As part of our 2024 Commencement countdown, we are excited to feature Dr. Kamala Kloster in our latest Student Spotlight. Dr. Kloster, who completed her Doctor of Nursing Practice program in August 2024, shares how her personal experiences and passion for advocacy inspired her to pursue nursing. Dr. Kloster offers valuable advice to her fellow graduates, emphasizing collaboration, advocacy, and compassion as key pillars for success in nursing and beyond.
Congratulations to the graduates of 2024! We celebrate a remarkable group of individuals, each of whom has journeyed through unique paths to reach this milestone. Whether you’re concluding your educational journey with the degree you’ve earned this year or continuing your studies, your commitment and hard work have brought you to this moment.
For those of us in nursing, the horizon is brimming with possibilities. You might step into roles as administrators, leaders, and educators, or continue the vital work at the bedside. Each path offers a journey filled with growth, change, and the chance to make a real difference.
Having been a human resources professional, homeschool mom, operating room nurse, and currently an Assistant Professor of Nursing, my path to earning a Doctor of Nursing Practice degree at Aspen University was anything but conventional. I used to say that I would never be a nurse. It was not until I became a patient that I realized the importance of advocacy in nursing, particularly for those unable to advocate for themselves.
My educational experiences deepened my commitment to nursing and opened my eyes to the intricate world of healthcare. Through this journey, I’ve learned the importance of evidence-based practice and the impact of research and quality improvement in advancing our profession. One of the most valuable takeaways from this experience has been the development of a strong research skillset. Aspen University’s focus on research methodology and critical analysis gave me the tools to conduct meaningful research and support my quality improvement project. This academic rigor broadened my understanding of complex healthcare issues and empowered me to contribute to nursing knowledge in a significant way.
Aspen University has been instrumental in helping me achieve both my academic and professional goals. The flexibility of online learning allowed me to balance my studies with my career and family life. With their expertise and guidance, the faculty created a nurturing environment that fostered intellectual curiosity. They were adaptable, allowing me to tackle a quality improvement project in an area where I lacked prior experience. The DNP curriculum at Aspen University is designed to align with the current and future demands of nursing, equipping me with relevant and applicable knowledge. The focus on leadership and management has prepared me to take on significant roles within my organization and drive positive change.
I’m excited about continuing my academic research, particularly in areas that will improve patient care and outcomes. I plan to explore integrating technology in nursing care, advanced nursing practices, and effective healthcare policies. I’m particularly interested in scaling the results of my quality improvement project to other facilities and investigating the impact of interdisciplinary collaboration on healthcare delivery and patient satisfaction.
My doctoral research has provided new insights into non-pharmacologic interventions to address agitation in long-term care residents. Implementing a music intervention has shown evidence that informs nursing practice and policy. This research has expanded our understanding and highlighted the importance of non-pharmacologic approaches, contributing to better patient care and quality of life.
My Doctor of Nursing Practice experience has been transformative. The knowledge and skills I’ve gained will guide my future as a Professor of Nursing and my continued academic pursuits. I’m enthusiastic about what lies ahead and the opportunities to advance nursing and healthcare.
Fellow graduates, here’s some advice as we embark on this next chapter:
- Foster Collaboration: Nursing is a team effort. Working together, we can achieve great things and drive meaningful change.
- Advocate for Change: Use your skills and knowledge to push for improvements in healthcare.
- Maintain Compassion and Empathy: Despite our profession’s demands, we must never lose sight of the human element of care. Be an advocate for those who are unable to advocate for themselves!
I wish you success and encourage you to stay committed to excellence and innovation in your practice.
Congratulations to us all!
The accomplishments of graduates like Dr. Kamala Kloster show that there are diverse paths to success. We are proud to count her among our graduates and excited to see the lasting contributions she will continue to make in nursing and healthcare.
Dr. Kloster is one of the speakers for Aspen’s Fall Research Colloquium! Her presentation, “Harmonizing Minds: A Music Approach to Reducing Agitation – A Quality Improvement Project” will occur on October 7th. You can register for the webinar here!