Orange County California RN, passionate nurse writer, and Aspen University DNP candidate Muriel Moyo, MS, BSN, RN, CCRN-K, NE-BC, decided she wanted to be a nurse when her mom was diagnosed with breast cancer in 1993 (she has been in remission since). “I remember the care she was provided, and this played a big part in my motivation to become a nurse.”
Muriel’s enthusiasm for writing and disseminating knowledge started when she earned her BSN. “I was a Minority Access to Research Careers student intern. I had an opportunity to do research and learn the process of scientific investigation, how to write, and respond to reviewers.” Muriel also holds a Master of Science in Healthcare Administration and Interprofessional Leadership, which has aided her expertise and critical thinking skills.
You can find Muriel’s published works — such as Radiology Nursing: A Growing Speciality and The 5 Cs for Developing an Effective Poster Presentation — in the American Journal of Nursing, American Nurse, and Journal of Radiology Nursing. “I really enjoy writing and helping build the body of knowledge in nursing.” Most recently, American Nurse published her article 5 Steps to Interim Manager Success in May 2020.
“I am extremely proud of my American Journal of Nursing (AJN) piece Adapting the Nurse Manager Role to Attract Generation X and Millennial Nurses. The review process for that piece was intense.” AJN only accepts 20% of manuscripts submitted to the journal. “I was ecstatic when I received the email that my article had been accepted.”
Muriel currently works as the Clinical Director of Outpatient Surgical Services at a California hospital. In the summer of 2020, she enrolled in Aspen University DNP (Doctor of Nursing Practice) degree program. “I believe being a doctoral-prepared nurse will help me drive nursing excellence within my organization and help with forward mobilization of our profession.” Her aspirations don’t stop there. “I would also love to teach BSN students as an adjunct and believe a DNP would help open up those opportunities for me.”
Muriel has enjoyed her courses at Aspen thus far. “It’s a great education and cost-effective, as well. I enjoy online schooling as I can do my schoolwork around my work.”
Being back in school has made her more “situationally aware.” She adds, “I pay more attention to my leadership style and how my behaviors and approach impact others. I now find myself making an effort not to be too ‘type A’. For example, I don’t always have to be right; others may do things differently but just as effectively as myself. Essentially, I am taking an approach to empowering my team.”
Her advice for those considering earning a DNP? “Go for it!”
“It is always daunting to think of going back to school and the amount of work that goes into it, but it’s worth it! I got my sister on this journey with me!” Muriel’s sister, Moirah, is also enrolled in Aspen’s DNP program.