Patience Akugue
"I am a graduate of the MS and DNP programs of the UConn School of Nursing. After graduating with my BSN from the University of St. Joseph in 2015, I moved on to work in a medical-surgical unit at Hartford Hospital. Six months into my nursing career, I knew I wanted to do more. I wanted to impact my patients in a different way, by providing primary care in the community. I had the option of getting my MS from St. Joseph’s FNP program, but I chose UConn for its reputation and the opportunity for an easy clinical placement process. I must say that I never regretted my decision. UConn's FNP program has shaped me into a passionate and efficient nurse practitioner.
Everyone in the School of Nursing have been immensely helpful. My special appreciation to Dr. Annette Jakubisin-Konicki and Dr. Elwell. They knew my needs before I conceived them. They made my experience at UConn phenomenal. They encouraged me to apply to scholarships and grants and supported me through my DNP project and publication. They encouraged and recommended me to apply for the graduate assistant position, thereby offering me an opportunity to experience teaching. I am proud to be a double Husky!"
Melody Len LoPreiato
“As an RN for 6 years prior to starting my FNP program, I had always had the vision of one day becoming an APRN. I knew UCONN was where I wanted to go because of its great academic reputation, and an outstanding first-time passing rate of the board exam for many years. As a working mom of two young children, a wife, and caring for my elderly father, I began my MS FNP journey with family’s unwavering support. The program was an amazing experience for me on many levels. The instructors were experts and extremely knowledgeable, very accessible, approachable, and easy to work with. The rigor of the curriculum was just right delivering challenges week over week expanding my critical thinking. The clinical rotations were the best part as I was able to apply my knowledge to the real world caring for patients in a variety of settings. Endless resources throughout the program were available to ensure student success from job fairs to informational sessions to program director, Dr. Brenda McNeil’s support. All of this combined with the ongoing support of my advisor, Dr. Annette Jakubisin-Konicki, fostered my personal and professional growth throughout the program. I am proud to be a Husky MS, APRN, FNP graduate."
Angela Pianka
“UConn’s FNP program made becoming an FNP attainable. I worked as a floor nurse on a post-op/medical floor for seven years and truly enjoyed it, but wanted to go further in my career. UConn’s FNP program was a perfect next step. The supportive and approachable faculty made juggling my life much more manageable. The curriculum and versatile clinical opportunities the program provided prepared me well for my new role as an FNP.”
“After a 15 year nursing career I knew I wanted to do more. I also knew that one day I wanted to teach and pass my knowledge to younger nurses, which is why I’m now currently pursuing my Doctor of Nursing Practice degree at UConn while working as an FNP in a primary care office.
One of the most impactful aspects of the FNP master’s program for me were clinical rotations. The program allows you to choose your own site depending on our area of interest. Also, my professors were always available, whether to discuss an academic question, offer advice on clinical rotations, or assist with final projects.
I find that UConn provides an ideal setting in which to collaborate and build relationships with future nurses, MDs, pharmacists, and researchers. Since I've been in the medical field for a good number of years, I was aware of UConn students’ good reputation at clinical sites due their advanced knowledge, clinical experiences, and work ethic, and am proud to continue this reputation.”
“After serving as a U.S. Navy Nurse Corps Officer in a primary care clinic, I knew I wanted to be a family nurse practitioner. The school of nursing at the University of Connecticut is professional and welcoming to new students. I learned a great deal and feel I couldn’t have been better prepared to provide quality care to my patients. As an adult learner, having the option to complete the master’s degree and work as a nurse practitioner while pursuing the doctoral degree has provided a better work-life balance and better prepared me for doctoral studies.”