Recent Graduates Share Their Experiences, Advice and Opportunities 

As the associate vice president of nursing ambulatory service for Temple Faculty Physicians, the academic practice plan of Temple Health, Dr. Mishalene Fisher helps improve “clinical efficiency, patient experience and workforce stability.” She and Dr. Nicole Bernard, a trauma and surgical critical care nurse practitioner at Cooper University Health Care, recently earned their Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degrees from Wilmington University. 

Q: Why did you choose Wilmington University for your DNP? 

Dr. Nicole Bernard: When I made the decision to pursue my Doctor of Nursing Practice, Wilmington University quickly became my top-choice school. The fast-paced 11-week semesters fit well with my completion date goal, and the affordability of tuition made this program feasible. Additionally, I had two colleagues who were already enrolled in the program who spoke volumes about the well-rounded and challenging curriculum coupled with ample support from faculty and fellow students.  

Dr. Mishalene Fisher: I chose Wilmington University for its strong reputation in nursing education, flexible program structure and commitment to evidence-based practice. The DNP program at WilmU aligned with my professional goals of advancing health care leadership and improving patient outcomes. The University’s emphasis on real-world application made it the ideal choice for my doctoral studies. Additionally, WilmU offers an affordable tuition model and the flexibility of an online format, with the option to take classes in person if desired, making it an accessible and convenient choice for working professionals.  

Q: What was your most rewarding academic experience at the University?  

N.B.: The most rewarding academic experience in my DNP journey was, by far, presenting the results of my project to fellow students, faculty members, project mentor and my family. It allowed me to celebrate the culmination of all my hard work and was a very emotional experience that I will always hold close.  

M.F.: One of my most rewarding experiences has been working on my DNP project, which focused on implementing a protocol-based nurse telephone triage process in a primary care ambulatory setting. The ability to apply research, analyze outcomes and drive quality improvements in real time has been invaluable. Additionally, the support from faculty and peers throughout the program has enriched my learning experience.  

Q: Have you had opportunities to apply what you learned at WilmU directly in your job?  

N.B.: I was lucky enough to be chosen to present my DNP project poster at the Cooper University Hospital Advanced Practice Provider Symposium last November. The program not only gave me the skills to graduate but showed me how to apply those skills, whether carrying out a quality improvement project in clinical practice, writing a scientific paper or completing a scientific poster to disseminate the results of a project.  

M.F.: Absolutely. My DNP project directly impacted my organization by improving the efficiency of nurse-led telephone triage, reducing provider workload and enhancing patient access to care. By implementing standardized protocols, we saw decreased unnecessary provider escalations, allowing for better resource allocation and improved patient satisfaction. This project has informed broader quality improvement initiatives within our ambulatory clinics. 

Q: How do you feel your DNP will open new career opportunities?   

N.B.: My DNP has allowed me to function as a champion in the implementation of evidence-based practice (EBP) in my clinical work. In the future, I hope to expand more on this by instituting more quality improvement projects and serving as a mentor for other clinicians. Additionally, I hope to expand on my adjunct faculty role to support more students in their academic endeavors. 

M.F.: Earning my DNP will position me for higher-level nursing administration and health care policy leadership roles. The program has strengthened my ability to lead evidence-based initiatives, advocate for system-wide improvements and mentor future nursing leaders. As I continue my career, I see opportunities to expand my influence in strategic health care planning and executive leadership. 

Q: Which instructor or staff member has had a positive impact on your WilmU journey?  

N.B.: I have been influenced by so many of the faculty at WilmU; it’s difficult to choose just one. I truly have never felt more supported and valued as a student at any of the other universities that I have attended. Dr. (Joanne) Fletcher, in particular, has served as such a role model of what a faculty member should be. I had the pleasure of having Dr. Fletcher for a few of my classes on my DNP journey, and she was consistently fair, approachable, challenging and engaging.  

There were moments in this process where I wasn’t sure I could continue. I felt overwhelmed with the challenges of work, school and life. I can still remember Dr. Fletcher’s voice in my head during my one-on-one with her: “We’re going to get through this together.” The conversation and the support she gave me is a big part of why I was able to complete this degree. All the faculty of WilmU made me feel like I wasn’t taking the journey alone. They not only mentored me in my DNP degree, but also in the type of faculty I want to be for future students. 

M.F.: Dr. Stacey Graves has profoundly impacted my WilmU journey as my DNP project advisor. Her mentorship, guidance and commitment to student success were instrumental in my growth as a doctoral-prepared nurse leader. She supported my project implementation, manuscript writing and presentation preparation. While these responsibilities are part of her role, her dedication and insight went beyond expectations, significantly shaping the final product of my DNP project. Her encouragement and expertise ensured that my work had academic rigor and practical application in health care. 

Q: What advice would you give other nurses considering a WilmU DNP?  

N.B.: To anyone considering WilmU’s DNP program, I say unequivocally DO IT! The program is thoughtfully designed; faculty is so committed to their students; the online and hybrid combination gives a great mix of convenience and personal connection; and the student culture is so supportive. Of all the degrees I have earned, this is by far my greatest academic accomplishment, and I am so proud of the work I completed at WilmU.  

M.F.: I encourage nurses considering a DNP at WilmU to embrace the journey with confidence and curiosity. The program is rigorous but incredibly rewarding, providing the skills needed to drive change in health care. Stay engaged with faculty, collaborate with peers and apply your learning to real-world challenges. The impact you can make as a DNP-prepared nurse is significant. 

Q: What do you love about WilmU?  

N.B.: In one word, everything! First and foremost, the faculty because they really are the heart of the University. Additionally, I loved the thoughtfulness of course design and that the classes really did build on each other. The overwhelming process of carrying out and writing up a DNP project was broken down into manageable parts throughout the progression of courses.  

I also loved the flexibility of the online and hybrid formats making it easy to fit schoolwork into all the demands of juggling being a working single mom. You know a school is special when as soon as you graduate, you start wondering what your next WilmU journey might be!  

M.F.: I love the supportive learning environment, the faculty’s dedication to student success and the emphasis on practical application. WilmU’s flexibility allowed me to balance my education with my professional responsibilities, enabling me to achieve my doctoral goals while continuing to lead in my field.