Katie Weiser was born to sing. It is all she wanted to do. Imbued with the traits of intellect and ambition, a singer is exactly what Katie became. She received her Bachelor of Arts degree at Smith College and was the first student at the institution to obtain a concentration in vocal performance with her degree. She then attended Syracuse University receiving a master’s in music. Katie then went to Austria earning a post graduate degree in opera at the University of Music in Graz.
After studying in Austria, Italy and Spain, Katie was ready to come home and take a deep dive into musical theatre, one of her first loves. While at a callback audition in New York City for a television show as well as a Broadway National Tour, the pandemic hit, and the world shut down. And like everything else, Katie’s musical prospects were canceled.
Sitting at home in Washington Depot, Connecticut, feeling deflated and unsure of the future of the music industry, Katie pondered her next move. Inspired by the selflessness and unwavering dedication of healthcare workers during the pandemic, Katie contemplated nursing. The curious and high achieving part of Katie thought it was the perfect time to do it. She applied for and was accepted into the accelerated nursing program at UConn. She graduated at the top of her class receiving the Sigma Theta Tau award, a high honor from the Society of Nursing.
“I love my job,” said Katie. “Much like singing, nursing is making a connection with someone.”
According to Katie, “music is a universal language. It touches people, it moves people. Nursing does that too, but in a hands-on way. I’m having a direct and personal connection with my patients.”
Katie began her career as a registered nurse in February 2023 in Saint Mary’s Hospital’s Intensive Care Unit. Working in the ICU was a conscious choice. Katie says that despite its challenges, its incredibly meaningful work. Patients require skilled, intensive attention and care.
“There are days when it is hard, and days that are amazing. And I do sometimes play music or sing to patients, and I know they hear me,” said Katie.
Katie has no regrets leaving the world of musical theatre and performing. “I feel so comfortable and uniquely myself when I’m working on the floor, with patients and my team,” said Katie. Besides, she is not done performing. Not only is she continuing to perform in local productions, but she has also shared her incredible talent at various functions for Saint Mary’s including the Celebration of Lights and Blue Christmas events.
According to Katie, what are goals, if not for achieving? Next on her list is starting a musical program at Saint Mary’s as well as a running club that would raise funds for community organizations. Katie was recently featured in the Waterbury Republican American. Click here to reach the full story.