National Nurse Practitioner Week – Meet Anne Simmons, future NP
Here’s another VCU School of Nursing student we are highlighting as part of our recognition of National Nurse Practitioner Week. Meet Anne Simmons, a full-time Master’s student (Family Nurse Practitioner Concentration) who works as a graduate teaching assistant at the SON and as a PRN bedside nurse in Endoscopy at VCU Health.
Q. Why did you decide to go back to school to become an NP?
A. One of the biggest motivations in going back to school was seeing the same patients repeatedly get admitted for acute exacerbations of chronic diseases. I wanted a deeper understanding of modifiable and non-modifiable disease risk factors, a thorough comprehension of disease pathology, and an appreciation for the role advanced practice providers play in mitigating hospital readmissions. Nurse practitioners have the grit and grind of a bedside nurse with the mind of an advanced provider – can you think of a better combo?
Q. What drew you to VCU’s NP program?
A. What initially attracted me to VCU was the strong support system I have in Richmond. Starting a graduate program during a pandemic is challenging, to say the least, and knowing there are people close by that you can count on means stability in an ever-changing world. Another motivating factor was the scholarship opportunities at VCU. I had the majority of my tuition covered through the generosity of scholarship funds. I also love the outdoor life, vegan food scene, and beer selections close to VCU’s campus.
Interested in learning how you can become a nurse practitioner through our Master’s program or other NP pathways? Request more information at this link. https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSe45-0hIvZf1yyeNJGSMX9Sh-v8sCMztkYm5YRuMEny7iXnFg/viewform
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