Karin Podolski

Karin Podolski is an online Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) student from Palatine, IL

Hometown: Palatine, IL (currently reside in Chana)

High School: William Fremd

Year: Expected graduation: fall 2025

What did you want to be when you were growing up? Are you pursuing that as a major, or have you taken another path?
When I was young, I always knew that I wanted to work in health care, and I was initially drawn to either pharmacy or research. But as I learned more about nursing, I realized it offered me the chance to explore different pathways within health care while still being able to stay at NIU. This allowed me to obtain my degree while saving money because I was able to live at home and commute at the time. Nursing felt like the perfect fit for combining my passion for health care with the flexibility to grow in various directions, which is exactly what I have done!

What is your major (and/or minor) and why did you decide on this course of study?
I am currently enrolled in the online Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program. I chose this course of study as it is the next natural progression after earning my Master of Science in nursing and Master of Public Health from NIU in 2002. I was looking for the skills to apply the concepts of research into my role in community affairs at a large health system.

What has your experience as an online student at NIU been like?
My experience as an online student in the DNP program at NIU has been incredibly rewarding. The program has provided me with the flexibility I need to balance my studies with my professional and personal responsibilities, while giving me the chance to network with other nursing professionals. Additionally, the connection to faculty who are highly respected and actively engaged in the latest advancements in their field has given me reassurance that I am learning from experts who bring the most current knowledge, research and practice into the learning environment.

What has benefited you most as an online student?
I appreciate the vast number of resources that are available. It was apparent from the moment I completed the interest form that the university cared about my commitment to advancing my career by earning a higher degree. I was immediately connected with an online student success specialist who has been incredibly helpful, especially during those first few weeks when I had to reacclimate myself to the learning environment! Everyone is extremely responsive when I reach out with questions and willing to meet either virtually or in person to ensure that I am on the right track.

What is your number one tip for students thinking about online education?
The online programs at NIU afford a variety of different opportunities for students with varied strengths and preferred learning methods to thrive. The different learning modalities presented in each class enhance the experience. For example, some instructors record voice threads where you can listen to a presentation. Others provide links to additional resources in different formats such as videos, articles and best practices posted by leading institutions in your field to supplement the learning. I have found this variety beneficial in keeping me engaged and connected to faculty and the university, rather than isolated and alone.

What has been something you have found pleasantly surprising about your experience at NIU?
Other than the fact that the flooring in the library is the same as it was when I graduated with my bachelor's in 1995 and my master’s in 2002? Since that is the case, then I would also have to say that I enjoy the immersion experiences that the School of Nursing hosts every semester, where all current DNP students gather to learn about resources available to assist with research and share progress on their final project. This format allows students to obtain feedback in a positive environment and feel connected to something larger than themselves.

How have you connected with other students to study for classes, meet new people or form new friendships?
One exciting component I found was that there are several other students in the program who also work for Northwestern Medicine (NM). This has helped expand my NM network and opened the door for connections to help with assignments and projects. I have also enjoyed meeting other nurses from across the country and hearing about their experiences, backgrounds and the organizations they are employed at. I appreciate the ability to message other members of each class to connect beyond the assigned discussions.

Are you involved in any student organizations, mentoring programs or extra-curricular activities? If so, which ones? How have they added to your experience as a Huskie?
I am excited to start as a graduate assistant this semester! I will be working in the skills lab mentoring undergraduate students as they gain the clinical skills required to be a "Northern Nurse." I appreciate this opportunity to obtain teaching skills, which will be valuable as I am considering expanding my professional role to include nursing instruction.

What NIU offices, departments or resources have helped you feel safe, supported and successful? And how?
I appreciate the ongoing support from the Office of Online Learning. They often send valuable reminders and have developed tip sheets and guides to everything you need to navigate each component of the online environment, from setting up your email account to accessing programs required for classes. No question is too small — they will find the answer! I have also accessed the library resources and was amazed at the individual support that is available. There are library staff members dedicated to the College of Health and Human Sciences are just waiting for you to ask for help! There is also an abundance of communication that goes out routinely to help me feel connected to campus. From the “Weekly Scroll of Things to Know” to the wellness emails, I know that there are resources available to help me when I need it.

Who has been one of your favorite instructors/professors and why? What course did they teach?
My favorite instructor of all time is Mary Rudnicki from the School of Nursing. I was in her class for health assessment back in the day, and I have remained connected with her through the years. She is committed to the profession of nursing and has a true passion for ensuring that every Northern Nurse is making a difference in the lives they touch.

How have you benefited by attending class regularly?
Attending classes and online office hours has helped me stay on task for each class during the semester and allowed me to feel connected by building relationships with fellow classmates as well as instructors.

What advice would you give to a student who is researching colleges to apply to?
Find a program that supports your desire to learn and will provide a quality education that is well-respected in your chosen field. NIU definitely offered that for me, and I have used the skills I have gained to grow in a career that I love!

Why is a college education important to you?
I consider myself a lifelong learner, which is vital when working in the field of health care. Regardless of the role within health care, it is important to approach the job in a systematic way to ensure the best possible outcome, whether you are providing direct patient care or coordinating health promotion activities in the community, which is the path I have chosen.

What strategies do you use to manage your time between the responsibilities of school, work, friends and family?
I enjoy always having something to accomplish or a specific goal to achieve. Therefore, I value the importance of prioritizing tasks and creating a schedule to ensure I leave time for important things (such as new episodes of true crime podcasts!). I also try to incorporate flexibility into that schedule for unexpected events, or better yet, to carve out extra time to spend with my loved ones. I regretfully find it hard to delegate tasks and ask for help (maybe that is a nursing thing), so I have to remind myself to look for ways to perhaps lighten my load a little so I can focus on my priorities. I try to remind myself that it is important to make time for self-care and focus on my mental and physical well-being in order to stay productive and prevent that end-of-semester burnout. Notice how I said, "I try to.” I am always looking for suggestions to make this aspect a priority!

How do you stay informed about events and services that are available on campus?
I read the different communications that are sent via email, and I have also attended events hosted by the Graduate School and the School of Nursing. I appreciate that there is a mixture of online and in-person events available to remain connected to the campus.

What do you do to relax or recharge?
Other than feed my love for true crime? I am a single mom-by-choice to a beautiful daughter who is currently studying to be a nurse, and we love to FaceTime to help each other study and otherwise catch up on the daily tea. I live 25 miles west of DeKalb on five acres that sits on a lake with beautiful sunsets and lots of yardwork.

Please tell us about your job and hobbies.
I work as a director of community affairs at Northwestern Medicine (NM), and I have the good fortune to have a job where I can make a difference by utilizing my nursing skills to focus on the needs of the most vulnerable members of our community. I have been at NM for 27 years and am thankful for the tuition reimbursement benefits that have paid for all of my ongoing education. Once I graduate with my DNP, I will have earned four graduate degrees courtesy of NM! As for hobbies, I enjoy spending time with my family, and I have been known to be a little bit crafty. Did I mention my love for true crime? There are few things better than an open evening to catch up on the latest episodes of “Dateline”!

Is there anything else you'd like to share about your NIU Huskie story?
I love that I am an NIU grad and returning student (again). So proud of NIU and all of the doors it has opened for me.