Discover Nursing!

Here at the Graduate School of Nursing, our students are dedicated, practice-focused and research-focused nurses and leaders. They take on their education with pride and make the GSN what it is today. As a token of appreciation for our students, we have started a student spotlight! Once a month, we will choose a GSN student to showcase why they are so special to the GSN. This month, we interviewed Brittany Carney. Brittany is a third-year student in our Graduate Entry Program, Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP)/ Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) track. The following are questions we asked Brittany about herself and how the GSN and her program have affected her as a student:

    1. What program are you in and why did you pick it?

I am currently a third-year student in the Graduate Entry Program, Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP)/ Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) track. This program provides foundational education and training while pursuing clinical experiences needed to help develop my clinical knowledge. I am interested in both caring for patients across the lifespan as well as contributing to future clinical and systems-based leadership roles. The FNP/DNP track best prepares me to pursue those paths in the future.

2. Where do you work currently?

I currently work per diem as an outpatient nurse for Spectrum Health Systems.

3. What are your hobbies outside of school?

I recently started playing ice hockey in a learn-to-skate women’s hockey league with my sister, which has been so much fun! I also enjoy spending time at the ocean, watching the Boston Bruins and spending time with my family and friends.

4. What is the most helpful advice you received?

Always trust your gut and if you find something you are passionate about pursue that.

5. What do you love the most about the GSN?

The faculty of the Graduate School of Nursing genuinely care about you as a person and as a developing NP student. They support your successes and failures and help you navigate your training in an individualized approach that helps make you a better thinker and better prepared to care for patients in the future.

6. Who has influenced you the most?

Prior to attending UMASS I worked in addiction medicine for many years. The clinicians, nurses, educators, and most importantly patients I worked with provided so many lessons about how compassion can open so many doors for individuals who need it most. I try to carry that compassionate heart with me when I care for patients and their families