What inspired you to become a nurse?

What inspired me were the interactions I had with patients growing up. When visiting my Dad in the hospital or working healthcare-related jobs, I would approach patients, and I could tell they truly appreciated it. I want to help people more, so I decided to pursue a higher degree in nursing.

What factors attracted you to Elmhurst University's online MENP program?

Elmhurst's online MENP program was attractive to me because it is asynchronous education. It allowed me to maintain my daily life schedule while gaining the education I needed to further my career.

Why was it important to you to enter the nursing field with your MSN degree?

I wanted to enter nursing with an MSN because I already had a bachelor's in human biology. As a master's-educated nurse, you can assume higher responsibility roles with the Certified Nurse Leader certificate. I’d love to impact the healthcare system, driving quality outcomes within a leadership setting. 

How would you describe the support you've received in the program so far?

The support has been unmatched compared to my previous online learning. As everyone knows, COVID caused a lot of classes to go online, so part of my college years was in an online environment. Elmhurst faculty are always around to help. We have all their contact information, and they ensure we have the resources needed to succeed.

What are your long-term nursing goals following completion of the program?

After I graduate from the Elmhurst MENP program, I'd like to work as a nurse for a while. I'm not sure of the specialty yet. I'm excited to go through the clinical rotations to figure out what I like, but I also want to earn my doctorate in nursing practice to become a nurse practitioner. 

In addition to providing direct patient care, I'd also like to focus on preventative care, especially for geriatric patients, because many don't have access to the necessary resources. I'd love to invest time in figuring out a way to better provide our older patients, especially those in nursing homes or some outpatient settings, with tools or resources they can use to live life to the fullest, especially in their later years.

What does it mean to you to enter the nursing profession?

It’s a gateway to achieve that long-term goal of influencing people's health on a lifespan level, as opposed to a one-day visit or interaction with them. Nurses are always at the bedside—especially outpatient and inpatient. They have the most communication with the patient and are always there to provide education. So, to me, being a nurse means being that first line of outreach that people can always rely on.