Emily Churchill
Norwich’s program stands out because it is designed to accommodate the needs of working nurses while maintaining a rigorous curriculum that prepares graduates to deliver high-quality, evidence-based care.
Q: “Tell us about yourself.”
A: “I’m a mom of five — two of my own and three wonderful stepchildren. I live with my family, along with our two cats and one dog. In my free time, I enjoy knitting, crocheting, and spending time with my loved ones. My husband and I also love listening to live music and discovering new craft breweries, especially around Vermont. I am an experienced nurse specializing in oncology infusion. I currently work in a chemotherapy infusion center, where I provide direct patient care, manage infusion treatments, and support patients throughout their cancer journey. I have been a nurse since 2016, and prior to becoming a nurse, I worked at an insurance company for almost 20 years.”
Q: “What was your motivation for pursuing your degree?”
A: “My motivation for pursuing my degree was to deepen my knowledge, strengthen my skills, and continue growing as a nurse. I wanted to be able to provide the highest level of care to my patients, take on greater responsibilities in my field, and set a strong example for my children about the value of education and perseverance. Advancing my education also allows me to make a bigger impact in the lives of the patients and families I care for.”
Q: “What are your future professional plans?”
A: “My future professional plans include continuing to work in oncology while eventually transitioning into hospice care. I am passionate about providing compassionate, supportive care to patients and families during some of the most challenging times of their lives, and I hope to make a meaningful impact in end-of-life care.”
Q: “Why did you choose Norwich?”
A: “I chose Norwich because my employer, Central Vermont Medical Center (CVMC), partners with them for the RN to BSN program. Through this partnership, I learned about Norwich’s strong reputation for supporting working nurses in advancing their education. What makes Norwich unique is its commitment to flexibility, academic excellence, and developing leadership skills within the nursing profession. Norwich’s program stands out because it is designed to accommodate the needs of working nurses while maintaining a rigorous curriculum that prepares graduates to deliver high-quality, evidence-based care.”
Q: “Did you have any uncertainties with choosing an online program?”
A: “I knew that pursuing an online degree through Norwich would be the only way I could successfully earn my BSN. With a full-time job and significant responsibilities at home, the flexibility of an online program fit perfectly with my lifestyle and allowed me to continue advancing my career without sacrificing my other commitments.”
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 also worried that it might feel isolating or less engaging compared to in-person learning. I was pleasantly surprised by how connected I felt throughout my experience at Norwich. The courses were well-organized, the instructors were supportive and responsive, and there were many opportunities for interaction with classmates. While balancing coursework with my professional and personal responsibilities was challenging at times, the structure of Norwich’s program made it manageable and rewarding. Overall, my expectations for flexibility were met, and my concerns about engagement were exceeded.”
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 would give to future students enrolling in Norwich’s online programs is to stay organized and manage your time carefully. Balancing work, school, and personal life can be challenging, but setting a schedule and staying consistent with your coursework will make a huge difference. Don’t hesitate to reach out to your instructors or classmates — the support system at Norwich is strong, and staying connected will help you succeed.”
Q: “How do you plan to use your degree in your career?”
A: “I plan to use my BSN to continue advancing my career in nursing. Earning my degree opens up more opportunities for professional growth, gives me a stronger foundation in evidence-based practice, and allows me to better support my patients. In the future, I hope to transition into hospice care, where I can use the skills and knowledge I’ve gained to provide compassionate end-of-life care.”
Q: “What has been your biggest personal or professional success since starting your degree?”
A: “My biggest success since starting my coursework has been the growth in my confidence as a nurse, both personally and professionally. Completing my degree while balancing full-time work and family responsibilities showed me that I’m capable of achieving difficult goals. Norwich helped me accomplish this by providing a supportive, flexible learning environment, challenging me academically, and encouraging me to think critically and lead with compassion.”
Q: “Please tell us about a time when you could put your knowledge gained in the classroom to work immediately at your job.”
A: “I was able to apply what I learned at Norwich right away when educating a patient in the infusion center about managing chemotherapy side effects. Using evidence-based knowledge and improved communication skills from my coursework, I helped the patient feel more confident and informed about their care.”
Q: “What aspects of your Norwich experience will you carry most strongly with you?”
A: “The aspects of my Norwich experience that I will carry most strongly with me are the importance of critical thinking, the value of evidence-based practice, and the ability to balance compassion with clinical excellence. Norwich taught me to approach patient care thoughtfully and confidently, and to always continue learning and growing as a nurse.”
