Student Testimonials
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Linda Valenzuela
DNP Class of 2019
What was your motivation for pursuing a DNP?
I recognized the importance of advancing my leadership skills in order to fully participate in the many organizational and systematic changes occurring in the field of healthcare. A DNP degree would…[create] flexibility in career opportunities.What are the strengths of the BSU program?
In my opinion…[the] greatest strength of the Boise State program is the support I received from the DNP faculty. They clearly believed in my ability to complete the coursework and graduate from the program.What advice would you give to someone considering the DNP?
Look closely at the course structure, the number of students in the program, the ratio of faculty to students, and the testimonies of graduates.Why did you choose a DNP instead of a PhD?
A DNP allows me to focus on translation of [existing] research to practice…I knew my goal was to improve healthcare outcomes and believed this degree would allow me to engage in transformational changes in healthcare.What was your motivation for pursuing a DNP?
I recognized the importance of advancing my leadership skills in order to fully participate in the many organizational and systematic changes occurring in the field of healthcare. A DNP degree would…[create] flexibility in career opportunities.What are the strengths of the BSU program?
In my opinion…[the] greatest strength of the Boise State program is the support I received from the DNP faculty. They clearly believed in my ability to complete the coursework and graduate from the program.What advice would you give to someone considering the DNP?
Look closely at the course structure, the number of students in the program, the ratio of faculty to students, and the testimonies of graduates.Why did you choose a DNP instead of a PhD?
A DNP allows me to focus on translation of [existing] research to practice…I knew my goal was to improve healthcare outcomes and believed this degree would allow me to engage in transformational changes in healthcare. -
Deena Rauch
DNP Class of 2018
What was your motivation for pursuing a DNP?
I am a lifelong learner…evidence-based practice was something I wanted to learn more about. What I learned about [evidence-based practice] changed the way I solve nursing and healthcare problems.What are the strengths of the BSU program?
It is a flexible, high-quality, and affordable program…[the faculty] will support you and help you achieve your educational goals.What advice would you give to someone considering the DNP?
Just do it! The [Boise State] DNP program provided me with the knowledge, skills, and tools to successfully lead and execute any project.Why did you choose a DNP instead of a PhD?
As a nurse executive, I wanted to continue practicing as a leader in an acute care hospital…I like program development, quality improvement, and project management. This program furnished that skillset.What was your motivation for pursuing a DNP?
I am a lifelong learner…evidence-based practice was something I wanted to learn more about. What I learned about [evidence-based practice] changed the way I solve nursing and healthcare problems.What are the strengths of the BSU program?
It is a flexible, high-quality, and affordable program…[the faculty] will support you and help you achieve your educational goals.What advice would you give to someone considering the DNP?
Just do it! The [Boise State] DNP program provided me with the knowledge, skills, and tools to successfully lead and execute any project.Why did you choose a DNP instead of a PhD?
As a nurse executive, I wanted to continue practicing as a leader in an acute care hospital…I like program development, quality improvement, and project management. This program furnished that skillset. -
Ron Ordona
DNP Class of 2018
What was your motivation for pursuing a DNP?
Healthcare requires evidence-based practice…I like the DNP program because it uses existing evidence and translates [it] into practice.
What are the strengths of the BSU program?
The Boise State DNP program is a robust program that is systematically delivered. The scholarly project is so successful…because the DNP program builds on it from day one.
What advice would you give to someone considering the DNP?
I always advise my [non-doctoral] NP students to pursue a doctoral degree because it will give them more of a population health view. My advice is to consider a scholarly project that is their passion but also one that touches what they do for a living – a blend of the passion and the practical.
Why did you choose a DNP instead of a PhD?
Our PhD colleagues generate new knowledge through research while DNPs translate the research and evidence into practice. I wanted to use the existing evidence in my practice.
What was your motivation for pursuing a DNP?
Healthcare requires evidence-based practice…I like the DNP program because it uses existing evidence and translates [it] into practice.
What are the strengths of the BSU program?
The Boise State DNP program is a robust program that is systematically delivered. The scholarly project is so successful…because the DNP program builds on it from day one.
What advice would you give to someone considering the DNP?
I always advise my [non-doctoral] NP students to pursue a doctoral degree because it will give them more of a population health view. My advice is to consider a scholarly project that is their passion but also one that touches what they do for a living – a blend of the passion and the practical.
Why did you choose a DNP instead of a PhD?
Our PhD colleagues generate new knowledge through research while DNPs translate the research and evidence into practice. I wanted to use the existing evidence in my practice.