Challisa Nelson
"One of the most meaningful aspects of my experience at Norwich was the supportive learning environment. Faculty were knowledgeable, approachable, and genuinely invested in student success, which made a difference during the more challenging periods"
Q: "Tell us about yourself: your family, friends, interests, and hobbies."
A: "I have a husband, a son, and a 12-year-old dachshund. I enjoy spending time with family and friends. I enjoy trying new restaurants.'
Q: "Describe your professional background prior to enrolling, what motivated you to pursue this degree, and your long-term career goals."
A: "I am a proud Navy Veteran who served 11 years. I am also a registered nurse who works in postpartum/mother-baby. I was motivated to pursue this degree because I know higher education opens more doors and opportunities for me to grow as a healthcare professional. My long-term goal is to work in a nurse leadership role and be a Director of Women's/Perinatal Services."
Q: "How have you applied what you learned in your role, and how has this degree impacted your career growth or direction?"
A: "In my role, I have applied what I learned during this program by approaching patient care with a stronger emphasis on evidence-based practice. I have also improved my collaboration and communication within interdisciplinary teams.
This degree has influenced my career direction by opening up advancement opportunities and helping me clarify my professional goals, particularly in pursuing leadership roles. It has given me the confidence and foundation to continue growing and take on challenges I may not have felt ready for before."
Q: "What will stay with you most from your Norwich experience, and what advice would you give to prospective students?"
A: "What will stay with me is the growth, the relationships I have made with other nurse professionals in my program, and the unique experiences and perspectives they have. My advice to prospective students would be to go into the program with a clear sense of your goals, but also remain open to growth and change. Take advantage of clinical placements, ask questions, seek feedback, and build relationships with peers, faculty, and mentors. These connections can be incredibly valuable both during the program and in your future career."
Q: "Is there anything else you would like to tell us about your experiences at Norwich or the impact of Norwich on your life?"
A: "One of the most meaningful aspects of my experience at Norwich was the supportive learning environment. Faculty were knowledgeable, approachable, and genuinely invested in student success, which made a difference during the more challenging periods of the program. Norwich has had a lasting impact on my professional and personal development, strengthening my commitment to lifelong learning and preparing me to contribute more effectively to the healthcare system."
Q: "Why did you choose Norwich University Online? What influenced your decision to pursue an online program, and which aspects of the online learning experience proved most beneficial to you?"
A: "I chose Norwich University online because, as a Navy Veteran, it is a military-friendly school and offers the program and courses that would help me reach my specific goals. I was influenced to pursue an online program because of the flexibility. While there were deadlines, I was able to work and complete my coursework in a reasonable amount of time."
Q: "What were your expectations before starting the program? How did your experience compare, and what aspects stood out most to you?"
A: "I expected the program to build on my undergraduate experience with a stronger focus on clinical skills and a clearer path toward specialization. In reality, the scope was broader than anticipated, emphasizing research, evidence-based care, leadership, and health policy alongside clinical practice. What stood out most was the shift in perspective: I began to understand healthcare at a systems level, considering how policies, resources, and interdisciplinary collaboration shape patient outcomes. The program pushed me to grow not only as a clinician but as a critical thinker and future nursing leader."
