Our DNP students and graduates share a common drive to become change advocates in healthcare settings. Whether their goal is to develop expertise in clinical contexts or innovate practice changes in formal or informal leadership roles, they find the support and faculty mentoring needed to transform their careers at Elms. To learn more about how a Doctor of Nursing Practice degree from Elms can advance your career, read our students’ reflections below.
Jennifer Jordan, B.S. ’13, DNP ’18, APRN, FNP-BC
DNP graduate, Family Nurse Practitioner track
Family Nurse Practitioner at Atkinson Family Practice
“The one piece that I’ve felt like I was prevented from doing was that provider piece. It started to become more difficult, especially when I was working with patients that I felt like I could get them to the next level, if I wasn’t held back. So, I needed to go beyond the boundary of a registered nurse at that point.” Read Jennifer’s story.
Carleny Henriquez ’19
DNP student, Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner track
Registered Nurse
“I think coming from a Latino culture has allowed me to be sensitive when it comes to caring for patients from all backgrounds. I try my hardest to not only take care of their ‘disease’ but also to take into consideration all other aspects that might be contributing to a patient’s well being, such as cultural influences.”
Kaytlin David ’19
DNP student, Family Nurse Practitioner track
Registered Nurse, LifePath
“The professors at Elms are constantly doing things behind the scenes that I’m not aware of. My professors know me better than any other professors I’ve had at other schools. They meet on their own and discuss each of our projects, where we’re at, where we want to be — it really makes a difference. I feel like they really know me.”
Kelli Barrieau ’19
DNP student, Health Systems Innovation and Leadership track
Clinical Director, Commonwealth Care Alliance
“I had such a great experience while completing my MSN/MBA at Elms. I wanted to continue my education here because the professors and instructors have such varied experiences, I learn something new every class, and am able to bring these concepts to my job and improve how I lead my team.”
Jaines Andrades ’19
DNP student, Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner track
Staff Nurse, Baystate Medical Center
“The DNP degree allows me to advocate for my patients on a higher level.”
Ray Webb ’17
DNP graduate, Family Nurse Practitioner track
Family Nurse Practitioner, Berkshire Medical Center
“I wanted to be at the top with a DNP, but even more, I wanted to take my 24 years of nursing experience and transition them into the role of a provider.”
Tammy Cole-Poklewski ’19
DNP student, Health Systems Innovation and Leadership track
Director, Boston Children’s Hospital Pediatric Physicians Organization at Children’s
“My career direction over the past 20 years has been in nurse leadership. Nurse leadership in innovation was a match that I couldn’t see as I looked around to other DNP programs. Health care is recreating itself, and nurses need to be the leaders of that change.”
Meghan Sullivan ’19
DNP student, Family Nurse Practitioner track
Registered Nurse
“The support they provide at Elms is unparalleled. The professors go out of their way to make sure that students have all of the resources they need to succeed. You won’t find that type of personalization anywhere else.”