MSN Graduate and Student Program Reviews
Meet:
Linda Aldridge, Graduated: December 2010
MSN Family Nurse Practitioner
"For some months I'd been looking for a nearby MSN nurse pracittioner program. I learned about the IU South Bend program somewhat by accident from a local nurse practitioner I was seeing. With my family obligations and job, there was no way I could travel to a distant campus to complete an MSN. Also, I really didn't want to take courses online. I wanted a face-to-face program where I could confer with my instructors and understand the lessons on a deeper, more personal level. The new IU South Bend program fit me to a tee.
I was part of the university's very first nurse practitioner class, which consisted of just 12 students. The program is very selective and admits just a few students each year who receive lots of personal attention and encouragement. It was such a supportive learning environment and we became a very cohesive group.
After graduation I received many job offers and ultimately took a position as practice supervisor for a group of urgent care centers. Today, I manage 20 nurse practitioners and occasionally work in the clinic as well. It is such rewarding work and I love my job.
One evening recently nine of the 12 MSN graduates from my class met for dinner. It was fun to learn about all the exicting and fulfilling courses our different careers have taken. Every one of us was in a great job. The nurse practitioner's role is expanding and the graduates of the IU South Bend MSN Family Nurse Pracitioner program are growing and evolving right along with it. It is a progam that offers great potential and enormous personal fulfillment."