Student Testimonies - Highlights of Recent Graduates

Kimberly Nelson, RN, BSN Program Graduate, MS/MBA Graduate Student

Kimberly Nelson graduated from the BSN traditional program at the University of Maryland School of Nursing in 2002. Kimberly shows what dedicated students can accomplish. Currently, Kimberly works at Doctors Community Hospital near Washington D.C. She is a charge nurse on the telemetry unit and a preceptor of new nurses. She is also enrolled in the MS/MBA Joint Program at the School of Nursing (MS) and the University of Baltimore (MBA).

Kimberly was initially attracted to the nursing profession when she was a sophomore at the University of Maryland Baltimore County (UMBC). She shadowed her mother (who is a Registered Nurse) at work for a few days, just to see what nursing was like. Since that time, she couldn’t imagine becoming anything but a nurse.

Kimberly believes that the University of Maryland School of Nursing teaches students to be competent and professional nurses. She believes this is what sets the School of Nursing apart from other nursing schools. The School of Nursing creates leaders in the profession.

When she is not working, Kimberly enjoys promoting healthy behaviors. She volunteers at health fairs (promoting breast health – self breast exams, and mammograms); career fairs (discussing the nursing profession); and gives presentations to high school students interested in the nursing profession. After receiving her MS/MBA she plans to pursue a doctorate, possibly in education, at the University Of Maryland School of Nursing.

“Nursing school is not easy, and it’s important to find a support system, a friend, a student organization, and/ or a family member, who can share your joyous and not so joyous occasions,” she states. She encourages students to ask for help when they need it. “After graduating,” she says, “find a job, and if you decide you don’t like it, change your job. Nursing is such a great profession with so many opportunities. If you don’t like one area, find something you do like. Nurses are important people who have the ability to make an impact on the world – find your niche and get to work!”