, and dedication. Her journey is a powerful reminder that with enough heart and determination, even the most demanding paths can lead to profoundly rewarding destinations.
