Austin Peay State University Masters in Science Nursing Program

Melanie McGluen Warren

Austin Peay State University Masters in Science Nursing Program

July 20, 2015

Goal Statement

Upon entering college I was unclear on which path I wanted to take toward my eventual career.  I am grateful for the encouragement and advice of my undergraduate advisor regarding the Nursing profession.  The study of the human body and how it compensates when disease invades, it fueled my interest to learn all that I could about the field.    In nursing school, I explored several aspects of health care such as Adult Health, Pediatrics, Maternal, and Community Nursing.   The experience helped broaden my view of my community and its various needs, and I graduated with a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Nursing August 2007.  

I began my career at Baptist Memorial Hospital on a Stepdown Intensive Care Unit.  Having my introductory professional experiences on such an acute care unit exposed me to a wide array of medical diagnosis.  I learned to exercise my critical thinking skills, which led me to become more confident in performing appropriate nursing interventions.  Although I enjoyed working in the private sector, I wanted to offer my services to a specific sect of patients-the men and women who have served our country with the upmost valor.  So in 2010, I transferred to the Department of Veterans Affairs Hospital on a telemetry/Medical-stepdown unit.  Serving the Veteran’s has been such a rewarding experience; therefore, it is my goal to further my education at Austin Peay State University to greater assist veterans with patient counseling, health promotion and maintenance, disease prevention and management.

Education, I have learned, can be a very proactive intervention in preventing acute and chronic illnesses.  Many of the Veteran’s arrive at our facility suffering from multisystem illnesses that could have been treated in the earlier stages had they only been aware of what the symptoms were.   We also treat many patients with drug and alcohol dependency intermingled with mental health issues.  The Veteran’s community has experienced a shortage of primary care providers.  As a nurse practitioner, I can help fill the gap as a primary care provider, who will diagnosis, treat, and educate on chronic illnesses.  I have learned the importance of treating each patient as an individual and by being honest with them I can elicit better patient compliance.

There are many avenues in which a nurse practitioner could be of use at the Veterans Hospital; thus, I desire to pursue a Master’s of Science degree in Nursing at Austin Peay State University.  In particular, it will help me to become a better patient advocate and leader at my facility.  I appreciate your consideration for admission into Austin Peay .  I’m excited to begin expanding my knowledge base to provide superior care for our veterans.