Corynn Walker

Why FSU?

It feels like home—FSU is where I began my collegiate journey, and it is where I always wanted to finish it. FSU's Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program is one of the most respected programs for nurse practitioners in the area, and some of my closest friends and role models have gotten their education in this same program.

Motivation to pursue a graduate degree

I have always loved being a nurse. The opportunities to grow and continue my education are limitless in this career. I've had the privilege to take care of some amazing patients and work alongside so many amazing healthcare members who have made me into the person I am today. Pursuing my graduate degree at FSU will give me the opportunity to return the favor.

Importance of research and work

When I was a nineteen-year-old nursing student, I experienced sexual harassment for the first time. I had no idea how to handle it. I just wanted to make sure my patients were taken care of while maintaining my own safety. As my career continued, I realized how many nurses experience the same thing I did and how so many of us felt like we weren't prepared to handle the situation. It seemed like most nurses had to learn the hard way, through personal experience. Shortly after starting my graduate program, I realized that many sexual harassment training seminars do not focus on the unique world of healthcare. For my research at FSU, I wanted to see how many nurses have experienced sexual harassment at the bedside, and if they believed they were adequately prepared to handle the situation. It was sad to see how common sexual harassment was in the nursing profession and how many didn't believe they were prepared. What my research project provided that others in healthcare have not is a possible solution: nurse-specific training videos. The intervention tool in my project consisted of four potential situations nurses may find themselves in at the bedside and how to properly handle them. Not only did the large majority of nurse participants believe the training videos were helpful, but they also believed new nurses would benefit from them as well.

Advice for prospective graduate students

Do it! The graduate program at FSU College of Nursing (CON) has given me to opportunity to learn and grow with students from all different backgrounds. The professors and faculty at the College of Nursing have given me the support and encouragement to continue to grow as well as the opportunity to learn from some of the best nurse practitioners and physicians in town. It truly has been invaluable.

Accomplishments during graduate career

I have had the privilege to travel to Nicaragua with fellow classmates for community outreach and healthcare, to conduct sports physicals at Gretchen Everhart for the Special Olympics, to sit as the student representative on the CON's Graduate Admissions Committee, and to serve as a TA to the undergraduate nursing students at FSU.

Career aspirations

My goal is to begin my career in family practice within the hospital/acute care setting and continue research regarding sexual harassment in bedside nursing.