Vanessa Bergner graduated with her Bachelor of Science in Nursing in May 2021 and her Master of Science in Nursing, specializing in Administration and Management in August 2023! Vanessa inspires us all to pursue our dreams and strive for achievement. See below for Vanessa’s story.
My educational journey started later in life. I decided to go back to school to become a nurse at the age of twenty-nine. I worked full-time while completing my prerequisite courses for the nursing program and, as soon as I completed these courses, I immediately applied for our local nursing program, which was a two-year associate degree program (ADN), with no option for a bachelor’s degree.
After completing my first year of the nursing program, I was able to take a summer course to obtain my Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN). I completed five weeks of class and clinical and then successfully passed my state boards. I began to work at a critical access hospital near my hometown. It was here that I met another nurse who was starting the Bachelor of Science in Nursing program and Aspen University. She was very excited about starting and updated me about the program throughout the last year of my nursing program. I spent many hours researching schools for my bachelor’s degree and kept coming back to Aspen. I graduated with my ADN in the spring and started my bachelor’s program at Aspen that fall.
Aspen’s program is very accommodating for those of us who work full-time. I was able to attend school full-time and work full-time. However, when COVID hit, I ended up working six to seven days a week at multiple hospitals and had to withdraw from my classes for one term. Aspen was very understanding and welcomed me back the next term. I was able to complete the BSN program in 2021, and because of my amazing experience, decided to return for the Master of Science in Nursing program.
My MSN is specialized in administration and management. I chose this program as it would give me more job opportunities in the future. I learned so much during this program and had the honor and luck of having some amazing professors throughout the program. One of these professors was Dr. Carmen Spears. She took the time to ensure we would be successful with our practicums. She provided timely feedback to both me and my preceptor. She was also a key factor in the successful completion of my capstone project. Not only did she provide priceless feedback, but she gave me the confidence I needed to be successful as well.
My success throughout my time at Aspen made itself apparent when my professor told me I should have my thesis published. I was in shock when she told me this, but I knew it was because of her support, as well as the knowledge I obtained from my other courses, that led me to this achievement. The support from all of my professors is what truly led me to be successful and have faith and confidence in myself.
I am currently working as a travel nurse and an Adjunct Clinical Instructor at my local college. I love seeing the students learn and get excited over the “little things”. I am working on getting my thesis published and am also starting my Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) program at another university. I can only hope that this school is as welcoming and supportive as Aspen University was to me. I know I would not have made it this far without Aspen’s amazing team!