DNP Student Ambassador

Meet Kellie Wilcox '21, our student ambassador for the DNP program! 

I have aspired to become a nurse practitioner since my senior year in high school. My uncle is my inspiration for pursuing my FNP. He was homeless, mentally ill, and addicted to drugs. For these reasons, I was not allowed much contact with my uncle but when I was 13 everything turned around for him. He stayed on his anti-psychotic medications, stopped self-medicating with street drugs, and was assisted to find housing after visiting a nurse practitioner in Downtown Portland. Because of her compassion, knowledge, and interdisciplinary teamwork my uncle got off the street. After learning this, I knew I wanted to have the same sort of impact on those that are often ignored by society.

I have been in the DNP program for one year now. The program thus far has focused on learning about quality improvement, professional development, and leadership in advanced practice nursing. I have learned so much and many of these lessons are pertinent even now as a bedside RN.  All the members of the class are very close. Some of us get together for study groups, we share a group text to discuss assignments, and lean on each other in difficult times, whether in class or away. I am so glad I chose the University of Portland for grad school; the experience has been exceptional. I am being prepared not only to work as a FNP but to lead in nursing and in healthcare.

I am very excited to start clinical in the fall. I am hoping that through clinical rotations, I will better be able to identify the setting I would most like to practice as an NP.