December 2024
Crystal Jackson, MSN Student
Florida A&M University
Anticipated Graduation Date: December 2024
I am in my final semester of the MSN-Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner (WHNP) program at Florida A&M University in Tallahassee, Florida. I will graduate on December 13, 2024, and I cannot wait! I chose this program because I am a Florida native, and it is the only school in the state that offers the WHNP program. I am passionate about various issues in women’s health, so this was a no-brainer for me. I love the sense of school pride at FAMU; even as a distance-learning (online) graduate student, I feel part of a powerful legacy and a great community of nursing professors who are subject matter experts and are putting their all into the program.
I am currently a perinatal HIV RN case manager with the Florida Department of Health in Saint Lucie County, where I work with pregnant women living with HIV and their exposed infants. After graduation, I intend to become licensed and certified and continue working with the Florida Department of Health in their prenatal and family planning clinics, where I can provide compassionate healthcare to low-income women and girls.
November 2024
Kristin Payestewa Picazo, PhD Student
Arizona State University
Anticipated Graduation Date: May 2026
I come from an adverse childhood that carries a lineage of oppression and trauma from history and addiction. Despite these hardships, my late Din茅 grandfather (Cheii) instilled in me the importance of higher education and giving back to our Indigenous communities. This in mind, I went back to school and dedicated my time to learn where I belong and who I am supposed to be. After not getting into nursing school right away and being put on a two-year waiting list, I decided to pursue a community health degree. This is where my passion began for health research. I then obtained a master’s degree and learned that, in those environments, less than 3% of Indigenous nurses in the U.S. are represented and even fewer hold a doctoral degree. Therefore, I chose this program because there is a need to increase Indigenous representation in research and health degrees. Being Din茅, Hopi (Tewa), and Omaha, I’m one of the few Indigenous doctoral students at Arizona State University's Edson College of Nursing and Health Innovation. As a third year, I am developing an integrative review that will identity barriers and challenges that academically hinder Indigenous representation in health and medical degrees. Currently, I co-lead a study that embarks on amplifying and emboldening Indigenous nursing and medicine. Within this program, I also volunteer my time by serving on the Edson Alumni Board and the Edson Council of Inclusive Excellence. My advocacy speaks for Indigenous equity in health and academia with an aim in serving to support diversity in cultural backgrounds, nursing, and medical pathways for students.
After this program I hope to gain a post-doc that serves in supporting Indigenous research in health, both nationally and internationally. I want to increase my networks to work alongside scholars and health professionals that believe in health equity for all. A goal of mine is to create a mentorship program among institutions that are specific for Indigenous researchers, nurses and medical students. Overall, I hope to be a supporter of a larger picture of Indigenizing academia and healthcare for our future generations to come. I am very grateful to be a part of a change that will encourage Indigenous students to attain degrees in research, nursing, medicine, and health. Ah茅hee'!
October 2024
Leslie Pitts, Dual DNP-PhD Student
University of Alabama at Birmingham
Anticipated Graduation Date: May 2026
Prior to pursuing the dual DNP-PhD degree, I worked as a pediatric nurse and acute-care pediatric nurse practitioner at Children's Hospital in Birmingham, Alabama, focusing on caring for children with complex endocrine disorders, including congenital adrenal hyperplasia. Witnessing these rare conditions' profound impact on children and their families inspired me to pursue this advanced degree. The dual DNP-PhD program equips me with the necessary skills to translate research into real-world solutions for children, adolescents, and young adults.
As the first dual DNP-PhD student at University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB), I've navigated both successes and challenges, particularly in balancing full-time coursework, research immersion, and professional service. During my time as a graduate student, I have had the privilege of serving as Chair and Co-Chair of the Pediatric Endocrine Society's Advanced Practice Provider Specialty Interest Group, President of the Alabama Chapter of the National Association of Pediatric Nurse Practitioners, and member of the Education Committee for the Pediatric Endocrinology Nursing Society. These experiences, combined with the mentorship and research opportunities I've received at UAB, have equipped me with skills beyond the traditional classroom setting. The dual program has enabled me to visualize how to bridge the gap between scientific research and clinical application, providing a strong foundation for future practice.
After completing the program, I hope to build a career combining clinical practice, research, and nursing education, using the knowledge and skills I have gained to enhance pediatric care and develop the next generation of nursing leaders who will shape the profession's future.
September 2024
Charity Brown, DNP Student
Old Dominion University
Anticipated Graduation Date: May 2025
Current Position: Internal Medicine NP and Patient Safety Manager
I decided to enroll in the Doctor of Nursing Practice program at Old Dominion University (ODU) to expand my knowledge as a clinician and impact clinical outcomes. My overall goal is to expand the field of nursing to allow for more autonomous practice as well as empowering and leadership opportunities. Lastly, I believe strongly in the impact of evidence-based practice and would like to become an expert in early recognition of clinical deterioration.
I’ve had an amazing experience applying my knowledge of the DNP Essentials in the program. I’ve had the opportunity to participate in advocating on Capitol Hill for policy change, community outreach activities, volunteering in a STEMinist event, and mentoring young women interested in healthcare careers to guide them along the way. It has been an absolute pleasure.
Upon completion of the program, I'd like to grow as a clinician and leader. I'd like the opportunity to participate in system-level process improvement to ensure optimal patient outcomes related to early recognition of clinical deterioration as well as quality and safety initiatives.
August 2024
Javona Alexander, MSN Student
Cedarville University
Anticipated Graduation Date: May 2025
Current Position: Civilian Pulmonary Registered Nurse Specialist 88th Medical Group
As a pulmonary Registered Nurse (RN), I decided to take the next step and help veterans further. I work on a military base as a civilian RN. I have worked in the gastrointestinal clinic, medical-surgical unit, and now in the pulmonary clinic while working on my master’s degree.
I enrolled in Cedarville University to pursue my passion for becoming a Nurse Practitioner. My area of interest is vascular neurology. I am in a Neurology Clinic at Wright Patterson Airforce Base assisting with neurological conditions. Helping neurological conditions interests me because there is a great need to research what causes or enables sporadic neurological diseases. Staying up to date on early diagnosis and treatment can save lives. My goal is to help with the demand provider shortage.
Cedarville University has helped me build the skills I need by allowing me to choose my specialty during my practicums. Studying at a graduate level in a specialized field prepares me for an easy transition. My leadership role will continue to grow from this opportunity. I pray to represent the nurses who read this post and are passionate about advanced nursing care, including APRNs working on the frontlines of patient care.
July 2024
Heather Lashley, PhD Student
University of Maryland
Anticipated Graduation Date: December 2024
Current Position: RN at Sheppard Pratt Hospital System
I decided to enroll in the University of Maryland’s BS to PhD program in 2019 after having spent one year working in orthopedic nursing. However, it was back in January 2018 that chronic pain evolved from being just a medical term I heard at work into a series of personal experiences and one of my central research interests. The physician's diagnosis of fibromyalgia began a journey that acquainted me with the unrelenting challenges of chronic pain and its impact on my psychological and physical well-being. I have also become aware of what it means to live with a highly contested and misunderstood illness, while personally witnessing healthcare workers complain about “troublesome pain patients”, who often only differed from the general population by having a diagnosis of fibromyalgia in their records.
My desire to bridge the chasm between fibromyalgia sufferers and care providers drove me to investigate the complex dynamics surrounding psychological resilience and adaptation to pain, focusing on what factors influence the relationship between resilience and fibromyalgia symptom burden. Throughout the last five years, I have further refined my research interests, solidifying my intent to investigate the impact of sociodemographic and psychological factors on psychological resilience in adults with fibromyalgia.
My dream is to become a nurse educator while continuing my research on resilience in persons suffering from fibromyalgia and other highly contested conditions. I want to advocate for people who are frequently overlooked and misunderstood by the medical community (whether it be individuals with fibromyalgia, chronic widespread pain, autoimmune disorders, or neuro-divergent conditions) but have just as much right to be respected by healthcare providers.
June 2024
Matthew Farmer, PhD Student
University of Missouri
Anticipated Graduation Date: May 2024
Current Position: Director of Clinical Operations, Population Health, CoxHealth, Springfield, Missouri
During the pandemic, the first COVID-19 vaccines were given to healthcare systems to distribute. Our system first created signups for these vaccines online. Due to lack of Internet access or digital illiteracy, many individuals in my area were unable to sign up. This observation led me to see what research has been done to study or address digital inequities. I could find very little. This prompted me to apply for the PhD program at the University of Missouri to gain the skills and mentoring needed to answer this question.
While gaining the skills needed to work on this problem, I found I had a passion for quantitative analysis, biostatistics, and data science. I enrolled in collateral coursework within the data science program to develop these skills further, which were beneficial in my dissertation research. As I reach the final steps of this journey, I look forward to doing four things: (1) add to the rigor of research and analysis methods me and my team does in population health; (2) contribute to other research projects at University of Missouri and elsewhere; (3) improve awareness and promote interventions for health and digital equity; and (4) apply data science methodology to nursing science.
May 2024
Roula Shehadeh Joudi, PhD Student
American University of Beirut
Anticipated Graduation Date: Fall 2024-2025
Current Position: Graduate Teaching Assistant at Hariri School of Nursing, American University of Beirut
I worked as a Registered Nurse in the medical-surgical unit and later as a clinical nurse educator at Clemenceau Medical Center Affiliated with Johns Hopkins International- Beirut- Lebanon. During this time, I co-led several evidence-based practice programs including the palliative care program and the wound management program. I was directly involved in developing and revising clinical policies and procedures as well as training nurses. In 2020, and after attaining my MSN degree, I enrolled in the PhD program at the Rafic Hariri School of Nursing with a clear purpose; to enhance my skills in academic research, teaching, and healthcare administration. My background in nursing administration and staff development has further fueled my commitment to effecting positive change. Through this program, my experience has been transformative, equipping me to contribute significantly to the field of nursing. Post-graduation, my plans involve embarking on an academic journey. I aspire to contribute to nursing education, mentor future nurse practitioners, and engage in scholarly work. My dedication to investigating brownout among nurses represents a pioneering effort in the field. This research serves as the first step in a series of studies, currently in the phase of theory development. This foundational work is laying the groundwork for subsequent phases, which will involve mixed-method research and workforce management strategies. By delving into the complexities of brownout, I am poised to make a substantial impact on nursing practice, ultimately contributing to the development of evidence-based interventions and policies.
April
Rose Mary Rodrigues, MSN Student
California State University, Long Beach
Anticipated Graduation Date: May 2024
Current Position: Critical Care Nurse at Riverside Community Hospital
I have worked at Riverside Community Hospital for the past 19 years, and as a Critical Care Nurse Certified (CCRN) and Stroke Certified (SCRN) my desire is to learn and empower those around me with the knowledge I have. I love to share my knowledge as I give and receive reports, as part of the Professional Practice Committee or just sending information on learning events to my colleagues. The desire to learn and share knowledge has motivated me to participate and become a member of different associations and chapters, such as 黑料吃瓜王, AANN, GNSA, and CANP. It has been an incredible experience creating a supportive network. During COVID, there was an event that changed the course of my life. My family and I were cycling, I fell, broke two ribs, and developed a large hemothorax. Surviving that accident made me appreciate life even more and made me realize that life is short, and we need to make the most of the time and opportunities we have. With a strong faith and a supportive and loving family, I have been able to excel academically. I have also been able to share my knowledge by participating in a Mission Trip to Dominican Republic last Summer. My experience in the master's program at California State University, Long Beach (CSULB) has been the best academic experience of my life. CSULB has a culture of doing whatever is possible to make a student successful. They provide mentorship programs. Professors prepare students not only for academics, but to become professionals and engage in policy making. The in-person program provides opportunities to make friends and to interact with classmates and teachers. As I contemplate the finish line, I am excited for the future. I cannot wait to apply all the knowledge I have acquired during this program. I intend to deepen my knowledge in Neuroscience and to integrate the role of the NP with the MBA degree I had previously. I am ready to take on leadership positions, to be a change to my community and around the world.
March 2024
Juwan Lamar, Entry-Level MSN Student
Emory University
Anticipated Graduation Date: December 2024
Current Position: Full-time student
My decision to enroll into this nursing program was not made lightly. One of the main reasons that I chose to enroll is because I find it gratifying to help someone without the expectation of anything in return. The experience of seeing someone at their lowest point and helping them get back to their "normal" is an experience that I am looking forward to. Overall, my experience in this program has been nothing short of amazing. It is a fast-paced program and can get overwhelming at times, but I wouldn't change it for the world. Upon graduation in December, I plan to start my career in the Emergency Department with the long-term goal of working within an administrative role in the hospital such as a Nursing Manager, Chief Nursing Officer, or maybe even a hospital executive. The possibilities are endless, and I am looking forward to the journey.
Prior to Emory, Juwan attended Emmanuel University obtaining a degree in Psychology and Criminal Justice, while also being engaged in athletics through Cross Country and Track. After graduating with his bachelor’s, Juwan became a Police officer with the city of Atlanta. He served in this role for four years before deciding to enroll in nursing school.
February 2024
Kadeeja S. Murrell, MS
PhD Student
Arizona State University
Anticipated Graduation Date: Spring 2026
Current Position: Full-time student
I decided to enroll in the PhD program with the aim of advancing my education and honing the research skills that I acquired during my master’s program at Central Michigan University. Throughout my duration in this program, I have cultivated a diverse skill set, surpassing my initial expectations! I have also had the privilege of establishing valuable connections with esteemed professionals and, hopefully, future colleagues in the field. Upon completion of the program, my aspiration is to contribute to the filed as tenure-track faculty at a Research 1 university, furthering my research endeavors in the realm of Black maternal health care. My overarching life goal is to create significant changes in the approach to maternity care for Black women in the United States.
Kadeeja received a seed grant from Edson College of Nursing for a study that seeks to understand how Black women perceive safety in maternal healthcare settings. She was elected to be the Engagement Coordinator for the Black Graduate Student Association. She also serves on the conference planning committee for the Maternal and Child Health Translational Research Team and serves as a grant reviewer for the Graduate Professional Student Association at Arizona State University.
January 2024
Connie Jo Hemeyer, MSN, APRN, FNP-BC, CNN-NP
DNP
Jacksonville University
Anticipated Graduation Date: December 2024
Current Position: Nurse Practitioner in the Division of Nephrology and Hypertension and Instructor of Medicine for the Department of Medicine at Mayo Clinic Jacksonville, FL
Program Director, Mayo Clinic School of Health Sciences Nurse Practitioner and Physician Assistant Nephrology Fellowship
Upon entering the MSN program, only a few were pursuing a terminal degree, and my primary focus was to swiftly embark on the journey to become a nurse practitioner. However, after fourteen years of experience in an academic medical institution and with a commitment to lifelong learning, I recognized the importance of education. For me, the true value lies in the process of attaining a DNP. I have enjoyed gaining a deeper understanding of quality improvement, the business of healthcare, and even statistics! Each phase of my doctoral studies has allowed me to integrate newfound skills into my professional responsibilities. As an example, applying statistical software knowledge gained in a recent course enabled me to dive deeper into a quality improvement project, resulting in an abstract acceptance for a national conference.
I am trying to stay present and enjoy the learning experience each class offers. My two passions are guiding individuals in their professional development and collaborating within effective teams to continuously enhance our healthcare delivery system, ensuring it aligns with the evolving needs of patients. Looking forward, I aim to leverage the knowledge acquired during this journey and continue its practical application in my professional endeavors.