For Jordan Monette ’27MSN, ’28DNP, a graduate student in the Direct Entry Doctor of Nursing Practice – Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) program at Simmons’ School of Nursing (SON), nursing blends her interest in medicine with her longing for interpersonal connection.
“As an undergraduate biology major, I initially planned to become a physician assistant. After feeling burned out, I began to think about what would fulfill me the most,” she recounts. “I personally have a strong need for connection, and my own experiences with nurses have been the best part of healthcare. I felt I was the most seen by nurses. My skillset involves connecting with people, and when I combine that with my interest in medicine, nursing is the perfect blend.”
Monette feels drawn to the holistic care that nurses provide.
“I love the idea that I can use my medical knowledge to help a patient, and that in real time, I can calm someone down on their worst day,” she says.
Choosing a Unique Nursing Program
When researching nursing schools, Monette recounts that “I had my heart set on the Boston area.” In addition to having family nearby, she wanted to study in proximity to renowned medical institutions.
“The hospitals in Boston are exceptional, so I wanted to get my clinical experience here, regardless of whether I stay after graduation,” she says. “I think that is the best decision I could have made.”
Monette chose Simmons School of Nursing specifically because of its specialized direct-entry program, which accepts students into advanced studies without a nursing-related bachelor’s degree.
“The PMHNP program is so unique,” she says. “I felt ready to power through my graduate studies, no matter the sacrifice.”
The accelerated program will allow her to earn her Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) and Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) in three years to become a Nurse Practitioner (NP).
“Simmons’ direct entry program was very appealing and is the perfect program for me,” she says.
The program’s psychiatric specialty spoke to Monette, as she says she feels motivated to “break down the stigma that still exists around mental health.” The program, which will prepare her for a career as a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, will enable her to use her “superpower.” That is, in her words, “being curious about people and passionate about interacting with them and treating them holistically.”
Monette also notes that being an NP, rather than a physician assistant (PA), allows for more specialization upon entry into the field and the opportunity for more autonomy down the road.”
Engaging Coursework and Faculty
“All of the faculty and staff at Simmons have been excellent,” Monette reflects. “I have loved the vast majority of my courses, because the professors made the material so engaging.”
A particularly stimulating course for her was “Advanced Pathophysiology” (NURS 404), taught by Professor Sarah Volkman.
“I found it so rewarding to take everything I have learned from nursing and apply it to the basics I learned prior to coming to nursing, including anatomy and physiology,” she says. “It’s so satisfying to know that I am understanding concepts better, and Professor Volkman is so articulate and just excellent.” Monette appreciates that the course offers “provider-level material, rather than just focusing on nursing interventions.”
Addressing the SON’s state-of-the-art equipment, Monette enjoys working in the Nursing Simulation Center.
“The Sim Lab is really cool, and you can tell that it’s very new," she says. "I have had some absolute gems of instructors leading some of my simulations as well. Their passion to teach combined with the feeling of being in a real clinical setting has truly improved my confidence when I am in the real thing.”
Beyond coursework and clinicals, Monette works as a student ambassador remotely for Simmons’ Office of Graduate Admission.
“I frequently answer prospective nursing students’ questions and chat with them about the program. I really enjoy interacting and connecting with these people,” she explains. “I also remind myself that I am where they hope to be, which gives me a sense of pride and helps me feel resilient.”
Impactful Clinical Placements
As part of her pre-licensure curriculum, Monette has enjoyed several clinical placements at healthcare institutions in the Boston area.
“All of the placements have been excellent. It was exciting to be at a different facility for each and every placement, and to learn from instructors with a variety of specialties,” she says.
This summer, Monette received a placement through Boston Healthcare for the Homeless at the Barbara McInnis House, a medical respite house — the first facility of its kind in the nation.
“I learned so much from that clinical experience. It was so special and eye-opening to work with that population,” she reflects. “Coming from a place where I want to break down stigma, there is so much that I can think about with that population and how it overlaps with mental health.”
In addition, Monette has completed clinical placements focusing on pediatrics at Boston Children’s Hospital and maternity at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center.
Feeling Fulfilled in Nursing
As for her future plans, Monette still intends to specialize in psychiatry, but remains open-minded regarding her impending work as a Registered Nurse (RN). (Simmons nursing students serve as an RN while they complete the DNP portion of their degree.) “I am interested in so many things, so I am keeping my options open,” she says.
“I plan on staying in the Boston area while I work as an RN, because I have made so many connections, and I just love it here,” Monette adds. “But afterward, I will consider being based elsewhere.”
What Monette finds most rewarding about the nursing profession circles back to her motivation to become a nurse.
“I feel the most fulfilled when I am able to connect with a patient during a stressful time for them, and I can competently help them,” she says
She also finds that pursuing an accelerated program constitutes another kind of fulfillment.
“You have no choice but to push yourself and see what you can take on,” she says.