First Nursing@Simmons Student – Jason Boyd

Jason Boyd became the first student to officially enroll in Nursing@Simmons, Simmons School of Nursing and Health Sciences’ online Master of Science in Nursing program for aspiring Family Nurse Practitioners (FNPs). Boyd has gained prior professional experience in intensive care and the emergency room, in addition to having spent time working in helicopter emergency management services in Georgia. In a recent interview, Boyd shared more about his background and future career goals that influenced his decision to enroll in the FNP program.

1. Why did you choose to pursue an online Master of Science in Nursing, and what made choosing the FNP specialty the most attractive option?

I need an online program because I am a full-time working nurse/father/husband. I do not have the resources to put life on hold to attend school.

I also need an online program that will require me to attend classes at a specified time, and Simmons requires just that. I love working in critical care/ER and considered an acute care NP program. However, the FNP will give me the flexibility to work in any area.

2. What are you currently doing prior to the upcoming October cohort start date?

I am currently working full time as a home health nurse. I am PRN, which means I work on call and fill in when needed. I get to make my own schedule, and I really enjoy spending time with patients in their own environment.

3. Describe your experience, thus far, interacting with the admissions and student support staff?

The Simmons staff has been great during the entire process so far. I’ve had my questions answered quickly and efficiently.

4. What are your career aspirations and how will a Master of Science in Nursing assist you in achieving your career goals?

After graduation I will have the opportunity to work with a critical care intensivist, but I will most likely work in a rural primary care clinic. Working in home health has really opened my eyes to the lack of health care services in my community. There are several large hospital systems in the main cities of my area. However, the surrounding rural communities do not have the same accessibility. Many of the indigent population are unable to provide their own transportation to doctors’ visits, and this makes it difficult for them to receive the care they need. When specialized care is needed, patients sometimes have to travel up to two hours. Many of the rural communities have walk-in clinics, and some have primary care physicians. The main problem with these clinics and doctors’ offices is the patient load. The clinics and doctors serve so many patients, there is often a long wait.

5. What inspired your decision to enter the nursing field?

I was working as a factory laborer when I started nursing school. I knew this was not something I wanted for a career. I honestly never thought about being a nurse or even knew what a nurse did, but I knew I enjoyed working with people, and I have several family members who are nurses. They helped lead me into the profession.

6. Describe your experience as a male in the field of nursing, which has traditionally been predominantly female. What advice would you give to other men considering this career path?

I have noticed changes in nursing for males since I graduated in 2003. Ten years ago I was not accepted by all of my female patients, particularly the younger females. The older ladies thought I was a doctor so anything I said or needed to do was okay with them. I’ve noticed that the gender of the nurse is not as big of an issue for most patients anymore. I have even been offered a job on a mother/baby floor recently.

For males entering nursing, the field is wide open. Decide what you want to do as a nurse and go for it.