Heritage, Healing, and Inspiration: Q&A with Stephanie C. Mullennix
March 2, 2018
#SpartanNurses
Adult Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist student Stephanie C. Mullennix is passionate about emergency nursing and its fast-paced environment. After graduation, Mullennix will have the opportunity to influence the nursing practice, systems of care, and patient outcomes as the Clinical Nurse Specialist for Emergency Services within her health system.
“I am looking forward to continuing to advocate for the value the Clinical Nurse Specialist brings to improving healthcare outcomes for the patient, nurses, and healthcare system,” says Mullennix.
Q: Why did you choose nursing as a career?
A: One of the most influential individuals in my life was a nurse. My grandmother Harriett graduated with a diploma from a nursing program in the 1940's. Throughout my childhood, I began realizing that nursing is not just a job or a profession -- it is a calling. Once you become a nurse, you carry it with you in all aspects of your life. Her dedication to healing inspired me to pursue nursing as my life calling. I am happy to say that my 94-year-old grandmother will be in attendance at my graduation this spring, and I could not be more pleased that she will be there to share my accomplishment.
Q: Why did you choose MSU to pursue your nursing career?
A: When looking to pursue graduate studies, there were many options to choose from. MSU was my top choice for several reasons. The first is completely superficial, but I really wanted to be a Spartan! On a more serious note, several of my professional colleagues completed their CNS graduate work at MSU and spoke highly of the program. Upon further review of MSU’s CNS curriculum, I was attracted to the online format, the ability to focus on academic education along with my CNS coursework, and that campus is still accessible if additional academic support or resources are needed. I also found that the ability to drive to campus for extra-curricular events, such as continuing education credits sponsored by the college, helped me feel more connected to MSU’s community.
Q: What nursing specialty do you plan to pursue and why?
A: I have always had a passion for Emergency Nursing. The acute, fast-paced environment of the emergency department is energizing, and the interprofessional collaboration that is required between all disciplines to provide high-quality, emergent and urgent health care services creates a rich and dynamic clinical environment. After graduation, I will have the opportunity to positively influence the nursing practice, systems of care, and patient outcomes as the Clinical Nurse Specialist for Emergency Services within my health system. I am truly excited to use my professional expertise to help make improvements for individuals who seek emergency care within my community.
Q: Has there been a professor, advisor, or student that significantly helped or inspired you? If yes, explain.
A: Dr. Jackeline Iseler and Dr. Kathleen Poindexter are inspirational leaders in the nursing profession and have been extremely supportive of both my academic and professional success. Although the majority of our coursework is completed online, their ability to connect with and support me as an individual has been wonderful.
Q: What has been your favorite experience at MSU so far?
A: My favorite experience thus far was participation in a professional advocacy day for Advance Practice Registered Nurses (APRN) in Lansing.This structured experience allowed me to connect with state Legislatures regarding topics important to APRNs. During this day, I was able to discuss the impact of the opioid epidemic within my community and advocate for legislative actions that could help remove barriers to combating this important national health crisis.
Q: As a future Spartan nurse, what gives you the greatest sense of accomplishment?
A: Graduating from Michigan State University and entering the nursing profession as an Advance Practice Registered Nurse is a huge accomplishment for me! I am looking forward to continuing to advocate for the value the Clinical Nurse Specialist brings to improving healthcare outcomes for the patient, nurses, and healthcare system.
