Mitchelle Wade, MSN, FNP
DNP, Class of 2010
“I began looking for a combined Masters and Nurse Practitioner program in 1997 when I was at the point that I wanted to further my education. I lived in Redding, CA at the time and checked out the closest programs that included UC Davis and Chico State. However, at the time UC Davis program was not a dual program and would have taken more than two years to complete. Chico only offered a MSN program. Then I heard about the distance learning program offered through Western University of Health Sciences, Chico campus. The program was exactly what I was looking for, which was a two year combined program that did not take a lot of time away for class room participation but was still a high quality program. It allowed me to continue working, which I wanted to do. It was challenging but prepared me for taking my ANCC FNP certification test, which I easily passed the first time without a review course. I recently decided that I wanted to pursue my DNP degree because there is a push to have NPs educated and trained at the doctoral level within the next 10 years or so. Since I will still be working at that time, I decided to look into available programs for two reasons. One, I love to learn and be challenged. Two, I hope to one day teach in a nursing program at either the BSN or MSN level. Teaching is a goal that I have had since I took my first undergraduate nursing course. When I heard that WUHS had started offering a DNP program, I looked no further. I know the school and quality of education, respect and promote it every chance I get, and have now applied. I would and do recommend WUHS every chance I get to all disciplines.”
Faith Richardson, MSN, FNP
DNP, Class of 2009
Time commitment: I am a Family Nurse Practitioner—an alum of WesternU (MSN/FNP 2004)—who is a full-time faculty member in a nursing program in Canada, just across the border from where my husband and I live in Washington State.
Now that I have returned to WesternU as part of the charter class of DNP students, I am finding it challenging to maintain a balance in terms of health, family, and work. I'm fortunate that I have such a supportive family and supportive faculty.
WesternU distinctive: We are the charter class in the DNP program and it is exciting to be the “pioneer” class. Most of the delivery of the course content is online, although we travel to WesternU twice a semester for a rather intensive day of study. It is amazing how fast you get to know your classmates when you are all on the online discussion boards and then immersed in class for a full day at a time!
Why WesternU: I was already a WesternU alum, so I watched the development of the DNP program with great interest—and immediately applied when approval was granted. My experience with the online/intensive weekend delivery during the MSN/FNP program was really good. I was “sold” on the DNP degree as my choice of nursing doctorate as it kept my clinical focus as a nurse practitioner and faculty member, and I knew that WesternU was experienced at distance education. They were decidedly my first choice. I've already talked two of my colleagues into considering the WesternU experience!
Favorite WesternU professor: Dr. Diana Lithgow was an amazing mentor for me during my MSN/FNP program. There are times when I am teaching even now, I feel I am very nearly “channeling” Diana! So much of her teaching style and emphasis and “heart” were conveyed through her teaching. I also really appreciated Diana's support in terms of references and advice post graduation (as well as other faculty members).
Best thing about WesternU: I truly resonate with the university’s social justice focus on reaching out to vulnerable populations—truly one of the drawing cards to the DNP program for me.
Anita Kinser, EdD, RN-BC
Adjunct Associate Professor
The College of Graduate Nursing is a leader in the area of providing innovative pathways for students to enter into the profession of nursing and to develop nursing leaders through a variety of options. It is gratifying being a part of such a dynamic program that strives to meet the needs of the shortage of nurse leaders through innovative methods.
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Lisa Goldstein, MSN, CNS, RN
Assistant Professor
Westernu distinctive: Our programs allow for graduate students from all disciplines who have a calling for nursing to come together and become a single cohesive cohort. The diversity of life experiences and educational backgrounds creates a highly engaging learning environment.
Most valuable aspect of a WesternU education: The learner centered educational environment that is fostered here at the College of Graduate Nursing and throughout the University. At the College of Graduate Nursing feedback and evaluations are used as tools to drive change and excellence within our curriculum. Finally, the students feel they are appreciated and respected as individuals.
Why WesternU: While CGN’s programs are academically rigorous, our faculty is supportive and nurturing to all our students. We take pride in all of our students’ achievements and endeavors. Each faculty uses a variety of learning modalities to create meaningful learning experiences for our students.
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Lorri Clayton, MSN, CNS, RN
Assistant Professor
WesternU Distinctive: The varied work histories and life experiences that our students bring to the program have “raised the bar” of the novice new graduate Registered Nurse. Due to the relatively small class size, I enjoy getting to know my students and facilitating their learning experiences throughout their program.
Best thing about WesternU: Personalized care and facilitation from faculty and staff to enhance students’ growth during the program. Western University is a leader in distance learning. The faculty and staff will assist the students in providing an education that is surpassed by none.
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Robin Petersen, MSN, FNP
MSNFNP, Class of 2000
Most memorable clinical experience: I got clinical experience working with a family practice physician who fully supported the holistic approach to medicine. He also had a significant interest in missionary medicine in third world countries, so I learned a great deal about travel medicine as well.
Getting help: WesternU’s computer support was incredibly helpful, accessible, and patient with my computer ignorance.
Career impact: By getting my clinical experience in my own community, I made contacts and developed professional relationships that are still in effect today.
Ruth Pinter, MSN, FNP
MSNFNP, Class of 2008
Time commitment: As a “distance” student I was able to fit my study time into my daily activities. The staff is supportive and understanding when an event occurs that requires adjustments. Most of the time, however, it is easy to work within the parameters of life to meet deadlines.
WesternU distinctive: The entire program is engaging and really makes you think. There have been challenges, such as theory and research classes, but there is a sense of great accomplishment when these are completed well.
Why WesternU: Good academic ratings and it was relatively close to home. I still have to drive but it can be done in a day.
Favorite WesternU professor(s): Dr. Diana Lithgow. She is very professional and expects the same of her students. This has made us meet her expectations and that benefits or professional growth. Her communications to us are very clear and this makes it easy to understand the lessons, but, I really enjoy all of the instructors.
On humanism: All our lessons focus on the patient and the outcome for the patient or family. We’re taught that our interventions are for the benefit of our patients. Sometimes it is best not to intervene. The ethics class helped us understand that we need to listen to our patients and hear their needs. We can not always impose our beliefs on others. Respecting our patients as people is constantly emphasized.
Career impact: Learning to research and find the answers—we’ll use these skills throughout our careers. While scientific evidence can change how we practice, knowing how to find the most current information will never change.
I have actually told a friend who is interested in nursing to apply to Western University because it is a professional school that focuses on student success.
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