A special thanks to Silvi G. González Cuizon, PhD, MSN, RN, a graduate of the University of San Diego's BSN to PhD Executive Nurse Leader Program, for taking the time to share her story about pursuing a PhD in nursing.
Tell us a little about yourself. How long have you been a nurse? What area of nursing do you work in?
I have been a nurse for 8 years and have had the opportunity to care for patients in a variety of different settings from Pediatrics to Adults. Currently, I work as a nursing project manager for the Loma Linda University Health system.
Why did you decide to pursue a career as a nurse leader? When did you realize that you wanted to pursue your PhD?
I enjoy research and it has always been a goal of mine to get my PhD. I have also been fortunate to work with so many wonderful nurse leaders. I wanted to give back to other nurses by providing the same wonderful leadership that I received. I enjoy bringing people together, finding their strengths, and working toward the ultimate goal to provide the very best patient-centric care.
At first, I was hesitant to pursue nurse leadership because I enjoyed my clinical work, but when an opportunity arose for a nursing leadership residency program at USD, my manager encouraged me to apply and I got in!
What attracted you to the BSN to PhD Executive Nurse Leader Program at USD?
What really solidified my decision to enter into the BSN to PhD program at USD was meeting the faculty, students, and alumni at USD's Hahn School of Nursing. I met fellow nurses with rich backgrounds who were using their PhDs in a variety of ways. This quickly dispelled any notion that I would be limited to academia or intensive research tracks.
I didn’t want to delay my chance to give back to the nursing profession and the patients we serve. I realized that the education and knowledge I would gain from obtaining my PhD would serve me no matter where my career trajectory would take me.
What did you enjoy most about the program? Were there any standout experiences?
I enjoyed so many aspects of the nursing community at USD. The faculty, who are both content experts and practicing experts, gave engaging lectures and worked closely with students. There were plentiful opportunities for great dialogue with classmates from different nursing backgrounds who held various jobs and gave a richness to the learning experience. I also loved being on the beautiful campus, which was great when you wanted to walk around and process all the information you were learning.
My summer research residency was a standout experience that allowed me to apply what I was learning in a real-life setting. It also offered an opportunity to engage with working scientists who also served as mentors.
How will the program help advance your career? What skills have you gained?
The program expanded the way I think about nursing and the world around me. This big picture thinking has been crucial for success in my role. I am able to look at systems, policies, and operations in a whole new way while working to overcome clinical and systematic barriers. I have gained the skills necessary to dive into the literature, understand the various methodologies in depth, and critically analyze problems in a way I never had previously.
I will be able to confidently seek out answers and solutions that will improve health outcomes for the community I serve because of skills I have gained at USD.- Silvi G. González Cuizon, Executive Nurse Leader (BSN to PhD) alumna
Now, I have a seat at the table and know that my input and work can make a difference. Lastly, I want to share my passion for research and my knowledge with fellow nurses in the hope of igniting a fire for more nurses to engage in research to gain the answers they need to continue to improve patient-centric care.
If you could give advice to someone considering the Executive Nurse Leader Program at USD, what would you share?
Everything about the BSN to PhD program is designed to see you succeed and ensure you get the most out of your education. The faculty and staff are wonderful and knowledgeable and invest in your growth as a nurse leader.
You will receive a solid master’s education that transitions seamlessly into your PhD education. It is designed so that you are not skipping any steps in your learning trajectory.
If you’re on the fence about whether this is right for you, take some time to talk to others who have embarked on the journey and see what they have to say. The possibilities are endless and this program will give you a firm foundation of knowledge for your next stepping stone.
For more stories highlighting USD nursing graduates and their respective programs/tracks, click here.
