Rhea Schneider
"For prospective students: this program is worth it, even if you do not see yourself in a management role. It sharpens your critical thinking, builds your confidence, and gives you a stronger understanding of the healthcare system as a whole."
Q: "Tell us about yourself: your family, friends, interests, and hobbies."
A: "I am a first-generation college student and the only person in my family who works in healthcare. Completing this MSN program is a major accomplishment, and I know my family is proud. I enjoy traveling to learn about different cultures, try new food, and experience life in other parts of the world. Creative hobbies are my favorite. I will try almost anything. I have recently been learning to oil paint and look forward to having more time for it now that the program is complete."
Q: "Describe your professional background prior to enrolling, what motivated you to pursue this degree, and your long-term career goals."
A: "I have been a nurse for eight years. I earned a bachelor's degree in Biology from Stonehill College and later completed an accelerated BSN program at Regis College. After graduating, I completed a nurse residency at the Boston VA, rotating through inpatient, outpatient, and long-term care settings. That experience broadened my understanding of how interconnected services support Veterans.
I then worked on a medical-surgical floor during the COVID-19 pandemic, which reinforced my desire to keep growing. I transitioned to the Medical ICU three years ago, where I genuinely enjoy the complexity and teamwork the environment requires.
I was inspired to pursue an advanced degree after seeing colleagues who had completed the Norwich program develop stronger approaches to systems-level problem-solving. My professional goals are to contribute to system-level improvements in Veteran care and to support nursing staff through initiatives that strengthen workflows and patient outcomes.
How have you applied what you learned in your role, and how has this degree impacted your career growth or direction?
This program deepened my understanding of collaboration across healthcare disciplines and changed how I think in my daily work. I now ask more often: why do we do it this way, and can we do it better? That mindset has made me more intentional in my practice.
The program also strengthened my confidence as a leader. Working with my preceptor introduced me to roles in patient safety and quality management that I had limited prior exposure to, which has shaped my interest in future leadership opportunities."
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 most is how much I grew in my ability to reflect on my own practice and leadership. I became more aware of both my strengths and areas still in need of development, and I learned to set goals for ongoing growth. It is easy to fall into routine in nursing, but pausing to reflect and look for opportunities can make a meaningful difference.
For prospective students: this program is worth it, even if you do not see yourself in a management role. It sharpens your critical thinking, builds your confidence, and gives you a stronger understanding of the healthcare system as a whole."
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 after receiving strong recommendations from colleagues who had completed the program. They spoke highly of both the academic rigor and faculty support, which reassured me it aligned with my goals. My overnight work schedule made flexibility essential, and the fully online format allowed me to maintain my clinical role without reducing my work commitment."
Q: "What were your expectations before starting the program? How did your experience compare, and what aspects stood out most to you?"
A: "Before starting, I expected to build a stronger understanding of leadership theories and gain a broader view of healthcare beyond bedside practice. I anticipated learning concepts that would enhance my knowledge, though I was not sure how directly applicable they would be in the ICU.
My actual experience went well beyond those expectations. The coursework was meaningful and often allowed me to explore topics relevant to my own interests and practice. It gave me a stronger understanding of how healthcare organizations function at the community and national level, and I found myself applying what I was learning directly to my daily work more often than I anticipated."
