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MSN Bolsters Next Phase of Nurse’s Career as Nursing Educator
Earning a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree is more than a way to advance a nurse’s career – it’s an opportunity to specialize and shine. Sharon VanDalinda, a critical care nurse in New York, saw earning her MSN from America Sentinel University (@AmerSentinel) as the key to fulfilling her career aspirations and standing out as a professional.
VanDalinda, BSN, critical care nurse in the intensive care unit at St. Luke’s Cornwall Hospital in Newburgh, New York saw an MSN, nursing education specialization as the tool she needed to become a nurse educator.
Advanced Degree and New Career
VanDalinda earned her BSN from American Sentinel in 2015 and soon after graduation she decided to continue her education and earn an MSN.
“I love taking care of critical care patients who are at such a vulnerable time. Then I started thinking about my future, five and ten years from now, and I knew whatever I want to do, the MSN will help me,” she says.
She had such a positive experience earning her BSN at America Sentinel and knew the university was the right fit for her MSN degree.
“I love this school, specifically the schedule, the availability of classes and the eight-week courses. I always thought a brick-and-mortar setting was best for me, but with three kids now, plus a job, this is perfect for my life,” says VanDalinda.
When VanDalinda was recently offered the opportunity to teach as an adjunct professor at Orange County Community College where she earned her first nursing degree. She was excited for the opportunity to give back to the place that got her started on her nursing journey.
“Most nurse educators have extensive clinical experience and like Sharon VanDalinda, they feel this is the next step in their career, giving back to the nursing profession. They find the interaction with students to be quite rewarding and take pride helping shape nurses who will have an impact on many patients, families, and other nurses long after the initial interaction,” says Elaine Foster, Ph.D., MSN, RN, Dean of Nursing and Healthcare Programs at American Sentinel University.
Nearing the Finish Line
VanDalinda plans to graduate with her MSN in 2018. With this degree, she is confident that more doors of opportunity will open.
“I feel that the classes I take will build on my knowledge in a much deeper way,” she says. “I do assessments every day, and now after taking a class on assessments, I’m more thorough, more organized, and I understand the ‘why’ behind them. The entire program has been this way: it’s opened up my eyes,” she says.
VanDalinda encourages other nurses thinking about going back to school to consider American Sentinel.
“I recommend American Sentinel for lots of reasons, but mostly because there are many resources to take advantage of, and you can work at your own pace. I’m pleased I went for it,” she adds.
About American Sentinel University
American Sentinel University delivers the competitive advantages of accredited online nursing degree programs in nursing, informatics, MBA Health Care, DNP Executive Leadership and DNP Educational Leadership. Its affordable, flexible bachelor’s and master’s nursing degree programs are accredited by the Commission for the Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). The DNP program is accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN). The university is accredited by the Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC). The Accrediting Commission of DEAC is listed by the U.S. Department of Education as a nationally recognized accrediting agency and is a recognized member of the Council for Higher Education Accreditation.
