Student Spotlight: Holland Reid

Nursing@Simmons student Holland Reid found her way to the nursing profession when, after working a few odd jobs after high school, she decided to become a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA). She says she always knew in the back of her mind that she wanted to become a nurse and for the past three years she has been working as a circulating nurse in the operating room at a Level I trauma hospital. Learn more about Holland, who is a member of the January 2014 cohort, in the Q&A below.

I grew up in a rural area and my primary care provider was a wonderful Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) who cared for my entire family. I didn’t know it then, but she is someone I often look back on when I think of why I want to become an FNP. I want to impact the lives of rural families over the course of many years and generations.

While pursuing my undergraduate degree, I had some fantastic professors who encouraged me to go to graduate school. While looking for the right graduate program for myself, I found Nursing@Simmons. Nursing@Simmons was like nothing I had ever heard of, and I had to be part of it. There is no other program I would have chosen. Nursing@Simmons was absolutely my top choice.

For those interested in Nursing@Simmons, this is not an ordinary online program. I am connected to my professors every week through live face-to-face online classes, and I often receive more one-on-one time than I have experienced in a campus-based classroom.

My student support specialist at Simmons is an amazing motivator. She is just one of the many people on the Simmons team who make me feel like they are invested in my success as a student and professional. The convenience of having the asynchronous class material available to do on my own time, allowed me to continue working as a Registered Nurse (RN) during the program, which was very important to me. I also connect with my classmates several times per week, which has created an incredible sense of community.

The Nursing@Simmons immersion weekend pulled it all together! It is nerve-racking, fun, challenging, and priceless. Finally getting to meet my classmates and professors in person made being a Shark and a member of the Simmons community even more valued.

The best thing about earning a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) from Simmons is that I am going to be an agent of change; making the nursing profession stronger through a solid educational background from an incredible institution. Simmons’ reputation is incredible. If you ask around, you’ll be amazed at how many Simmons grads you know — they are everywhere. I am honored to be a Shark!