Keanna Cook ’24 MSN wanted a Master of Science in Nursing program that emphasized evidence-based practice, adult learning principles and real-world application — and allowed her to continue working full time. 

The resident of Langdon, New Hampshire, found all that and more in Colby-Sawyer's online Master of Science in Nursing program with a nursing education track. Cook said the student-centered approach, curriculum design and supportive faculty motivated her to grow as a person, nurse, scholar and educator. 

(The MSN program also has two other tracks: clinical nurse leader (CNL) and nursing management & executive leadership.)

"This experience strengthened my confidence, reinforced my commitment to lifelong learning and helped me grow into a more reflective, intentional leader and educator,” she said. “It deepened my sense of purpose and reinforced my passion for developing nurses, supporting teams and positively impacting patient care through education and leadership.” 

Below is a lightly edited Q&A with Cook, who is the director of nursing in an emergency department at a critical access hospital in Vermont. 

Why were Colby-Sawyer and the MSN program the right choices for you?  

They aligned closely with my professional goals, learning style and values as a nurse and educator. I was seeking a program that emphasized evidence-based practice, adult learning principles, and real-world application — while also allowing me to balance full-time professional responsibilities. 

Colby-Sawyer stood out for its supportive, student-centered approach and strong focus on practical education. The nursing education track offered coursework that directly supported my goal of developing nurses through meaningful, high-quality education. The curriculum’s emphasis on curriculum design, assessment and teaching strategies felt intentional and immediately applicable to my work in clinical education and staff development. 

Equally important was the culture of the program. I valued learning in an environment in which faculty were accessible, invested and genuinely interested in student success. The sense of community, mentorship and collaboration reinforced that I was not just earning a degree but growing within a profession that values teaching and lifelong learning. 

Ultimately, Colby-Sawyer and the Master of Science in Nursing, nursing education track program provided the academic foundation, flexibility and support I needed to grow confidently into my role as a nurse educator. It was the right fit at the right time, and it prepared me to positively impact learners, teams and patient care through intentional, evidence-based education.

How did you grow as a scholar/person in the program? 

I experienced meaningful growth as a scholar and as a person. Academically, the program strengthened my ability to evaluate and apply evidence-based educational strategies, design effective learning experiences and critically assess outcomes in both academic and clinical settings. I gained a deeper understanding of how adults learn and how intentional, well-designed education directly impacts patient care and professional development.

As a scholar, I learned to approach education with inquiry and purpose. Coursework in curriculum development, assessment and evaluation challenged me to think beyond content delivery and focus on learner engagement, competency and measurable outcomes. I became more confident in using research to inform teaching practices and in translating theory into practical, learner-centered education. 

Personally, the program helped me grow into my identity as a nurse educator. It pushed me to reflect on my teaching philosophy, strengthen my communication skills and become more intentional in how I mentor and support learners. Balancing graduate studies with professional responsibilities required discipline and resilience, and completing the program reinforced my confidence in my ability to lead, teach and adapt in dynamic learning environments. 

Overall, the Master of Science in Nursing program shaped how I think, teach and lead. I leave the program as a more reflective educator, a stronger advocate for nursing education and a lifelong learner committed to developing the next generation of nurses through evidence-based, compassionate and effective teaching. 

Please describe your experience, including particularly rewarding or defining moments or courses.   

My experience was incredibly meaningful and truly shaped the nurse I have become. Entering the program, I was motivated to grow beyond bedside practice and better understand how leadership, systems and education influence patient care. Throughout the program, I felt consistently challenged, supported and encouraged to think more broadly about my role within healthcare. 

Several courses stood out as defining moments for me, particularly those focused on leadership, quality improvement and evidence-based practice. These courses pushed me to critically evaluate current practices and gave me the tools to confidently advocate for change. I often found myself applying what I was learning in real time at work, which made the coursework feel immediately relevant and impactful. 

My practicum experience was one of the most rewarding aspects of the program. It allowed me to work closely with nurse educators and leaders, giving me hands-on experience in developing educational content, supporting learners and evaluating program effectiveness. This experience helped solidify my passion for nursing education and affirmed my desire to play an active role in developing and mentoring nurses.  

What made the program truly special, however, were the people. Faculty members were approachable, supportive and genuinely invested in my success, always willing to offer guidance and encouragement. The relationships I built with my classmates were equally impactful — even if most of the interaction was online. Learning alongside nurses with diverse backgrounds and perspectives reminded me of the strength of collaboration and the value of shared experiences. 

Overall, the Master of Science in Nursing program provided me with more than academic knowledge — it helped shape my identity both as a nurse educator and as a leader. The program strengthened my ability to educate with purpose while also leading with intention, whether that means mentoring new nurses, guiding professional development or influencing practice at a systems level. I leave the program with increased confidence, a strong scholarly foundation and a clear sense of responsibility to lead through education, support teams through change, and positively impact patient care by developing competent, confident nurses. 

What impact have Colby-Sawyer and the MSN program had on you?

My Colby-Sawyer MSN education has had a meaningful and lasting impact on both my career and my life. Professionally, it equipped me with the knowledge and confidence to lead through education. I gained a strong foundation in curriculum development, teaching strategies and evaluation, which has allowed me to design and deliver education that is intentional, evidence-based and aligned with practice outcomes. These skills have directly influenced how I support staff development, preceptorship, and nurse transition programs. 

The program also strengthened my leadership skills by helping me view education as a powerful leadership tool. I now approach challenges with a systems perspective, using data, reflection and collaboration to guide decision-making and change. I am more confident advocating for learners, supporting staff through growth and transition and leading with clarity and purpose. 

On a personal level, completing the MSN program was empowering. Balancing graduate coursework with professional and personal responsibilities required resilience, discipline and adaptability. This experience strengthened my confidence, reinforced my commitment to lifelong learning and helped me grow into a more reflective, intentional leader and educator. 

Overall, my Colby-Sawyer MSN education did more than advance my career — it shaped how I lead, teach and show up every day. It deepened my sense of purpose and reinforced my passion for developing nurses, supporting teams and positively impacting patient care through education and leadership. 

Would you like to share a bit about your career?

The last two years, I was the clinical nurse educator for a small rural hospital on the border of Massachusetts in Vermont. I have now transitioned into a managerial role as the director of nursing in the emergency  department at a critical access hospital in southern Vermont.