Edith Prophete
I feel truly blessed to be in a position that allows me to make a difference in the lives of others. The foundation I've built at Norwich will undoubtedly enhance my career and lead to an even more fulfilling life ahead.
Q: “Tell us about yourself.”
A: “I was born and raised in Boston, Massachusetts—though I don’t have the typical Boston accent. I’m a single mother with a strong foundation in faith, family, and Christian values. In my free time, I enjoy shopping, watching religious or historical films, and diving into true crime shows—Dateline and Law & Order: SVU are my favorites. I have extensive experience in psychiatric nursing across various settings. I’ve worked with adolescent and pediatric psychiatric populations, as well as in short-term acute adult psych care. As a travel nurse, I helped open a new geriatric psychiatric unit and served at high-acuity trauma level I hospitals that managed some of the most complex psychiatric cases. I also have experience working in forensic psychiatric units, further strengthening my ability to manage challenging patient populations with professionalism and compassion.”
Q: “What was your motivation for pursuing your degree?”
A: “Working as an LPN for the Department of Health about 12 years ago inspired me to advance my career in mental health. That experience opened my eyes to the critical need in this often-overlooked specialty. I developed a strong passion for supporting individuals with mental health needs and have loved every moment of working in this field since.”
Q: “What are your future professional plans?”
A: “My future professional goal is to work in an outpatient mental health setting, with a primary focus on adolescents. I am particularly interested in providing early intervention, therapy, and medication management for this age group. Additionally, I am considering working in a psychiatric emergency department to gain experience in acute care and crisis stabilization.”
Q: “Why did you choose Norwich?”
A: “I chose Norwich University because of its strong reputation for academic excellence, leadership development, and commitment to service. I first learned about Norwich through my own research into quality graduate nursing programs that offered flexibility for working professionals and a curriculum grounded in integrity and real-world application. What makes Norwich unique is its historic foundation as the nation’s first private military college, which brings a sense of discipline, structure, and purpose to all its programs, even for civilian students. The university’s values align closely with my own, especially its emphasis on leadership, service, and ethical practice. Norwich’s PMHNP program stands out because of its comprehensive focus on both clinical competence and community mental health. The program is designed to prepare nurse practitioners who are not only skilled clinicians but also advocates for underserved populations, which is something I am deeply passionate about.”
Q: “Did you have any uncertainties with choosing an online program?”
A: “Initially, I did have some uncertainties about choosing an online program, mainly around staying engaged and ensuring I’d get the same quality of education as an in-person experience. However, the deciding factor for me was the flexibility that an online program offers. As a single mother and full-time nurse, being able to balance my professional and personal responsibilities while advancing my education was essential. Norwich’s strong support system, reputable curriculum, and structured yet flexible format reassured me that I would receive a high-quality education that fits my lifestyle.”
Q: “Prior to beginning your courses, what were some of your expectations for an online degree program?”
A: “Before beginning my courses, I expected an online degree program to offer flexibility, but I was also concerned about feeling isolated or disconnected from instructors and peers. I anticipated needing to be highly self-motivated and organized to stay on track. Since starting at Norwich, those expectations have been both met and positively challenged. The flexibility has absolutely been a benefit, but what stood out most was the level of engagement and support from faculty. I’ve felt consistently connected, encouraged, and academically challenged. The program has proven that online learning can be just as interactive and rigorous as traditional on-campus education.”
Q: “What is one piece of advice you would give to future students enrolling in one of Norwich's online programs?”
A: “One piece of advice I’d give is to stay organized and proactive from day one. Online learning offers great flexibility, but it also requires strong time management and self-discipline. Don’t be afraid to reach out to your professors and classmates. Norwich fosters a supportive community, and staying connected will make your experience even more rewarding.”
Q: “How do you plan to use your degree in your career?”
A: “I plan to use my degree to advance my career as a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner, with a focus on adolescent care and crisis intervention. As a proud West Indian, I’ve seen firsthand how mental health is often misunderstood or stigmatized in Caribbean communities. Many people still struggle to accept that mental illness is a real, treatable condition, not just something to be ignored or hidden. I want to be a voice for change by helping to break those cultural barriers, educating families, and providing compassionate, evidence-based care. My goal is to not only treat individuals, but also to serve as an advocate and bridge for mental health awareness in both clinical and community settings.”
Q: “What has been your biggest personal or professional success since starting your degree?”
A: “My biggest personal and professional success has been balancing my role as a single mother, working nurse, and full-time student while completing two rigorous master’s programs back-to-back. I earned my master’s in nursing education last year, and now I’m proud to be completing my second degree in psychiatric mental health. Norwich played a huge role in helping me achieve this by providing the flexibility, structure, and support I needed to succeed. The faculty’s encouragement and the program’s design allowed me to stay focused, even when life was overwhelming. Being able to provide for my child while growing as a professional has been one of the most fulfilling accomplishments of my life.”
Q: “Please tell us about a time when you could put your knowledge gained in the classroom to work immediately at your job.”
Q: “Gaining the skills to effectively treat and diagnose patients has been invaluable. Understanding which medications are most effective for different age groups, along with the guidance of my preceptor, made for a truly enriching experience.”
Q: “What aspects of your Norwich experience will you carry most strongly with you?”
A: “During my time at Norwich, the strong sense of community and camaraderie among students and faculty has left a lasting impression on me. The collaborative learning environment fostered meaningful relationships and teamwork, which I will carry into my future endeavors. Additionally, the emphasis on leadership development and the opportunities for personal growth have equipped me with essential skills that I will apply throughout my career. Lastly, the rich traditions and values instilled at Norwich have shaped my character and will continue to guide me as I navigate new challenges.”
Q: “Is there anything else you would like to tell us about your experiences at Norwich?”
A: “I would like to emphasize the incredible opportunities I’ve gained during my time at Norwich. The experience has not only enriched my knowledge and skills but has also significantly impacted my life. Becoming a registered nurse has been a wonderful journey, especially as I work in psychiatric nursing. I feel truly blessed to be in a position that allows me to make a difference in the lives of others. The foundation I've built at Norwich will undoubtedly enhance my career and lead to an even more fulfilling life ahead.”
