DNP, MHA, APRN-CNP, CCRN, CPTC
Clinical Administrator at Life Connection of Ohio- Organ Procurement Organization
Jantzen Dettwiller shares her experience as an Online DNP-FNP student below:
What was the biggest win during the program?
The biggest win in my journey through this program was having amazing support from the professors at Baylor. I live in Ohio, and I was concerned that I wouldn't be able to have a strong connection with my instructors. I cannot speak highly enough about the support I received. They are highly educated, experienced, and can provide an unmatched perspective on how to be a stronger provider. Throughout the program I felt like an individual not just a number in a cohort. My professors would call me, check in on me, ask how I was doing outside of the program. I felt like they wanted me to succeed, and I am so grateful for that as there were times when I felt I couldn't do it. The feedback they provided to me during this program has made me a better nurse and provider.
How did Baylor prepare you for your current role?
In my current role, I am responsible for the direct oversight of the daily clinical operations related to organ donation. I see a vast number of patients from all age ranges, demographics and illnesses. Baylor prepared me to take care of individuals across the lifespan and with a wide range of diseases. I transitioned into my role with confidence as I knew Baylor had prepared me to take care of these patients and make appropriate clinical decisions to optimize patient care. Additionally, Baylor prepared me outside of the clinical setting by empowering me to take a role in policy. A large component of my job is interpreting and carrying out hospital policy, state law and federal laws related to the field of organ donation and transplantation. Baylor prepared me to advocate for the nursing profession and the patients in my care.
What makes Baylor nurses unique in the healthcare world?
While I was in clinical, I had an instructor say to "you are running circles around my other students". I attribute a large part of this to my education at Baylor. The nursing program at Baylor looks beyond the clinical skills and knowledge and places an emphasis on being a provider with a holistic mindset. My education taught me to look at my patients with empathy and to see them as many parts that paint the whole picture. While patients often need medications and stitches etc., sometimes a hug or a listening ear means more.
What’s one piece of advice you’d give a potential DNP student?
Obtaining this degree was one of the hardest things I have ever done and there were times that I felt like giving up. I have learned a valuable lesson through this program and in life; always take time to reflect on your why. Why did you become a nurse? Why did you apply to this program? Connecting to my purpose helped me get through the hardest days and reminded me of how important obtaining this degree was to me. Additionally, I encourage you to take a day or a weekend every now and then to turn off your email and your notifications and breath. It is very important to take time for yourself to recharge you for the next leg of this journey.
Was your degree worth your investment? Why?
I have friends who have gone through MSN and DNP programs at other institutions, and it is very apparent how special a Baylor education is. As I have mentioned, Baylor looks beyond just clinical knowledge and teaches community impact, cultural impact and policy to strengthen the nurse practitioner field. The support provided by the professors, throughout the program and through the DNP project set me up to be successful. Baylor gave me the education I was seeking, built me personally, academically and professionally. The Baylor difference has made all the difference for me.
