Colleen Silva
New Doors Open with Master's Degree
Colleen Silva is well on her way to new and exciting opportunities at work, and the Van Loan School at Endicott College's Nursing Administration program played a pivotal role.
What are your plans for after Commencement?
My post-graduate plans are to continue on my path in nurse management and have a senior leadership role at the organization I currently work for.
How did the Endicott Van Loan School program help you with your internship?
My current organization, the Van Loan program has a research affiliation, as well as a School of Education program. That’s how I first became aware of the Endicott program. And working in the organization in a leadership role already, was able to pursue the internship more readily as part of the organization’s own nurse managers.
Why would you recommend nursing administration as a path to fellow nurses?
I like the specialty of a Master of Science in Nursing, that umbrella with a specialty of nursing administration, because really nurse leaders are where nurses have the voices we need to make changes in healthcare.
Is there a particular faculty member, advisor, or another community member that has been an integral part of your student success and development?
Dr. Kelly Fisher came to my organization, and I met here there as a part of the research program. And that is where I got the idea to pursue my Master of Science in Nursing. And I've had extraordinary instructors as part of the nursing administration track here.
What is your fondest memory, the biggest takeaway, or something you miss the most from your undergraduate career at Endicott?
My biggest takeaway from the program is the small classrooms. They really allow for individual tailoring for my needs in a pursuit of a leadership position.
What is one piece of advice you have for incoming students?
Step boldly into the fray and pursue your masters. It’s an extraordinary experience. And, again, it will empower nursing in general to have a voice in leadership.