Two-time alumna Kristine Jacobson, MSN ‘06, APRN-CNS, CCNS, CNRN, Kent State University College of Nursing lecturer and adult-gerontology acute care nurse practitioner master’s concentration interim coordinator, began formally teaching in 2016 but has been lecturing in different venues for over 14 years. Jacobson specializes in critical care, rapid response, trauma, neurology, and neurosurgery, including neurocritical care. While everyone believes their specialty is the best, Jacobson understands few people are drawn to neurology. Complicated and often abstract in its assessment, diagnosis, and plan, she likes the challenge and complexity of her patients, even though the outcomes may sometimes be sad. In her current role, Jacobson is thrilled to have the opportunity to start working with students from the very beginning of their advanced education journey and offers support and guidance as they earn their degree. Jacobson is here today to share more about the adult-gerontology acute care nurse practitioner with prospective students and talk about her personal nursing journey.

Q: Good afternoon, Kristine! We are excited to have you with us! Let’s kick off our conversation by talking about the benefits of the adult-gerontology acute care nurse practitioner program.

A: Thank you! I was so honored to be asked to participate in this conversation! The adult-gerontology acute care nurse practitioner program is a combination of online and face-to-face learning with both simulation lab experiences and practical hours. Our students are educated by a supportive and experienced faculty team. We are delighted to share that as of this interview, our graduates have a 100% board pass rate.

Q: What tips can you offer students to help them complete this program successfully?

A: I typically advise students to treat graduate school as a second job.  It is important to treat your time studying just as you would when you are scheduled to work. Show up prepared, work hard, and be proud of a job well done. Your work represents yourself, the school, and the profession, so it needs to be treated seriously. However, it is imperative to have fun along the way, take pride in what you accomplish, and celebrate your growth as a professional.

Q: What is one thing you hope your students always remember from your classes?

A: I explained things well, tried to make things fun, and was available to support them when they needed it.

Q: What advice do you have for new graduates working in your specialty?

A: Working in these specialties you must be prepared to continually learn and constantly study. Learn from those who have come before you. Come with a humble mindset and a strong work ethic. Build upon what you learned with your own experience. Always work to expand your skills and knowledge. Push yourself beyond your comfort areas and never, ever get complacent.

Q: What types of career choices will your students have after they have completed this program?

A: Students completing the adult gerontology acute care program are prepared to work in the acute and critical care environment, as well as specialty care in both inpatient and outpatient settings. 

Q: Where are some of your graduates now?

A: We have alumni in multiple states, health systems, and specialties. Kent State enjoys a great reputation in the nursing community.

Q: Thank you, Kristine, for this valuable information. For our last question today, what is it that you most enjoy about being a nurse?

A: It’s been so much fun being here today. Thank you for inviting me! I love that I am never bored as a nurse. There is always something to learn. There are always ways to grow and change your career. Patients touch your lives in ways you never fully understand.

Learn more:

To learn more about Kent State University College of Nursing’s master’s programs, please visit: http://www.kent.edu/node/987101

To view the Kent State University College of Nursing Graduate Programs Guidebook, please visit: https://tinyurl.com/42ty62nm

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