Patrick Riley FNP '19 shares his experiences as a graduate nursing student in the Family Nurse Practitioner Program.
What drew you to Le Moyne’s Graduate Nursing Program?
I was drawn to Le Moyne’s Graduate Nursing Program by previous experiences with Le Moyne College and by word of mouth from friends and colleagues who are currently enrolled in or have previously attended the program. I investigated both the Upstate University and the Le Moyne College graduate nursing programs, in the end, the Le Moyne College program seemed like a better fit for me.
What are some of the best experiences you have had in the program?
The collaborative and professional relationships built with fellow students and faculty must be the best experience that I have had so far in the program. The faculty creates an inviting environment which promotes learning. The fellow students are very supportive of one another and work together as a team.
How is the nursing program preparing you to take the next steps in your nursing career?
The next steps in my career are highly dependent on obtaining my master’s degree and passing a national certification exam to practice as a Nurse Practitioner. The Le Moyne graduate nursing program is helping me to further my education by providing myself and fellow classmates with the education necessary to complete the program and take a national certification exam, allowing me to practice as an advance practice nurse.
How does Le Moyne’s mission and values resonate with you in your personal and professional life?
Le Moyne’s mission and values resonate with me both in my personal and professional life because as a healthcare professional, I continuously strive for excellence and continuously try to promote a just society. Le Moyne is focused on educating the whole person, which I particularly resonate with because I want to become a more educated person overall rather than just educated in a particular topic or subject.
What advice would you give to a student who is thinking about entering the program?
I would advise the student to research local graduate nursing programs and find the right fit for them. However, stop thinking about applying and just apply to the program; it is worth it, even if you decide to switch routes mid-program. Le Moyne will make sure you leave with a master’s degree in nursing.
We know that nothing is easy in nursing. Prospective students should expect the graduate nursing program to be understandably difficult. The program will require exceptional effort and time spent studying. Remember, the more you put into it, the more you will get back.