For many nurses, earning a bachelor’s degree is more than just another credential; it’s the beginning of opportunities they never imagined possible. For Kent State College of Nursing alumna and faculty member, Lisa Davis, Ph.D., MSN, CMRSN, taking a chance and enrolling in the RN-to-BSN program became the foundation for her entire academic and professional journey.
“I always wanted to be a nurse. I was the kid bandaging my dolls,” said Davis. “As I grew up, I loved the idea of combining science and care into one profession.”
That passion for both anatomy and patient care led Davis to nursing, where she quickly discovered the flexibility and variety the profession could offer. As a first-generation college student, pursuing a four-year degree for Davis initially felt intimidating. She began her education with a two-year nursing degree before deciding to continue her education through Kent State’s 100% RN-to-BSN program.
“I went back for my bachelor’s degree because I loved nursing and wanted to see what additional opportunities would open up for me with a BSN,” she said. “I was also interested in developing leadership skills and becoming a stronger advocate for my patients.”
The flexibility of Kent State’s 100% online RN-to-BSN program played a major role in making that next step possible for Davis. While working night shift full-time on a medical-surgical floor at Cleveland Clinic Akron General, Davis balanced work and school through Kent State’s online coursework and flexible scheduling.
“Kent State’s flexibility with online coursework and no required class times made a huge difference with my schedule,” said Davis. Working full-time night shift, she often completed coursework during evenings on her days off. The program’s flexibility allowed her to balance work, school and personal responsibilities without having to choose between her career and continuing her education.
Davis also chose Kent State University because of its strong reputation and supportive nursing community.
“I had worked with many Kent State nursing graduates who spoke highly of how prepared and supported they felt,” said Davis. “I also appreciated the variety of elective options, which allowed me to explore areas that really interested me.”
One course that left a lasting impression on Davis was an alternative medicine class that introduced her to concepts like Reiki and Tai Chi, topics that expanded her perspective on holistic patient care and challenged her to think outside of the box.
After earning her BSN in 2009, new professional opportunities quickly followed. Davis transitioned into a cardiac ICU position, a career goal she had long hoped to achieve. But her educational journey did not stop there. Davis continued at Kent State, going on to earn her MSN in 2016 and eventually completing her Ph.D. in 2024.
Looking back, she credits the 100% online RN-to-BSN program with helping her build confidence in herself and her abilities.
“I didn’t feel confident at first. I didn’t think I was ‘smart enough’ to get a bachelor’s degree,” said Davis. “But the program is manageable, and you can take it one step at a time.”
Today, Davis applies the lessons she learned through Kent State’s 100% online RN-to-BSN program every day as both a nurse and educator. Through leadership coursework, she gained a deeper understanding that leadership is not limited to management roles but can be demonstrated through advocacy, professionalism and supporting others. Her studies in alternative therapies also broadened her perspective on holistic care, encouraging her to consider the emotional, social and cultural factors that influence patient health and recovery.
For nurses considering returning to school, her advice is simple: just do it. The program is designed with working nurses in mind, with coursework directly applicable to real-world nursing practice.
As both a graduate and now Kent State nursing faculty member, Davis hopes prospective students understand how transformative continuing education can be.
“Getting my BSN from Kent State was a game changer,” said Davis. “It gave me the confidence to pursue opportunities I once thought were out of reach and ultimately led me to continue my education.”
She added that one of the biggest advantages of continuing her education at Kent State was the seamless transition into advanced nursing degrees.
“When it was time to look at advanced nursing degrees, I didn’t have to worry about credit transfers or anything,” Davis said. “Kent State had everything I needed.”
Most importantly, Davis hopes her story will encourage other nurses to believe in themselves and take the next step forward. “This program didn’t just advance my career,” Davis said. “It changed how I saw myself and taught me I was capable of achieving and exceeding my dream of becoming a nurse.”
