Family Matters: Meet Georgia Nurse Kimberly Fairclough

Family is at the heart of Kimberly Fairclough’s nursing journey. Inspired by her baby sister’s time in the NICU and encouraged by her grandfather’s words about the value of education, Kimberly pursued her calling with determination. In Georgia, she built her career caring for diverse patient populations before advancing her nursing education through Chamberlain University’s MSN Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) program. Find out how the right nursing graduate program can provide the confidence, flexibility, and support to grow personally and professionally, and discover Kimberly’s tips for nursing school success.

Early Inspiration

Kimberly’s desire to become a nurse was sparked by a personal experience when she was in sixth grade. Kimberly’s baby sister was born with heart stenosis and required care in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). At first, young Kimberly couldn’t understand how her mother could leave her newborn sister with strangers. She recalls, “That experience made me realize I wanted to become the kind of nurse a family could trust with their baby—compassionate, nurturing, and reassuring.”

After losing their home to a fire when Kimberly was in high school, Kimberly’s mother relocated the family from Massachusetts to Georgia. That move not only gave the family a fresh start but also set the stage for Kimberly’s future nursing career in a state rich with opportunity. Kimberly attended nursing school and began working as a NICU nurse in Georgia.

Nursing in Georgia

Kimberly says, “Working as a nurse in Georgia means caring for a highly diverse patient population, so cultural competence is essential. On the mother-baby unit, I learned so much about postpartum traditions across different cultures.”

From supporting Indian families observing confinement periods called Sutak to respecting Asian practices of seeking warmth after childbirth, Kimberly found that small changes—like offering new mothers hot tea instead of cold water—showed respect and built trust. She shares, “Once I understood this, I became a better nurse by adapting my care to support those values. Being a nurse in Georgia means constantly learning, growing, and honoring the rich cultural backgrounds of the families we care for—and that’s what makes it so special.”

Education Motivation

Kimberly knew that eventually she’d go back to school for her Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree. “My grandfather always told me, ‘Education is the key to success in this country,’ and that message stayed with me,” she says.

Although she was working as a NICU nurse, when she was ready for nursing graduate school, Kimberly chose to specialize as a family nurse practitioner. “I wanted flexibility and broader opportunities in my career,” she explains. “I didn’t want to be limited to 24-hour NICU shifts or confined to caring for only the pediatric population.”

She chose Chamberlain University for her MSN Family Nurse Practitioner degree. Her nursing manager strongly recommended the program, and because Kimberly’s employer was an Educational Healthcare Partner,  she qualified for a reduced tuition rate through the program. Kimberly notes, “Compared to other programs, Chamberlain’s flexible, fully online format allowed me to continue working full time and fit school into my schedule, which made all the difference.”

Nursing School Coursework and Practicum

Throughout her online MSN program, Kimberly felt fully supported. Professors made themselves available through phone, email, and one-on-one time, while course videos and resources walked nursing students step-by-step through assignments. “From the beginning, Chamberlain made it clear they wanted their students to succeed,” Kimberly says. “Their support was genuine, and it made the program feel personal and manageable, even during the most challenging weeks.”

Kimberly also thrived during her practicum experiences. By networking with classmates and hospital colleagues, she secured preceptors and clinical sites that helped her grow professionally. She shares, “One thing I really appreciated about Chamberlain’s practicum structure was the flexibility. The course you were taking online didn’t have to align exactly with your practicum site, which made finding placements much easier. That flexibility took a lot of pressure off and allowed me to focus on learning and making the most of each experience.”

When Kimberly passed her FNP board exam, her grandfather was the first person she called. “He was so proud, and it meant everything to share that moment with him,” she says.

Kimberly’s Nursing Career Today

As a family nurse practitioner, Kimberly says, “I’ve had endless opportunities. I’m able to care for patients across the lifespan, explore different settings, and continuously grow in my role. Earning this degree has truly opened doors for me, both personally and professionally.”

Today, Kimberly thrives as an aesthetic and wellness nurse practitioner. With both in-clinic and telemedicine roles, she enjoys the independence and flexibility her experience and her MSN FNP degree provide. “My degree prepared me to practice confidently and flexibly,” she says, “allowing me to create a career that supports both professional growth and a healthy life-work balance.”

Kimberly’s Advice for Nursing Students

Kimberly offers this valuable advice to future Chamberlain students:

1. Commit. When you decide to enroll, she says, “Make sure you’re truly ready to commit—school, studying, and clinicals will need to be your top priorities. Stay focused, stay organized, and remember that the hard work will absolutely be worth it in the end.”
2. Plan ahead. “While I was completing one practicum, I was already using my resources to line up the next one,” says Kimberly. “Staying ahead helped me avoid last-minute stress and gave me more options when it came to site selection.”
3. Don’t be afraid to ask for help. After all, the worst someone can say is no! Kimberly explains, “I was nervous to approach the doctors I worked with about precepting with one of their nurse practitioners, but I’m so glad I pushed past that fear. Not only did I gain valuable clinical experience, but I also built lasting professional relationships that continue to support my career today.”
4. Believe. You’re not alone on your nursing journey. Kimberly says, “Remember—you’re learning, and people want to see you succeed.”

Kimberly’s story shows how passion, perseverance, and the right education can transform your nursing career. Chamberlain’s MSN Family Nurse Practitioner program gave her the flexibility and support to succeed—and it can do the same for you. If you’re ready to take the next step in your nursing education, Chamberlain is ready to support you.

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 135 years of excellence in preparing extraordinary healthcare professionals.

 

By Chamberlain University