Blending Science, Service, and Compassion as a Nurse in Florida

As a young girl, Alfredia “Freda” White would sometimes accompany her father to the emergency room, where he worked. She was captivated by the energy and urgency of hospital life.

“Watching the fast pace, the intensity, and the teamwork left a lasting impression on me,” says White, APRN, FNP-BC. For a time, she imagined herself becoming a cardiovascular surgeon. But as she grew older, she realized that her true calling was not in the operating room—it was at the bedside, where she could connect with patients and families in their most vulnerable moments.

“That’s what led me to nursing, and eventually to becoming a family nurse practitioner (FNP). It gives me the opportunity to blend science, service, and compassion in a way that feels aligned with who I am.”

White’s journey has been one of persistence, faith, and community, shaped by her years as a registered nurse (RN), her nursing education, and a deep commitment to serving others. Today, as a Florida nurse practitioner and CEO of 1st Stick Mobile Medical Services/Primary Care, she sees her career as both a profession and a calling.

White’s Path to Earning a Master’s Degree

For 15 years, White worked as an RN, caring for patients in a variety of settings. She loved her work, but she began to feel a tug to do more. Her friends, seeing her natural ability to lead, educate, and advocate for patients, encouraged her to take the next step in her nursing education.

That encouragement, combined with her own drive for growth, led her to explore nursing schools. White knew exactly what she wanted: “a program that truly understood the demands of real life—work, family, and everything in between—while still holding high academic and clinical standards.” She found that in Chamberlain University’s online Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree program.

“From the very beginning, I felt supported, seen, and challenged to grow not just as a nurse, but as a leader,” White says. “It wasn’t just about getting a degree—it was about becoming the kind of provider my community needs. Chamberlain prepared me for that, and I’m grateful I trusted the journey.”

Nursing School Highlights

Support was one of the pillars of White’s graduate school experience, particularly from her “ride-or-die study buddies.”

“We pushed each other through the toughest moments—even when we wanted to give up. We studied together, sometimes driving three hours just to meet up and prepare for exams. I never would have made it without them—and without God guiding me every step of the way. Their friendship and faith kept me going through it all.”

Her practicum experience was another nursing school highlight.

“I had the opportunity to work with knowledgeable preceptors who challenged me to apply my skills in real-world settings. That helped me build clinical confidence, refine my assessment and diagnostic abilities, and deepen my understanding of patient care across diverse populations. The hands-on experience truly prepared me to step into my role as a nurse practitioner with competence and compassion,” White says.

Choosing the Family Nurse Practitioner Specialty

Chamberlain’s MSN degree program offers four nurse practitioner and five non-clinical specializations. White chose to specialize as a family nurse practitioner because it allows her to care for patients of all ages in a variety of healthcare settings.

“Being an FNP means I can build long-term relationships with patients and families, and really make a difference in their lives through continuity of care. It’s a role that challenges me clinically, lets me practice with independence, and keeps every day interesting.”

She says Chamberlain’s combination of academic rigor, clinical training, and mentorship prepared her not just to transition to the role of an FNP, but to thrive in it. Today, as a Florida nurse practitioner, she draws on that training to serve patients in a fast-growing and diverse state.

A New Chapter as a Florida Nurse

White, who grew up in upstate New York, moved to Florida to be closer to family and friends. She calls the experience “a major shift” that’s been a “learning experience and a blessing all at once.”

“The sunshine is beautiful, but so is the chaos—from snowbirds to hurricane season,” she says. “Florida keeps you on your toes, and I’ve learned to adapt, stay flexible, and serve people from all walks of life. No two days are the same here, especially in healthcare—and that’s part of what I love.”

Her work in Florida has broadened her perspective, especially as she encounters the needs of underserved communities.

“I attend True Life Community Worship Center and volunteer regularly, which allows me to connect with people beyond the clinic. It reminds me why I do what I do: to serve, to uplift, and to meet people where they are. Being a nurse practitioner here means I get to care for a diverse population and make an impact not just through medicine, but through presence and compassion.”

A Nurse’s Wisdom

For White, being a Florida nurse practitioner is not just a profession, it’s a privilege. She believes nursing is about showing up for others with compassion, skill, and resilience, no matter the circumstances.

“I don’t just see patients; I see neighbors, veterans who’ve served our country, seniors who’ve paved the way, and families trying to navigate their health journeys. I get to be part of their lives during vulnerable, real moments—and that means everything to me,” she says. “Serving this community reminds me every day why I chose this path. And honestly, I wouldn’t trade it for anything.”

To those considering their own nursing journey, White offers this advice distilled from her hard work and experience:

“Don’t give up—especially on the hard days. Nursing school is challenging for a reason: It’s preparing you to change lives. There will be moments when you feel overwhelmed, tired, and unsure of yourself, but trust that you’re being equipped for something bigger. Stay focused on your ‘why.’ Whether you want to work bedside, in a clinic, or open your own practice one day—there’s room for you in this field. … You’ve got what it takes. Keep showing up—and know that the world needs the kind of nurse you’re becoming.”

Earn an MSN Degree Online at Chamberlain

If you're driven to make a meaningful difference in healthcare, consider earning an MSN at Chamberlain University. The HLC-accredited university’s master’s program offers a rigorous curriculum, expert faculty, and robust support services to help you build knowledge, skills, and confidence.

Take the first step toward advancing your nursing education by learning more about all Chamberlain has to offer. With a commitment to excellence and a passion for nurturing future healthcare leaders, Chamberlain may be the perfect partner for you, too, on your journey to becoming a nurse practitioner.

Chamberlain University, an HLC-accredited institution, offers bachelor’s, master’s, doctoral, and certificate programs in nursing and healthcare professions. With a growing network of campuses and robust online programs, Chamberlain continues to build on more than 130 years of excellence in preparing extraordinary healthcare professionals.

By Chamberlain University