My Motivation – Getting my Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) Degree

As shared by Brandi Alvord, FNP ‘17

I was motivated to become a family nurse practitioner (FNP) because I felt a strong desire to help others through tough situations. I also had a love of education. As an FNP, I knew I would be positioned to help my patients understand their illnesses, and help them navigate their own diseases and conditions through patient education. 

My biggest supporter was – and continues to be – my husband. He took on new roles at home and with our children so I could achieve my dream. This was especially helpful, as we had a newborn baby boy and a seven-year-old boy while I was participating in this program. I could not have finished without his support while I studied and expanded my knowledge in medicine. I also had my own personal cheering section, which included my family, friends and co-workers. They never let me forget how proud and supportive they were of me while I was growing as a professional and as a person. 

With an active family, I had to make keeping up with assignments while independently studying a priority as I expanded my knowledge. The most fulfilling aspect of the program was clinical rotations. Clinical rotations allowed me to pull from my knowledge base to help patients understand their disease processes, and educate them on how to care for themselves.  

Chamberlain’s Master of Science in Nursing Family Nurse Practitioner specialty track has given me a good foundation for identifying and treating health issues seen in the office. It has allowed me to achieve my goals, and positively impact the world one person at a time. 

I recently took on a new role at West Salem Rural Health Clinic as a family nurse practitioner, providing care and education to all ages. My hope is that all my patients understand their body, their disease processes, and treatments recommended in order to better improve their quality of life. To quote Marian Wright Edelman: “Education is for improving the lives of others and for leaving your community and world better than you found it.” Education in healthcare can change everything.

Interested in learning how you can contribute to impacting patient care and education? Explore the exciting opportunities available through Chamberlain’s Master of Science in Nursing Family Nurse Practitioner specialty track. Request more information here.

By Natalie Sobolewski