This post is written by guest writer, Jean Hartley

This past Wednesday, MEPN alumni from both 2016 and 2017 cohorts were invited to campus to speak to current second-year students about their ah-ha moments in their first year as a nurse

The alumni panel consisted of thirteen MEPN graduates who currently work in a variety of health systems and units, ranging from surgical intensive care to the pediatric emergency department. The forum was an opportunity for current students to gain insight into the world of nursing beyond the MEPN program. Topics ranged from NCLEX study tips and advice about creating a stand-out portfolio to handling difficult circumstances as a new grad and maintaining healthy and professional work relationships.

As a current second-year student with graduation, NCLEX, and job applications on the horizon, I found this forum to be a time of reassurance and reflection. We were able to speak candidly with the group about our hopes for the future, current concerns, and lessons learned both in and after the MEPN program. Many students in our class have started to feel the weight of balancing a heavy course load with fully committing to the job search, and this forum allowed us to catch our breath and remember the meaning behind the work we get to do. I think we all left feeling like our weights were a little bit lighter and our spirits a little bit higher. We look forward to joining the alumni family in just a few short months as we too get to add MSN behind our names.

In the meantime, we will rest in the knowledge that we are a part of something incredibly special by being part of the MEPN family.

A special thank you to the MEPN graduates who were willing to share their experiences and insight during this great event – it is so appreciated by current MEPN students.