In 1991, Monica started her nursing career as an LPN, graduating from Fanny Allen Memorial School for Practical Nursing. In 2010, Monica went on to get her Associate Degree in Nursing at Vermont Tech. She chose Vermont Tech because “VTC had rave reviews for the ADN program and they worked much better with my schedule.” As a non-traditional student, it was important for Monica to have flexibility. She did look at other colleges, but decided Vermont Tech was the right fit, as she explained, “I did consider UVM, but wanted smaller classes and, truth be told, cost savings for the programs.” Later, in 2015, Monica received her Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing. She expressed, “I was lucky enough to be one of the first three graduates of the new BSN program at VTC. I took this program and graduated with faith that it would be accredited, as I was very loyal, and still am, to VTC and their great program and professors. I believe I was more than prepared for my role as an RN and it has served me well.”
Monica specifically mentioned one mentor she had at Vermont Tech, “Meredith Roberts was with me through thick and thin. I thank her every day for her guidance.” Even though Monica was already employed when she was going to school in the ADN and BSN programs, she credits her education and mentorship for preparing her to be a director with naviHealth and with future endeavors, as she is currently working to own her own business as a Nursing Coach. “My favorite part of any nursing job/role is working with people and helping them be well-versed,” Monica stated.
She has used her nursing degrees in many ways. In the past, Monica was a Director, working remotely for a large post-acute care company that was recently acquired by Optum/United Health Group. In another profession, she worked at naviHealth, and after seven years, she just recently left her role as Director of Clinical Operations. Currently, Monica is pursuing opportunities in bedside nursing and will begin her new role in May with a hospice and palliative care company in North Carolina. She is also concentrating on her own Nurse Coaching business, as she explains, “I have been a Board-Certified Nurse Coach for a year now, and I am looking forward to working with many different niches under my business name, Living Your Best Life Coaching.”
“My advice to prospective students looking into VTC’s nursing program would be…just do it! Play full out and let yourself be vulnerable to the new experiences! VTC and its nursing program will allow you to open many doors, and it’s up to you to choose which one because you will be more than prepared to take on the nursing profession with your valuable education, experiences, and new-found friendships!” Monica also notes, “VTC prepares you well for nursing, and you will have no difficulty finding a job after graduation.”
As one of the first three graduates from the BSN program at Vermont Tech in 2015, Monica noted, “That will always be a memorable event for me. I am so proud that I was able to be a part of an inaugural class for such an important profession.” Monica expressed overall, “Thank you for allowing me to be part of such a great school and community.”