Two-time alumna, Rachel DiPadova, BSN ’18, MSN ‘22, APRN, WHNP-BC, knew she wanted to be part of the healthcare profession early in her life. As a teenager, her grandfather was hospitalized. Before his passing, DiPadova recalled one nurse who made his experience and stay as comfortable as possible. She credits that nurse’s kindness, dedication and passion in caring for her grandfather in fueling DiPadova to become a nurse herself with the hopes of making a difference in someone else’s life.
“I knew health care would be a great field to make a career in as it will always be needed. I enjoyed learning about the human body and discovering how it works. Going to college was part of that plan and I was determined to finish my degree,” stated DiPadova. “Kent State is known for having one of the best programs for nursing and I wanted to feel prepared and confident when I took the boards and began practicing on my own.”
When it came time to seek out graduate programs, DiPadova knew returning to Kent State College of Nursing would be a supportive place where she could thrive once again.
“I really liked that my women’s health nurse practitioner program was available as an online option because many of my fellow classmates and I were also working part- or full-time. This made the program more manageable to complete,” explained DiPadova who is currently working as a women’s health nurse practitioner at Planned Parenthood of Greater Ohio.
Daily, DiPadova applies the lessons she learned during her master’s program to her current role.
“Kent State’s women’s health nurse practitioner program prepared me for everything I needed in my current role,” shared DiPadova. “I see patients every day and provide them with the best care I possibly can.”
Turns out, finishing her Master of Science in nursing to become a women’s health nurse practitioner, was not the end of DiPadova’s Kent State academic pursuits. Today, she is currently enrolled in the College of Nursing’s Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program.
“I have experienced many helpful and understanding professors in the graduate program,” DiPadova praised. “They are willing to go above and beyond to ensure their students understand everything, even if that means one on one meetings with them during office hours.”
While the nursing profession requires a lot of dedication to accomplish the education portion, DiPadova encourages others to give it a try if helping others is what they love. “You should do it! Nursing is such a rewarding profession and we get to make real differences in people’s lives,” exclaimed DiPadova. “Kent State College of Nursing truly prepares you for your role and gives you the confidence you need to be successful in your practice. I will always recommend the Kent State nursing programs for undergraduate and graduate students alike.”
Catapult your career and become a leader in your profession with a graduate degree from Kent State University College of Nursing!
