Face-to-face with her future

After 35 years in health care, Michelle Wiegand-Bigger '21 MSN, '24 FNP-DNP, is advancing her career by receiving the benefits of in-person learning.

When Michelle was picking out what university would help her take the next step toward a new nursing adventure, it was important to her to learn face-to-face.

Choosing Mount Mercy University’s FNP-DNP program made it easier for Michelle to look forward to continuing to advance her education because her courses provided meaningful in-person interaction.

“Because I’m more engaged when I learn face-to-face, Mount Mercy’s program made returning to school more doable for me than the other online colleges,” said Michelle.

Since life has become so digitized, Michelle loves it when she can embrace the opportunity to learn on campus. She appreciates the benefits of being in person because she enjoys the openness of being able to communicate verbally while still being able to read social cues.

“I liked being able to have all the components of communication available from being face-to-face,” said Michelle. “Being able to read someone’s emotions and get to know classmates on a regular basis was a nice benefit.”

Michelle’s classes have provided her with hands-on application of skills, which she wouldn’t get from strictly online courses.

“What you see in a video and what you see in real life are completely different, so being able to practice specific skills in person was helpful,” shared Michelle.

The FNP-DNP program will help Michelle segue from bedside nursing into her dream of being a provider. Her classes will help her build on top of all the skills she already has from being a Navy Corpsman, Manager and Educator in the ICU and NCR at Mercy, and working as a travel nurse.

“The program will help me start over as a new provider while incorporating the years of experience I already have,” said Michelle.

The program has allowed Michelle to network with people in her field who could be a mentor or give helpful advice to her one day.

“We are creating a phone a friend that can continue into our career,” stated Michelle.

Dr. Shaw is someone she considered a mentor as well, and she was one of the deciding factors for Michelle to return to the Hill after her time in the Master of Science in Nursing program.

“She cares a ton about students' success and gives effort and empathy into everything she does,” said Michelle. “Compared to larger institutions, Mount Mercy’s faculty cares about each individual and the success needed to complete their degree.”

Michelle's advice to students is to push past the failure-to-launch stage and jump into the program after they have a few years of experience under their belt.

“The FNP-DNP program really enables you to get your doctorate in a way that is doable in everyday life, so just do it,” said Michelle. “Shoot for the stars because the work is worth it.”