Graduate Degree Equals Success For A Baltimore Health Care Executive
Bonnie DiPietro is the director of operations for Maryland Patient Safety Center. DiPietro has a B.S. in nursing and a Master of Science, nursing (M.S.N.) from the University of Maryland School of Nursing. Additionally, she has what is known as a NEA-BC which is a Nurse Executive - Advanced - Board Certified which is a graduate certification that provides training in financial management and business. She is also a Fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives which has stringent entrance requirements (FACHE).
What inspired you to enter your current field?
"My first inspirations to become a nurse arose from my early experiences as a child in the hospital. At the age of 5, I was hospitalized for acute appendicitis and an appendectomy. I remember one nurse who reassured me that everything was going to be okay. I thought she was the kindest, gentlest, most capable person. I came home wanting to be like that."
"A year later, I was hospitalized again. Again, I was impacted by the care I received by nurses and after that experience; I believe no other career path interested me as much."
How does your educational background relate to your current role?
"After I received my B.S.N., I went to work at University Hospital (now University of Maryland Medical Center). I was mentored and encouraged to consider graduate school. It took several years of part-time study, full-time work, and the support of my spouse, family and boss, but over three years later, (and two children later!) I graduated with a M.S.N.!"
"That degree expanded my options. I could pursue jobs in the delivery and management of health care, including my current position."
How has your education helped to further your career and contribute to your success?
"The graduate program gave me the skill set to be an effective administrator; and the electives I took in education would later give me the credentials to teach."
"I have held positions as a nurse manager, a clinical educator in both the practice and academic settings, a chief nursing officer and now as a director of operations in an organization that is working to make health care safer for everyone."
"The graduate degree affords a nurse many options. It has been paramount to the success I have had."
What is some advice you can offer others looking to go into your field?
"I have three pieces of advice. First and foremost, love the work. Give it your best. Second, don't ever stop learning. And last, be committed to those coming up behind you."
Susan Brown originally spent many years in banking/finance before confronting her addictions. She has now been in recovery for 20 years. Her current interests, in which she has several certifications, are metaphysics and the healing arts. She has written for Examiner.com since 2009 and also writes for Om Times.
