Jackie Kelley ’13 ’26MSN earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) from Simmons’ School of Nursing (SON). After 10 years of experience in the field, she returned to Simmons for the Master of Science in Nursing (BSN to MSN) online program, with a specialization in Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP). Kelley shared her experience as a registered nurse and mother of three young children while in the nursing program.
“I had a great experience at Simmons as an undergraduate. That was definitely the reason I went back for the graduate program,” says Jackie Kelley ’13 ’26MSN.
Originally enrolled as an undergraduate psychology student at another university, Kelley made the switch to nursing at Simmons. “I realized that degree was focused on research, but I like working with people in the clinical setting.”
Over the course of her career in the field, she developed a strong passion for caring with people with substance use disorder and mental health issues. That interest led her to pursue the master of science degree in psychiatric mental health nursing at Simmons.
“I worked on addiction consult teams at two hospitals in Boston while in the graduate program,” says Kelley. “Most of these patients are unhoused, with limited support and resources. In my job as a registered nurse, I treat individuals with post-traumatic stress disorder [PTSD] and a history of trauma. I have deep empathy for people going through this. I think it’s my calling to help them.”
Parenting Through a Master’s Program
Juggling parenting with coursework — and, later, clinical hours — was no small feat.
“I’m the one in charge of the kids’ school and sports activities, and that didn’t change when school started. I still had to run the house,” Kelley says. She had to schedule time for Zoom classes around her children’s schedules and daily tasks, as well as two hour blocks for studying to keep up with coursework.
As a nurse, she was already accustomed to long hours and a strong worth ethic.
“When my kids were babies, I did the night shift,” says Kelley. “I would leave for work at 10 pm, then return home at 7 am after about one hour of sleep. Then my husband would leave for work.”
While the schedule was exhausting, she was gratified by the questions her kids asked about what she did during her shift.
“They asked about who I was taking care of at work. It’s always been a curiosity in their lives, like it was in mine,” she says. Kelley’s mother also made her career in nursing.
“They recognize that my job is about caring and supporting other people,” she says.
However, balancing coursework was just the first part of the challenge. After five semesters of courses, Kelley started clinical rotations, where students complete a prescribed number of hours on site at a hospital or clinic, under supervision. These rotations are done in clinical settings local to the student, while they are also attending online classes with a focus on reviewing clinical cases.
“Clinicals were a whole new game,” says Kelley. “During clinical rotations, I wasn’t physically present with the kids as much as I was used to. I had to rely on friends and family. I missed sports games and activities that I would usually attend, but I recognized that it was temporary.”
Kelley notes that adaptability is key, in nursing and parenting. “It wasn’t perfect, and was often pretty messy and a lot of work,” she says. “Things come up with kids — they get sick, or the help that was supposed to help can’t anymore. You have to be flexible and adapt in order to push through.”
While challenging, she appreciates the opportunity to model for her kids the value of furthering her education.
“My kids are now 7, 9, and 11. They understand a bit more of what’s going on in their parents' lives,” she says. “They would ask about my classes and what I was learning. I’m proud to model that you keep going to school to achieve what you want.”
Kelley’s kids attended her SON white coat ceremony, and her college graduation this spring.
“They had never been to a college graduation before, so it was cool to offer that experience,” she says. “I thank my kids every day for helping me get through. It was worth it for the whole family, and I’m glad I did it.”
Resources and Supports for MSN Program
For Kelley, Zoom sessions held by Teaching Assistants (TAs) offered useful support.
“The TAs had concrete nursing experience. I could call at 9 pm to discuss the anatomy of the heart, which fit into my schedule,” she says.
She also found camaraderie within her cohort, planning weekly study sessions with other students.
“We were very committed to our tasks, and didn’t talk about anything else but the topics we had set for those time frames,” she says.
Associate Professor of Practice and Director of Advanced Practice, Graduate Nursing Laura Behm was also helpful, as was the bi-weekly class during clinical rotations to debrief and keep students on track.
Advice for Prospective Nursing Students
For those considering returning to school while parenting, Kelley advises they review their current supports before diving in.
“It’s a big time commitment,” she says. “If your family is in the right place, you have reliable childcare, and you are able to recognize the commitment, then it may be a good time. Do it with the understanding that there will be times when you want to quit, but it’s temporary. Push through, and it will be worth it.”
Kelley also appreciates the wealth of opportunities the nursing field offers for a long and varied career.
“The nursing field can offer so many variables of work,” she says. “Find what you’re interested in, and if you get tired of it you can move on and do something else within the field.”