--- title: Becky's Story – My Path to Becoming a Nurse Leader description: Read why Becky choose the University of San Diego to expand her skills and to advance as a nurse leader in her healthcare organization. image: https://nursing.sandiego.edu/hubfs/SON/son-landing-pages/images/027_USD_ENL%20copy.jpg --- [Skip Navigation](https://nursing.sandiego.edu/blog/my-path-to-becoming-a-nurse-leader#main) [![University of San Diego](https://nursing.sandiego.edu/hubfs/KROC/%5BKROC%5D%20Branding%20Assets/logo-usd.png)](https://www.sandiego.edu/) [Hahn School of Nursing and Health Science](https://www.sandiego.edu/nursing/) - [Programs](https://www.sandiego.edu/nursing/academic-programs/) With a rich heritage of excellence in nursing education, our school blends rigorous academics, state-of-the-art technology and innovative teaching. 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For more than 50 years, the school has advanced nursing education through academic excellence, innovative research, and a commitment to improving health outcomes in the communities nurses serve. *The information in this blog post is for informational purposes only and is not intended to replace medical, financial, or professional advice.* A special thanks to Becky Coulter (MSN, RNC-NIC), a graduate of the University of San Diego Hahn School of Nursing and Health Science [Executive Nurse Leader- Hybrid (MSN) program](https://sonresources.sandiego.edu/becoming-an-executive-nurse-leader), for taking the time to share her story of becoming a [nurse leader](https://nursing.sandiego.edu/a-guide-to-becoming-a-nurse-leader). [Download "Becoming an Executive Nurse Leader" for more information on the USD MSN in Nursing Informatics program.](https://sonresources.sandiego.edu/becoming-an-executive-nurse-leader) ### Tell us a little about yourself. My name is Becky Coulter. I began my nursing career in May of 1998 after completing my Bachelor of Science in Nursing. I worked on a medical-surgical floor initially and then started in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit in 2000. I am currently a Clinical Supervisor in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) at Sharp Mary Birch. ### What interested you in pursuing a career as a nurse leader? I wanted to expand my skills to advance as a [nurse leader in a health care organization](https://sonresources.sandiego.edu/becoming-an-executive-nurse-leader). ### What attracted you to the Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) Executive Nurse Leader- Hybrid (ENL) program at the University of San Diego? The format of the program was important to me; I was looking for a campus-based program. Classes are held one day a week. I wanted the opportunity to network with other students and faculty. Many of my nurse colleagues recommended the [Executive Nurse Leader- Hybrid program at USD](https://www.sandiego.edu/nursing/academic-programs/msn/executive-nurse-leader/). ![becky-coulter](https://nursing.sandiego.edu/hs-fs/hubfs/becky-coulter.png?width=144&name=becky-coulter.png) > I wanted the opportunity to network with other students and faculty. Many of my nurse colleagues recommended the Executive Nurse Leader- Hybrid program at USD. > > \- Becky Coulter, Executive Nurse Leader (MSN) alumna ### Are you happy with your decision to pursue the ENL program at USD? Yes! The professors are wonderful. They are very easy to talk to, provide advice, and give direction. I am so very lucky to have met so many other fantastic students in my cohort. I have developed lifelong friendships. The health care community in San Diego is small and the wonderful network of people I have been exposed to is a huge benefit of doing a [local campus-based program](https://www.sandiego.edu/nursing/academic-programs/msn/executive-nurse-leader/). USD has been very gracious with assisting in scholarships as well. [![027\_USD\_ENL copy](https://nursing.sandiego.edu/hs-fs/hubfs/SON/son-landing-pages/images/027_USD_ENL%20copy.jpg?width=800&name=027_USD_ENL%20copy.jpg "027_USD_ENL copy")](https://sonresources.sandiego.edu/becoming-an-executive-nurse-leader) ### What advice would you give someone who might be interested in the ENL program at USD but isn’t sure? Apply! The program provides the tools you need to be successful as a nurse leader. The ENL program does require a major time commitment, but the professors are very supportive. They understand that students are working full-time and many are working mothers. They are flexible if things come up at work and very understanding. ### What do you hope to do after you complete the program? I am currently a Clinical Nursing Supervisor in the NICU at Sharp Mary Birch Hospital. I feel so lucky that I had started the program when this opportunity became available to me. I would like to continue to grow in my role as part of the NICU leadership team and hopefully move onto a manager position and possibly continue my education. *The information provided by USD’s Hahn School of Nursing and Health Science is for informational purposes only and is not intended to replace professional medical or financial advice. This includes, but is not limited to, blog posts, eBooks, webinars, emails, graphics, social media posts, and other content. Always seek the guidance of your physician or a qualified medical or financial professional.* ### A Guide to Becoming an Executive Nurse Leader The University of San Diego's nursing program ranks among the best in the nation. But that's not the only reason future students walk through our doors to pursue one of our graduate degrees. [View our guide for an in-depth look at the Executive Nurse Leader  - Hybrid (MSN) program](https://sonresources.sandiego.edu/becoming-an-executive-nurse-leader)and how our rich heritage of excellence in nursing education can help you achieve your academic and professional goals. [GET THE GUIDE](https://hubs.la/H0SxT9N0) [![program-guide-cover](https://nursing.sandiego.edu/hubfs/SON/son-emails/email-images/Executive%20Nurse%20Leader%20Guide%20Cover.png)](https://hubs.la/H0SxT9N0) Related Articles [![Physician Assistant or Nurse Practitioner? 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