At 国产主播, the journey from classroom to career is a transformative experience, and no one understands this better than Dianna L.,聽our Career Services associate director at the Orange County campus. With a passion for student success and a background in HR and recruitment, Dianna has dedicated the last four years to helping students not only achieve their career goals but also discover their “why” in the healthcare field.聽

A Passion for People: From Recruitment to Career Services 

Dianna’s journey to 国产主播 began in the healthcare recruitment industry, where she connected with aspiring nurses and healthcare professionals. Her role allowed her to delve into the personal stories of candidates, understanding their motivations and aspirations. This interest in people鈥檚 stories is what drew her to a career in Career Services at 国产主播.聽

“I was always interested in getting to know the candidates’ stories and understanding why they became nurses,” Dianna explained. “When I learned about what 国产主播 does to prepare its students for the job search, I knew I wanted to be a part of it.”聽

Transitioning from recruitment to Career Services was a natural fit for Dianna. It allowed her to continue her passion for guiding individuals on their career paths while also playing a more direct role in their professional development.聽

“I love getting to know all my students, learning about their journeys, and helping them with the skills they need to excel in their interviews and job search,” she said. 

The Heart of Career Services: Understanding the Student’s “Why” 

For Dianna, one of the most rewarding aspects of her job is understanding each student’s unique reason for pursuing a career in nursing.聽

“Every student has their own story, often rooted in personal experiences,” she shared. 

Whether it’s a former CNA who discovered their calling through hands-on care or a volunteer who found their passion in the hospital setting, these stories are what drive Dianna to provide the best support possible.聽

She emphasizes the importance of helping students articulate their “why” during the job search process. 

“Employers want to know why a candidate chose nursing as a career, and it鈥檚 our job to help students convey that passion in a way that resonates during interviews,” she explained. 

From Student to Professional: A Journey of Growth 

Dianna described Career Services as the “endpoint” in a student’s journey at 国产主播, where all their hard work culminates in landing their first nursing position. This journey is often filled with emotions 鈥� nerves, excitement, and a sense of achievement.聽

“It’s incredibly rewarding to receive that call or email from a student saying they’ve received an offer,” Dianna said. “Seeing their growth from their first day in nursing school to the moment they accept a job offer is one of the best parts of my role.”聽

She takes pride in the fact that her team is there every step of the way, from preparing students for interviews to celebrating their successes. But Dianna is quick to remind students that their success is ultimately due to their hard work and determination.聽

“I always tell them, ‘It was all you.’ They put in the effort, excelled in school, and presented themselves well during interviews,” she added. 

A Collaborative Culture Focused on Students 

What makes 国产主播 truly unique, according to Dianna, is its student-centric approach.聽

“Every decision we make in Career Services is with our students in mind,” she said. 

Whether it鈥檚 planning workshops, organizing employer events, or providing one-on-one support, the goal is always to enhance the student experience and prepare them for success in the real world. 

This student-centric focus is supported by a collaborative culture across all campuses. Dianna highlights the teamwork that exists not only within the Career Services department but also with other departments like Student Affairs, the Nursing department, and the NCLEX team.聽

“We all have different roles, but at the end of the day, we work together with a common goal: our students,” she explained. 

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Adult-gerontology is a field within healthcare dedicated to caring for patients ranging from adolescence to end of life. As the population continues to age, the role of these nurses becomes increasingly vital in managing complex health needs.

Given that adult-gerontology nurse practitioners (AGNPs) care for individuals 13 years or older, it鈥檚 an ideal role for those not planning to work with infants or children 12 years and younger.

This post examines advanced practice specialized roles like Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (AGACNP) and Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner (AGPCNP) that help you refine the advanced skills needed to deliver exceptional care.

What Are Different Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner Specializations?

Understanding the specializations within adult-gerontology nursing can help you choose a path that best aligns with your career aspirations. Adult-gerontology is a specialization within advanced practice; it shares similarities with family nurse practitioner roles, especially in its emphasis on delivering comprehensive patient care across the lifespan.

Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (AGACNP)

AGACNPs specialize in caring for individuals 13 years or older with acute, critical, and complex health conditions. Their focus is on diagnosing and managing severe illnesses or injuries, providing interventions, and ensuring comprehensive care during critical health episodes. AGACNP responsibilities include:

• Stabilizing and managing patients with acute and critical health conditions
• Collaborating with healthcare teams to coordinate care
• Providing patient and family education on acute conditions and treatments

Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner (AGPCNP)

AGPCNPs focus on delivering primary care to adults and older adults. It includes managing chronic conditions, promoting preventive care, and offering ongoing health maintenance. AGPCNP responsibilities include:

• Promoting preventive care
• Managing chronic diseases
• Educating patients and patient鈥檚 families
• Maintaining patient health through regular check-ups

Degree Levels for Adult-Gerontology NP Specializations

Both AGACNP and AGPCNP specializations are typically offered at different degree levels. Below are the options offered at WCU.

AGACNP Specialty Degree Levels:

• MSN – AGACNP
• RN to MSN – AGACNP
• Post-Master鈥檚 Certificate – AGACNP

AGPCNP Specialty Degree Levels:

• MSN – AGPCNP
• RN to MSN – AGPCNP
• Post-Master鈥檚 Certificate – AGPCNP

Where Do Nurses Who Specialize in Adult-Gerontology Work?

Because adult-gerontology nurse practitioners play a crucial role in providing specialized care to everyone from adolescents to older adults, their expertise is needed in various settings. Their work environment can significantly influence their daily responsibilities and the type of care they deliver.

According to the , AGNPs are most commonly found working across the following settings:

• Hospitals
• Palliative Care
• Outpatient Clinics
• Home-Based Care
• Rehabilitation Centers
• Community Health Centers
• Nursing Homes/Long-Term Care Facilities

Become an Adult Gerontological Nurse Practitioner Through WCU

Do you see yourself making a meaningful difference in the lives of individuals from adolescence to older adulthood? Whether you鈥檙e a nurse considering a new direction or are completely new to the field of nursing, specializing in adult gerontology offers a rewarding path to delivering compassionate care.

国产主播 offers AGACNP and AGPCNP specializations within three degree programs (RN to MSN, MSN, and post-master’s certificate) to support you no matter where you are in your field.

Discover how WCU鈥檚 programs can help advance your career journey, deepen your expertise, and make a profound impact on your community by contacting us today!

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Laureen S., MSN 鈥�23, first discovered her passion for nursing while watching the popular TV series 鈥淢*A*S*H.鈥�

鈥淚t鈥檚 the only thing I ever wanted to do,鈥� Laureen shared. 鈥淚 loved the physical sciences and wanted to be a surgical nurse like Margaret Houlihan.鈥�

After high school, Laureen attended college and graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing in 1987. Her subsequent 37-year career spanned numerous technological advancements, a global pandemic, and multiple nursing specialties.

Laureen’s first job was in the medical oncology unit, where poor nurse-to-patient ratios and grueling night shifts made her question her career choice. She then moved to the step-down unit of the Cardiac Care Unit (CCU), where she discovered her calling in cardiac care and patient education.

Her career continued as she worked in the ICU, home health care, and the adult critical care unit’s flow pool. Eventually, she transitioned to the NICU, where she found her true passion for neonatal care and spent 20 fulfilling years.

鈥淢y mom had always wanted me to be a pediatric nurse and I never had any interest, let alone in babies,鈥� Laureen recalled.

Laureen went on to work at 国产主播 鈥� Ontario as a pediatric clinical instructor, where she has taught for the past seven years. Her time at WCU has been marked with new opportunities and experiences in nursing.

After teaching for nearly five years, Loreen was informed that her role now required a master鈥檚 degree.

鈥淚 was 56 years old at the time and didn鈥檛 want to go back to school. I hadn鈥檛 been a student since 1987,鈥� she said.

Several months later, Laureen learned that she qualified for a grant to cover the cost of the program. As a result, she was able to start the WCU MSN online program in Nursing Education in January 2022 and conclude in December 2023, graduating at the top of her class and earning a nomination into Sigma Theta Tau. She also won the Daisy Award in October 2023.

One of Laureen鈥檚 greatest outcomes from her master鈥檚 program was her introduction to the simulation center.

Laureen quickly fell in love with simulations and in January, she transferred from the nursing department to the simulations department. In the fall, Laureen will begin as the newest pediatric simulation instructor at WCU.

鈥淚 never thought I needed or wanted a master鈥檚 degree, but now, because I have it, I am a simulation instructor.鈥�

Laureen is excited about her future and remains dedicated to teaching and helping the next generation of nurses thrive.

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Family nurse practitioners (FNPs) and adult-gerontology primary care nurse practitioners (AGPCNPs) are both advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs). This means that they possess at least a master鈥檚 degree in nursing (MSN) and have undergone advanced clinical training.

While both are well-equipped to deliver primary care, FNPs and AGPCNPs are uniquely qualified to serve specific patient populations.

Read on to learn more about the difference between FNPs and AGPCNPs as well as which career path may be the right fit for you.

What Does a Family Nurse Practitioner Do?

FNPs are advanced practice registered nurses who are qualified to provide comprehensive care to patients across their entire lifespan, from infancy to end-of-life. FNPs generally serve as the first point of contact for patients who are seeking healthcare services, treating individuals and families throughout their lives.

Dedicated to enhancing the wellness of their patients, FNPs focus on preventative care and holistic health approaches. As such, they do not work in acute care鈥攎edical treatment provided for short-term illnesses, injuries, or medical conditions that require immediate attention.

FNP’s work across , a few of the most common are listed below.

• Family practice clinics
• Specialty clinics
• Urgent Care
• Emergency departments (ED)
• Hospital clinics and chronic care units
• Retail clinics
• Palliative care settings
• Long-term care facilities
• House calls and home care companies

What Does an Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner Do?

AGPCNPs are advanced practice registered nurses who are qualified to assess, diagnose, and treat patients ranging from adolescents (starting at the age of 13) through older adulthood to end of life. Dedicated to enhancing the health and wellness of their patients, AGPCNPs focus on preventative care and holistic health approaches.

They may also support patients transitioning between care settings, which often involves
educating patients and caregivers on how to best maintain and/or monitor the patient鈥檚 health.

AGPCNP鈥檚 work in various environments, including:

• Clinics
• Hospitals/Urgent care
• Skilled nursing facilities
• Long-term care including homes, assisted living facilities, nursing homes, etc.
• Outpatient care centers
• Medical and physician offices

What is the Process of Becoming an FNP vs. AGPCNP?

The process of becoming an FNP or AGPCNP is similar although the content of the national certification examination will vary. To become certified, both prospective FNPs and AGPCNPs typically follow these three steps:

Step 1: Become a Registered Nurse

To become a registered nurse (RN), you must complete an accredited nursing program (Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) or Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)) and successfully pass the to obtain your license.

It鈥檚 important to note that all states require prospective RNs to hold a minimum of an ADN to qualify for their license. However, a growing number of states now require a BSN.

In states where a BSN is not required, registered nurses with an ADN are recommended to
enhance their qualifications to meet specific employer requirements by enrolling in an RN to
BSN program.

Step 2: Earn National Certification

In addition to holding an active RN license, you must become nationally certified as a FNP or
AGPCNP through an examination process via the or the .

To qualify for either examination, you must submit an application. Both the ANCC and AANP require you to submit the following to determine your eligibility:

• Proof of a current RN license
• Proof of completion of an accredited FNP or AGPCNP education program, including all supervised clinical practice hours
• Relevant transcripts
• An application fee

After successfully passing the exam, your national nurse practitioner certification will be valid for five years; however, to maintain certification, you must follow the renewal process detailed on the ANCC or AANP site.

Step 3: Apply for State Licensure

Following your RN licensure and your national certification as an FNP or AGPCNP, you must become licensed in the specific state where you plan to practice. As licensure requirements differ by state, it鈥檚 important to understand the requirements outlined by your state鈥檚 .

The application process for most state licensure requires a minimum of:

• Proof of a current RN license
• Proof of national FNP or AGPCNP certification
• Proof of the completion of an accredited FNP or AGPCNP program, including all supervised clinical practice hours
• An application fee

Deciding Which Educational Path Fits Your Needs

Although the general process of becoming a FNP or AGPCNP is similar, the specific coursework varies.

FNP programs typically offer a comprehensive range of pediatric courses, preparing practitioners to care for patients from infancy through the end-of-life. In contrast, AGPCNP programs focus on adolescent to adult care, generally excluding pediatric courses from their curriculum. Visit WCU鈥檚 catalog to learn more about and .

Once you鈥檝e decided on the right fit for you, consider applying to an accredited nursing program that not only meets your state鈥檚 criteria to become an FNP or AGPCNP, but also aligns with your professional goals.

WCU Helps Support Students Through Their Educational Journey

No matter which path you choose, becoming an FNP or AGPCNP can empower you to lead a successful career. Both roles are fulfilling in their own way, offering opportunities to make a meaningful impact on the health and well-being of individuals and communities.

WCU鈥檚 online FNP specialization is available through the following programs:

• RN to MSN – FNP
• MSN – FNP
• Post-Master’s Certificate – FNP

The online AGPCNP specialization is available through the following programs:

• RN to MSN – AGPCNP
• MSN – AGPCNP
• Post-Master’s Certificate – AGPCNP

Visit one of the program pages above and submit a request for additional information to begin planning for a rewarding career

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In a journey across continents and careers, 国产主播-Miami alumna Stella M., BSN 鈥�23, shared her inspiring story transitioning from a legal background to nursing.

Born and raised in Venezuela, Stella grew up with dreams of becoming a doctor. However, when it came time to choose a degree, circumstances pushed her down a different path.

鈥淢y city in Venezuela didn鈥檛 have a medical school,鈥� Stella explained. 鈥淚 was the only daughter of my father, and he didn鈥檛 want me to go to another city, so I pursued law school and have my bachelor鈥檚 and master鈥檚 in the science of law.鈥�

Despite having a law degree, Stella found herself starting over when she had to leave her home country of Venezuela for political reasons. She came to the United States and adapted as best as she could. Instead of practicing law, she worked as a server in the restaurant industry, a shift that she described as 鈥渁 huge shock.鈥�

However, life had one more curveball to throw her way. When the pandemic caused her restaurant to close, Stella began looking for work in other industries, and ended up working as a patient care technician (PCT) in the healthcare setting. As a PCT, Stella was reminded of her passion for medicine and decided she would fight for the career she wanted. She also hoped to be a role model for her 3-year-old daughter.

鈥淚 always tried to teach her that we can be whatever we want,鈥� Stella said. 鈥淲e just need to work hard.鈥� So that鈥檚 exactly what Stella did.

Seizing the opportunity to fulfill her childhood dream, Stella enrolled in WCU’s nursing program in April 2022. Despite English not being her first language, her sheer determination and commitment led her to pass the NCLEX just 11 days after completing her program. She also graduated with a 3.98 GPA, with the lowest grade she ever received being an A-.

Her pinning ceremony on Nov. 14, 2023 was a special moment because she had already passed her licensure exam and was able to be recognized officially as a registered nurse. 鈥淭hat鈥檚 why I can tell you 国产主播 prepared me for that,鈥� Stella said.

Stella credited WCU for providing the tools and resources necessary for her success, from skilled professors to research facilities and tutoring services. She remains proud to be a WCU alum. 鈥湽鞑� was like my home. I miss my classrooms and my professors,鈥� Stella said. 鈥淚 feel really proud of being a 国产主播 student and graduate.鈥�

After graduating, Stella was hired to work in the trauma unit of the ICU starting in January 2024. It was the culmination of all her hard work and the realization of a longstanding dream. 鈥淚 have achieved my goal,鈥� she said, emphasizing the meaning she finds in connecting with patients. 鈥淲hen patients are in the intensive care unit, they are intubated and on ventilators, so they cannot speak, but you can see the patients speaking with their eyes.鈥�

Looking ahead, Stella plans to gain two years of experience in the ICU before deciding between pursuing a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) credential or becoming a nurse practitioner.

Stella’s daughter is now 10 years old and proud of her mom. 鈥淪he was the first person during my ceremony screaming and yelling, 鈥楳om I love you! I鈥檓 proud of you!鈥欌�� Her daughter hopes to become a nurse in the future, just like her mother and like Stella鈥檚 mother, who is also a nurse. 鈥淢y father and mother met in the hospital,鈥� Stella said. 鈥淢y mom was taking care of my grandma, my dad鈥檚 mom.鈥�

As Stella continues to contemplate her future, she expresses a desire to return to WCU, citing the university’s impact on her success. 鈥淚 want to be an example to others that if we fight for what we want, we can do it,鈥� Stella said. 鈥淚f you are at 国产主播, you can do it in the same way that I did.鈥�

The post Alumna鈥檚 Story Spans From Courtrooms to Hospitals, Venezuela to the United States appeared first on 国产主播.

Nursing is a highly respected profession. Nurses perform care that includes both hard science and human insight 鈥� their presence is both authoritative and reassuring. But beyond the stethoscopes and charts we鈥檝e come to associate with nurses, there is a lot of rich history and surprising nursing facts you probably don鈥檛 know.

In celebration of nurses and all they do, we have compiled five interesting facts about these essential healthcare professionals. Whether you鈥檙e considering becoming a nurse or you鈥檙e just curious to know more about the field of nursing, here is some fascinating information to add to your knowledge bank.

Check out this infographic and then read more details about each nurse fact below.

Sources: , , , ,

1. Registered Nurses Outnumber Doctors 4-to-1

Here鈥檚 an interesting nurse statistic: According to the American Association of Colleges of
Nursing (AACN), there are more than
in the United States. The omnipresence of nurses in almost all healthcare settings makes them a familiar and reassuring sight for patients seeking care. (See below for how much patients trust nurses.) But there are many reasons for the need for so many nurses in healthcare.

In addition to the essential nurses in common facilities like hospitals, you can find nurses in many settings where there may not be a doctor at all: schools, long-term care residences, in-home care, and even private practice. (Advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) at the nurse practitioner level are allowed to practice independently in some states, often performing the same function as a primary care physician themselves.)

2. Nurses Walk a Marathon a Week

Nursing is fantastic exercise! One study based out of the UK found that nurses , which translates to about 26.25 miles! Hospital nurses are constantly on the move, making rounds and responding to ongoing and often unpredictable circumstances.

For the busy nurse, this can be good news 鈥� you鈥檙e getting your exercise while you work, and a lot of it. Consider it a hidden perk of the job, since you鈥檙e benefiting your own health while you tend to the health of others.

3. The Symbol of Nursing Is an Oil Lamp

You might have heard of , arguably the most famous nurse in history and the founder of the nursing profession. But did you know she was called 鈥溾�� and was the inspiration for the iconic symbol of nursing, the oil lamp? During the Crimean War of the mid-1800s, Nightingale would tend to wounded soldiers and made her rounds with an oil lamp, hence the nickname.

Nightingale is particularly credited with creating standards for the conditions for care. She found the treatment setting conditions deplorable when she arrived in the medical tents during the war and transformed them into clean and efficient facilities. Nightingale鈥檚 legacy remains to this day, with care environment being one of the central purviews of the modern nurse.

4. One of the First Nurses Was a Saint

Nursing has its own patron saint! was beatified by Pope Benedict XIV in 1742, but he was caring for the sick in the 14th and 15th centuries. Camillus has an interesting history 鈥� he wasn鈥檛 always dedicated to the health of others, or even his own health. Before he found his calling, he was actually a bit of a troublemaker.

In his early adulthood, Camillus was a gambler and fighter and eventually lost everything he owned. But he changed his ways and went on to dedicate his life to the priesthood in the time of The Plague. He organized troops in Hungary and Croatia, caring for the sick and the communities ravaged by the illness.

5. Nursing is the 鈥淢ost Trusted鈥� Profession

According to the 2022 Gallup poll of honesty and ethical standards, nurses are by the public. In fact, nursing has topped the list every year since it was first included in the poll in 1999, with the exception of 2001, when firefighters deservedly earned the top trust rating in the year of 9/11.

Are we surprised that nurses are so universally trusted? Not at all. Nurses already have a reputation for empathy and compassion and are often the most familiar and consistent face during a patient鈥檚 treatment. The nurse-patient relationship deeply depends upon trust, and those who choose to become nurses are driven by the highest ethical standards and compassion.

Bonus Fact: May 6-12 Is National Nurses Week!

Nurses deserve our appreciation and admiration year-round, but they also have a week dedicated in their honor: National Nurses Week! This week of recognition is a great time to tell that nurse in your life 鈥� whether it鈥檚 the nurse at your regular physician鈥檚 office, a friend or family member, or even yourself 鈥� how much their important work means.

To nurses and aspiring nurses: Every week is Nurses Week at WCU! We鈥檙e dedicated to educating tomorrow鈥檚 nurses and recognizing the grit and determination that this vital profession requires 鈥� and we鈥檝e been doing it for over 110 years. Nurses are our heroes; we care because you care.

We invite you to explore our online nursing and campus nursing programs today, and get to know our vision for your future in healthcare.

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