Student Spotlight – Lisa Marie Doyle

Lisa Marie Doyle, RN, OCN is currently enrolled in the Simmons School of Nursing and Health Sciences’ on-campus Master of Science in Nursing — Family Nurse Practitioner program. In a recent interview, Doyle shared her experience as a graduate nursing student.

1. Why did you decide to pursue your advanced nursing degree at Simmons College?

I decided to pursue my advanced nursing degree at Simmons College due to the emphasis that the school placed on nursing experience prior to becoming an advanced practicing nurse. Once I obtained my RN licensure, Simmons allowed me to continue my master’s education part time to be able to gain valuable nursing experience. The program and faculty support working nurses as they pursue their advanced nursing degrees.

2. How long have you been a registered nurse and at what point in your career did you know you wanted to pursue a master’s degree?

I have been working as a registered nurse for four and a half years. I always knew that I wanted to pursue a master’s degree in nursing, but I wanted to be sure that I took the opportunity to work as a nurse first. For me, nursing is more than a profession, but a way of life and also my passion. I always want to improve my knowledge and expand my clinical level of nursing care. Pursuing a master’s degree is the first step to continued education, clinical advancement, and personal contribution to the nursing field.

3. What type of clinical experience did you have before enrolling in the Simmons Master of Science in Nursing program?

I started working toward my MSN at Simmons the same time I was starting my new career as a nurse. However, upon my anticipated graduation from the campus-based program in May 2014, I will have more than five years of clinical nursing experience. While completing the MSN program part time, I work as an oncology nurse on the gynecology-oncology inpatient unit at Massachusetts General Hospital. I see a diverse and international patient population and primarily focus on women’s health with an emphasis on medical and surgical oncology, high-risk OB, and postpartum, palliative, and end-of-life care. I am OCN certified, and administer chemotherapy inpatient treatment to high-risk oncology patients, including intra-peritoneal and desensitizations. I am a resource nurse in a 20-bed unit and a preceptor to nursing students and new graduate hires, and I recently initiated monthly unit ethics rounds after completing an ethics nursing residency program at the hospital.

4. Are you attending the program part-time or full-time? Are you maintaining employment while you are enrolled? If so, what lessons from the curriculum were you able to apply to your role?

I am attending the program part-time and working as an RN part-time. Lessons from the curriculum that I have applied to my role include meticulous documentation, thorough assessments, and increased clinical experience and interdisciplinary communication.

Based on knowledge gained from both my adult and women’s health curriculum, I was actually able to assist the MD in diagnosing a young woman with Systemic lupus erythematosus. She was trying to start a family, but suffered from multiple spontaneous abortions, with the most recent causing her admission to my unit. I optimized the time that I had as a bedside nurse by interviewing the patient to obtain a more in-depth history. I worked with the medical team by suggesting an autoimmune work-up, and with that, we were able to make the diagnosis. Even with a new chronic and overwhelming diagnosis, the patient and husband were relieved to find out why the patient continued to have miscarriages. I felt like the extra steps that I was able to provide in my nursing care were the direct result of my master’s curriculum at Simmons.

5. Why did you decide to pursue the Family Nurse Practitioner specialty?

I chose to pursue the Family Nurse Practitioner specialty because Simmons advised me that this was the optimal degree to obtain as a future nurse practitioner. Originally, I thought I would pursue Women’s Heath and/or Adult only, but when Simmons faculty told me that Family Nurse Practitioners were in demand, I trusted their advice. Now that I am in the program and have completed my own research about the FNP degree and the future of advanced practice nursing, I couldn’t be happier. I feel the knowledge base that I have obtained already is invaluable, and I know that I will be more marketable in my profession. I maintain openness to all new opportunities in my studies and clinical experiences. Often times, nurses will find their true passion this way and would never have known without taking the opportunity to learn. Also, an FNP degree from Simmons has a prestigious reputation in the nursing community, and I have no concern about future employment possibilities.

6. What advice would you give someone interested in pursuing an advanced degree in the Family Nurse Practitioner specialty?

I would tell someone to go for it! When I was younger, I was told by a teacher that “it is not worth doing something if you do not do it well.” An FNP degree from Simmons may take longer than other concentrations, and expectations may be higher than other institutions, but you will feel prepared, confident, and supported in your studies and future practice. It will also give you more opportunities for growth and employment after graduation. If you are working while taking classes, be realistic with time commitments for work and school, and always leave room for personal life, exercise, and rest!

7. Is there anything else you’d like to share about your experience getting your master’s in nursing?

As a practicing nurse in Boston, Massachusetts, in one of the top-ranked hospitals in the United States, I am always reminded by nursing leadership that Simmons “always prepares the best nurses.” I am honored to be a part of the Simmons nursing community and have gained wonderful mentors.