{"id":17299,"date":"2025-03-25T14:33:10","date_gmt":"2025-03-25T18:33:10","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blog.wilmu.edu\/news\/?p=17299"},"modified":"2025-03-25T14:33:11","modified_gmt":"2025-03-25T18:33:11","slug":"7-questions-with-wilmu-dnp-graduate-lavonne-colasuonno","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blog.wilmu.edu\/news\/2025\/03\/25\/7-questions-with-wilmu-dnp-graduate-lavonne-colasuonno\/","title":{"rendered":"7 Questions With WilmU DNP Graduate LaVonne Colasuonno"},"content":{"rendered":"<style>.kadence-column17299_8b3061-06 > .kt-inside-inner-col{padding-right:var(--global-kb-spacing-lg, 3rem);padding-bottom:var(--global-kb-spacing-lg, 3rem);padding-left:var(--global-kb-spacing-lg, 3rem);}.kadence-column17299_8b3061-06 > .kt-inside-inner-col,.kadence-column17299_8b3061-06 > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{border-top-left-radius:0px;border-top-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-left-radius:0px;}.kadence-column17299_8b3061-06 > .kt-inside-inner-col{column-gap:var(--global-kb-gap-sm, 1rem);}.kadence-column17299_8b3061-06 > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;}.kadence-column17299_8b3061-06 > .kt-inside-inner-col > .aligncenter{width:100%;}.kadence-column17299_8b3061-06 > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{opacity:0.3;}.kadence-column17299_8b3061-06{position:relative;}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kadence-column17299_8b3061-06 > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}}@media all and (max-width: 991px){.kadence-column17299_8b3061-06 > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}}<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-column kadence-column17299_8b3061-06 dynamic-main-col\"><div class=\"kt-inside-inner-col\">\n<p>A board-certified family nurse practitioner and recent Wilmington University <a href=\"https:\/\/www.wilmu.edu\/health\/dnp.aspx\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Doctor of Nursing Practice<\/a> (DNP) graduate, <strong>Dr. LaVonne Colasuonno<\/strong> grew up in New Jersey and moved to the U.S. Virgin Islands in 2020 as a labor and delivery travel nurse. She specializes in women\u2019s health at the <a href=\"https:\/\/steemcc.org\/savant\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">St. Thomas East End Medical Center Corporation<\/a>.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Q: Why did you choose Wilmington University for your Doctor of Nursing Practice degree?\u00a0<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>I initially chose WilmU because of its small cohort sizes, strong reputation for graduating well-prepared DNPs and competitive tuition. Once I started the program and met the professors and staff, my decision was solidified by the overwhelmingly positive interactions I experienced. From the very beginning of each semester, I felt genuinely supported, with faculty demonstrating a sincere investment in my success. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The ability to build meaningful relationships with professors and peers made a significant difference \u2014 especially in a rigorous program like this. Earning a doctorate is no easy task, but having a strong support system made the journey much more rewarding.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Q: What was your most rewarding academic experience at the University?\u00a0<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>One of my most rewarding academic experiences at WilmU has been the opportunity to apply real-world solutions to health care challenges. The program emphasizes practical, evidence-based learning, allowing me to make an immediate impact in my field. Whether collaborating with peers, engaging in thought-provoking discussions or developing projects that translate directly into patient care improvements, I have felt both challenged and inspired throughout my academic journey.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Q: Have you had opportunities to apply what you learned at WilmU directly to your job?\u00a0<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Absolutely! One standout experience was during DNP 7105: Health Care Business &amp; Economics. In this course, we were guided through the process of writing a business plan and proposal. I took what I learned and developed a program at my facility that provides affordable genetic testing for pregnant women who otherwise could not afford it. I submitted my proposal to the CEO and medical director, and it was immediately approved. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Now, through a partnership with the laboratory, uninsured and underinsured patients can receive a crucial fetal genetic test for just $249 \u2014 a significant reduction from the original $1,649 cost. This initiative has made a meaningful difference in the lives of many families, and I credit WilmU for equipping me with the tools to make it happen.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Q: How do you feel your DNP will open new career opportunities?\u00a0<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Earning a DNP is more than just an academic achievement \u2014 it\u2019s a testament to my dedication to excellence in patient care. This degree instills confidence not only in me but also in my colleagues, patients and future employers. It enhances my credentials, positioning me for leadership roles, academic positions and advanced clinical opportunities. Additionally, with the knowledge and skills I\u2019ve gained, I now have the foundation to open my own practice, giving me the tools to navigate health care business operations successfully. The possibilities are truly endless with this degree.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group alignwide wu-blockquote-row is-nowrap is-layout-flex wp-container-core-group-is-layout-ad2f72ca wp-block-group-is-layout-flex\">\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote wu-blockquote-simple is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p>From the very beginning of each semester, I felt genuinely supported, with faculty demonstrating a sincere investment in my success.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n<cite>\u2014 Dr. LaVonne Colasuonno<\/cite><\/blockquote>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Q: Which instructor or staff member had a positive impact on your WilmU journey?\u00a0<strong>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Dr. (Kathryn) Leach <\/strong>and <strong>Dr. (Pamela) Jimenez<\/strong> were instrumental in my success. <a href=\"https:\/\/blog.wilmu.edu\/news\/2024\/10\/22\/wilmu-faculty-spotlight-from-juvenile-diabetes-patient-to-compassionate-nurse-educator\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Dr. Leach<\/a> was a consistent source of guidance and support, helping me navigate the challenges of balancing school, work and major life events. Her encouragement made the difference between deferring my goals and pushing forward to achieve them. She was always approachable, compassionate and solution-oriented, ensuring that I never felt alone in this journey.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Dr. Jimenez was an incredible mentor \u2014 she pushed me to reach my full potential while always demonstrating genuine care for my personal and academic success. She challenged me, supported me, and guided me with kindness and grace. Our relationship was built on mutual respect and accountability, and I will always be grateful for her leadership and encouragement.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Q: What advice would you give other nurses considering a WilmU DNP?\u00a0<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Go for it! If you\u2019re considering WilmU, there\u2019s a reason it caught your attention. If you\u2019ve done your research and have come this far, trust yourself and take the leap. You won\u2019t regret the decision to further your education, elevate your practice and expand your impact on patient care. The journey may be challenging, but the rewards \u2014 both professionally and personally \u2014 are well worth it.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Q: What do you love about WilmU?\u00a0<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>I love the accessibility and support of the professors and nursing department staff. From day 1, it was clear that they are truly invested in student success. The processes are straightforward, the faculty is always available, and even when life presents unexpected challenges, the staff works with you to find solutions. By the end of the program, we weren\u2019t just students, professors and colleagues \u2014 we became a family.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<style>.kb-row-layout-wrap.wp-block-kadence-rowlayout.kb-row-layout-id17299_781409-09{margin-top:0em;}.kb-row-layout-id17299_781409-09 > .kt-row-column-wrap{align-content:center;}:where(.kb-row-layout-id17299_781409-09 > .kt-row-column-wrap) > .wp-block-kadence-column{justify-content:center;}.kb-row-layout-id17299_781409-09 > .kt-row-column-wrap{column-gap:var(--global-kb-gap-none, 0rem );row-gap:var(--global-kb-gap-none, 0rem );max-width:var( --global-content-width, 1290px );padding-left:var(--global-content-edge-padding);padding-right:var(--global-content-edge-padding);padding-top:0em;padding-right:0em;padding-bottom:0em;padding-left:0em;grid-template-columns:minmax(0, 1fr) minmax(0, 2fr);}.kb-row-layout-id17299_781409-09{border-top:1px solid #eeeeee;border-right:1px solid #eeeeee;border-bottom:1px solid #eeeeee;}.kb-row-layout-id17299_781409-09 > .kt-row-layout-overlay{opacity:0.30;}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kb-row-layout-id17299_781409-09 > .kt-row-column-wrap{grid-template-columns:minmax(0, 1fr) minmax(0, 2fr);}}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kb-row-layout-id17299_781409-09{border-top:1px solid #eeeeee;border-right:1px solid #eeeeee;border-bottom:1px solid #eeeeee;}}@media all and (max-width: 991px){.kb-row-layout-id17299_781409-09 > .kt-row-column-wrap{grid-template-columns:minmax(0, 1fr);}.kb-row-layout-id17299_781409-09{border-top:1px solid #eeeeee;border-right:1px solid #eeeeee;border-bottom:1px solid #eeeeee;}}.wu-text-col,.wu-img-col {\tmin-height: 114px;}.wu-text-col &gt; div,.wu-img-col &gt; div {\tflex: 1;}<\/style><div class=\"kb-row-layout-wrap kb-row-layout-id17299_781409-09 alignnone FULL wp-block-kadence-rowlayout\"><div class=\"kt-row-column-wrap kt-has-2-columns kt-row-layout-right-golden kt-tab-layout-inherit kt-mobile-layout-row kt-row-valign-middle kb-theme-content-width\">\n<style>.kadence-column17299_3ecc46-e9 > .kt-inside-inner-col{display:flex;}.kadence-column17299_3ecc46-e9 > .kt-inside-inner-col,.kadence-column17299_3ecc46-e9 > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{border-top-left-radius:0px;border-top-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-left-radius:0px;}.kadence-column17299_3ecc46-e9 > .kt-inside-inner-col{column-gap:var(--global-kb-gap-none, 0rem );}.kadence-column17299_3ecc46-e9 > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:row;flex-wrap:wrap;align-items:center;justify-content:center;}.kadence-column17299_3ecc46-e9 > .kt-inside-inner-col > *, .kadence-column17299_3ecc46-e9 > .kt-inside-inner-col > figure.wp-block-image, .kadence-column17299_3ecc46-e9 > .kt-inside-inner-col > figure.wp-block-kadence-image{margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;}.kadence-column17299_3ecc46-e9 > .kt-inside-inner-col > .kb-image-is-ratio-size{flex-grow:1;}.kadence-column17299_3ecc46-e9 > .kt-inside-inner-col{background-color:var(--global-palette9, #ffffff);}.kadence-column17299_3ecc46-e9 > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{opacity:0.3;}.kadence-column17299_3ecc46-e9{position:relative;}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kadence-column17299_3ecc46-e9 > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:row;flex-wrap:wrap;align-items:center;justify-content:center;}}@media all and (min-width: 768px) and (max-width: 1024px){.kadence-column17299_3ecc46-e9 > .kt-inside-inner-col > *, .kadence-column17299_3ecc46-e9 > .kt-inside-inner-col > figure.wp-block-image, .kadence-column17299_3ecc46-e9 > .kt-inside-inner-col > figure.wp-block-kadence-image{margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;}.kadence-column17299_3ecc46-e9 > .kt-inside-inner-col > .kb-image-is-ratio-size{flex-grow:1;}}@media all and (max-width: 991px){.kadence-column17299_3ecc46-e9 > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:row;flex-wrap:wrap;justify-content:flex-start;justify-content:center;}.kadence-column17299_3ecc46-e9 > .kt-inside-inner-col > *, .kadence-column17299_3ecc46-e9 > .kt-inside-inner-col > figure.wp-block-image, .kadence-column17299_3ecc46-e9 > .kt-inside-inner-col > figure.wp-block-kadence-image{margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;}.kadence-column17299_3ecc46-e9 > .kt-inside-inner-col > .kb-image-is-ratio-size{flex-grow:1;}}.kadence-column17299_3ecc46-e9 figure.image-is-svg {-webkit-margin-after: 1em;  margin-block-end: 1em;}img[src$=\".svg\"] {  max-width: 220px;}<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-column kadence-column17299_3ecc46-e9 kb-section-dir-horizontal wu-img-col\"><div class=\"kt-inside-inner-col\"><style>.kb-image17299_a1fc67-c4:not(.kb-image-is-ratio-size) .kb-img, .kb-image17299_a1fc67-c4.kb-image-is-ratio-size{padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px;}.kb-image17299_a1fc67-c4 .kb-image-has-overlay:after{opacity:0.3;}<\/style>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-kadence-image kb-image17299_a1fc67-c4 size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"408\" height=\"125\" src=\"https:\/\/blog.wilmu.edu\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/WU-LogoL_Email.png\" alt=\"Wilmington University logo\" class=\"kb-img wp-image-5518\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blog.wilmu.edu\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/WU-LogoL_Email.png 408w, https:\/\/blog.wilmu.edu\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/WU-LogoL_Email-250x77.png 250w, https:\/\/blog.wilmu.edu\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/WU-LogoL_Email-300x92.png 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 408px) 100vw, 408px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<style>.kadence-column17299_47fdf1-ec > .kt-inside-inner-col{display:flex;}.kadence-column17299_47fdf1-ec > .kt-inside-inner-col{padding-right:var(--global-kb-spacing-sm, 1.5rem);padding-left:var(--global-kb-spacing-sm, 1.5rem);}.kadence-column17299_47fdf1-ec > .kt-inside-inner-col{column-gap:var(--global-kb-gap-sm, 1rem);}.kadence-column17299_47fdf1-ec > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;align-items:stretch;}.kadence-column17299_47fdf1-ec > .kt-inside-inner-col > .kb-image-is-ratio-size{align-self:stretch;}.kadence-column17299_47fdf1-ec > .kt-inside-inner-col > .wp-block-kadence-advancedgallery{align-self:stretch;}.kadence-column17299_47fdf1-ec > .kt-inside-inner-col > .aligncenter{width:100%;}.kt-row-column-wrap > .kadence-column17299_47fdf1-ec{align-self:center;}.kt-inner-column-height-full:not(.kt-has-1-columns) > .wp-block-kadence-column.kadence-column17299_47fdf1-ec{align-self:auto;}.kt-inner-column-height-full:not(.kt-has-1-columns) > .wp-block-kadence-column.kadence-column17299_47fdf1-ec > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}.kadence-column17299_47fdf1-ec > .kt-inside-inner-col{background-color:#eeeeee;}.kadence-column17299_47fdf1-ec > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{opacity:0.3;}.kadence-column17299_47fdf1-ec{position:relative;}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kt-row-column-wrap > .kadence-column17299_47fdf1-ec{align-self:center;}}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kt-inner-column-height-full:not(.kt-has-1-columns) > .wp-block-kadence-column.kadence-column17299_47fdf1-ec{align-self:auto;}}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kt-inner-column-height-full:not(.kt-has-1-columns) > .wp-block-kadence-column.kadence-column17299_47fdf1-ec > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kadence-column17299_47fdf1-ec > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;align-items:stretch;}}@media all and (max-width: 991px){.kt-row-column-wrap > .kadence-column17299_47fdf1-ec{align-self:center;}.kt-inner-column-height-full:not(.kt-has-1-columns) > .wp-block-kadence-column.kadence-column17299_47fdf1-ec{align-self:auto;}.kt-inner-column-height-full:not(.kt-has-1-columns) > .wp-block-kadence-column.kadence-column17299_47fdf1-ec > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}.kadence-column17299_47fdf1-ec > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;align-items:stretch;}}.kt-row-column-wrap &gt; .wp-block-kadence-column {align-self: stretch;}.kadence-column17299_47fdf1-ec &gt; div {  padding-block: 1em;}.kadence-column17299_47fdf1-ec p:last-of-type {  -webkit-margin-after: 0;  margin-block-end: 0;}<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-column kadence-column17299_47fdf1-ec kb-section-dir-vertical wu-text-col\"><div class=\"kt-inside-inner-col\">\n<p class=\"NoMargin\" style=\"font-size:1rem\"><em>Enhance your clinical and leadership skills with a Wilmington University <\/em><a href=\"https:\/\/www.wilmu.edu\/health\/dnp.aspx\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><em>Doctor of Nursing Practice<\/em><\/a><em> degree. Our flexible and affordable DNP program covers everything from health policy to business practices and offers comprehensive student support.<\/em>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>A board-certified family nurse practitioner and recent Wilmington University Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) graduate, Dr. LaVonne Colasuonno grew up in New Jersey and moved&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":5,"featured_media":17427,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_kad_blocks_custom_css":"","_kad_blocks_head_custom_js":"","_kad_blocks_body_custom_js":"","_kad_blocks_footer_custom_js":"","_kad_post_transparent":"","_kad_post_title":"","_kad_post_layout":"","_kad_post_sidebar_id":"","_kad_post_content_style":"","_kad_post_vertical_padding":"","_kad_post_feature":"","_kad_post_feature_position":"","_kad_post_header":false,"_kad_post_footer":false,"_kad_post_classname":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[2],"tags":[8,28,29,907,14,15],"class_list":["post-17299","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-academic-news","tag-college-of-nursing-and-health-sciences","tag-dnp","tag-doctor-of-nursing-practice","tag-student-testimonial","tag-wilmington-university","tag-wilmu"],"acf":[],"taxonomy_info":{"category":[{"value":2,"label":"ACADEMIC NEWS"}],"post_tag":[{"value":8,"label":"College of Nursing and Health Sciences"},{"value":28,"label":"DNP"},{"value":29,"label":"Doctor of Nursing Practice"},{"value":907,"label":"student testimonial"},{"value":14,"label":"Wilmington University"},{"value":15,"label":"WilmU"}]},"featured_image_src_large":["https:\/\/blog.wilmu.edu\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Wilmington-University-LaVonne-Colasuonno-2-480x480.jpg",480,480,true],"author_info":{"display_name":"Mckayla Imperatrice","author_link":"https:\/\/blog.wilmu.edu\/news\/author\/mckayla\/"},"comment_info":0,"category_info":[{"term_id":2,"name":"ACADEMIC NEWS","slug":"academic-news","term_group":0,"term_taxonomy_id":559,"taxonomy":"category","description":"","parent":0,"count":461,"filter":"raw","cat_ID":2,"category_count":461,"category_description":"","cat_name":"ACADEMIC NEWS","category_nicename":"academic-news","category_parent":0}],"tag_info":[{"term_id":8,"name":"College of Nursing and Health Sciences","slug":"college-of-nursing-and-health-sciences","term_group":0,"term_taxonomy_id":565,"taxonomy":"post_tag","description":"","parent":0,"count":110,"filter":"raw"},{"term_id":28,"name":"DNP","slug":"dnp","term_group":0,"term_taxonomy_id":585,"taxonomy":"post_tag","description":"","parent":0,"count":8,"filter":"raw"},{"term_id":29,"name":"Doctor of Nursing Practice","slug":"doctor-of-nursing-practice","term_group":0,"term_taxonomy_id":586,"taxonomy":"post_tag","description":"","parent":0,"count":6,"filter":"raw"},{"term_id":907,"name":"student testimonial","slug":"student-testimonial","term_group":0,"term_taxonomy_id":1464,"taxonomy":"post_tag","description":"","parent":0,"count":1,"filter":"raw"},{"term_id":14,"name":"Wilmington University","slug":"wilmington-university","term_group":0,"term_taxonomy_id":571,"taxonomy":"post_tag","description":"","parent":0,"count":359,"filter":"raw"},{"term_id":15,"name":"WilmU","slug":"wilmu","term_group":0,"term_taxonomy_id":572,"taxonomy":"post_tag","description":"","parent":0,"count":293,"filter":"raw"}],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/blog.wilmu.edu\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/17299","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/blog.wilmu.edu\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/blog.wilmu.edu\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.wilmu.edu\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/5"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.wilmu.edu\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=17299"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"https:\/\/blog.wilmu.edu\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/17299\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":17426,"href":"https:\/\/blog.wilmu.edu\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/17299\/revisions\/17426"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.wilmu.edu\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/17427"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/blog.wilmu.edu\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=17299"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.wilmu.edu\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=17299"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.wilmu.edu\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=17299"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}