Annie Reynolds

Why FSU?

My husband and I moved from Washington so he could pursue a PhD at FSU. I saw the excellent education and opportunities he was presented, so I looked into FSU’s College of Nursing. I was impressed with the program and wanted to experience FSU as a graduate student myself.

Motivation to pursue a graduate degree

I wanted to experience the increased learning opportunities FSU provided through the nursing graduate program and advance my career as a nurse. I always thought that it was a far-fetched dream to have both my husband and I graduate with our doctorates at the same time, but FSU is allowing us to make that dream a reality.

Importance and/or impact of research and work

I am studying the barriers that Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRN) are experiencing after the 2017 Florida legislative changes that allowed APRNs the ability to prescribe controlled substances. Florida was the last state in the country to grant this privilege to APRNs, and we need to know what is impeding both the practice of and the access to this opportunity.

Career aspirations

I would like to work as a nurse practitioner in a community clinic or university health service practice. I hope that I will be able to split my time between a practice and teaching as adjunct faculty at a college of nursing to help train future nurses.

Advice for anyone considering graduate school

Don't be afraid to take the first step and apply! You can do it—even when it seems like a far-off dream, it can work out and provide you opportunities you never thought could be possible!

Accomplishments during academic career

I am proud of initiating, designing, and collecting data for my DNP project in advance of the expected time frame. Additionally, becoming a teaching assistant in the College of Nursing and helping out with the undergraduate lab and simulation lab courses has been rewarding.