Julie Spears is a recent graduate of the Doctor of Nursing Practice program. Spears has worked in a variety of fields including hospice, palliative care and oncology, with oncology being her passion. "Every day cancer patients are so grateful for the care we provide. They are happy to be alive and appreciate seeing you participant in their treatment," stated Spears .
When asked what was meaningful about completing the program, she pointed out that the core principles taught in the CNS program were emphasized in the DNP program giving her a strong foundation for her doctorate studies. The program provided an opportunity to really see and learn about "big picture" in healthcare. "You're not only focused clinically but also on the organizational, national and global level" Spears says. She has been humbled by seeing how the changes you make on the clinical level will eventually affect health care outcomes on a grander scale.