Kallie Smith

Kallie Smith is an online nursing graduate student alum from Rockford, IL

Hometown: Rockford, IL

High School: Harlem High School

Class of: Fall 2024

What did you want to be when you were growing up? Are you pursuing that as a major, or have you taken another path?
I don't remember ever thinking that I was going to be anything other than a nurse. It was almost like it was already decided and imprinted into my subconscious. My grandmother was an emergency room nurse, and my aunt was also a nurse.

What is your major (and/or minor) and why did you decide on this course of study?
I’m pursuing an online Master of Science in nursing with a family nurse practitioner specialization. I hit a little hiccup in my journey when I became pregnant during high school at age 16. I cannot tell you how many people told me or implied that my life as I imagined it was no longer a possibility, that I was bound to end up a statistic and not do much of anything with my life. I look back today and thank those people because what they didn't know was that I am a very determined and stubborn person, and if anyone tells me that I cannot do something, I am going to do it. It was not easy, it was the hardest time of my life, but I graduated high school early and started at my local community college immediately where I obtained my CNA and eventually my ADN and then BSN. I knew I wanted to be a nurse practitioner when I worked for one in a clinic and saw how kind, caring, intelligent and compassionate she was. But to be honest, I did not ever think I was actually going to pursue it because I was a single mom working two jobs and could not fathom adding schooling back into my life. But here I am!

Have you conducted an internship?
Yes

How did you get your internship, and where was it?
I completed required internships at Women's Health/OB at UW Northern Illinois (Swedish American) Bell School OBGYN office and the Northwestern Family Practice Clinic.

How did your internship help prepare you for your career?
I gained hands-on experience as a higher-level practitioner versus what I am used to as an RN. I saw patients in every stage of the lifespan and how to handle difficult and unique situations. I was also able to see different perspectives from different practitioners, which is so useful when trying to determine what my approach will look like when seeing patients of my own.

What has your experience as an online student at NIU been like?
Great, I really don't have any complaints. Blackboard is easy to use. Professors/instructors have all been very attentive and helpful. Most are very quick to respond.

What has benefited you most as an online student?
I’ve benefited from the flexibility to fit schooling in when my home/work/life schedule allows it.

What is your number one tip for students thinking about online education?
Online is completely different than in-person schooling. Yes, there are instructors, but it is mostly self-guided/self-learning. The resources and information are provided to you, but you must have the self-discipline and motivation to get in and learn the material given. Self-accountability is essential.

What has been something you have found pleasantly surprising about your experience at NIU?
I haven't had one bad experience. Everyone is so responsive and willing to help, and if they cannot help, they help guide you to someone who can.

How have you connected with other students to study for classes, meet new people or form new friendships?
There have been a few in-person classes where I have had the opportunity to meet my classmates; other than that, group projects, emails and group texts with lots of words of encouragement!

What NIU offices, departments or resources have helped you feel safe, supported and successful? And how?
The School of Nursing has been wonderful. Especially Jessica Madrigal and Nicole Fitzpatrick in the Nursing Simulation Lab. I spent a couple semesters as their graduate assistant, and they were so supportive and amazing. I learned so much during my time with them and had a lot of fun in the sim lab!

Who has been one of your favorite instructors/professors and why? What course did they teach?
Katie Eich, NURS 608: Diagnostic Reasoning. She was so good at putting important information into terms that were easy to understand and retain! She used real-life situations to apply to our learning. I wish that I could have had her more often.

How have you benefited by attending class regularly?
With the program being online, it was very self-guided. Attending classes (through BB Collaborate or Teams meetings, mostly) allowed me to ask questions, have pertinent discussions and learn things I may not have when left to my own devices.

What advice would you give to a student who is researching colleges to apply to?
Speak with actual students who have attended the college to get their opinion. Make sure the staff seems supportive even before you're an actual student. Look at more than one school and weigh the pros and cons between them; it is a big decision!

Why is a college education important to you?
It is something that I can look back on and be so proud of, and it is something that no one can ever take away from you. There are many great jobs and careers that do not require a college education, but it is nice to know that I have that background if I ever needed to.

What strategies do you use to manage your time between the responsibilities of school, work, friends and family?
Well, that's a tough one. I am a procrastinator naturally, so I've learned that is not an option while completing this program. Every bit counts, and if I have a free minute, I am doing something school related. I lug my heavy backpack full of very heavy books around at all times because you never know when there will be a free minute to read a chapter or two.

How do you stay informed about events and services that are available on campus?
I check my email.

What do you do to relax or recharge?
I spend time with my husband and three daughters. Oh, and lots of massages, with air pods in listening to lectures.

Please tell us about your job and hobbies.
I love to read (non-nursing/school books) and bake. I am an RN at UW northern Illinois hospital (Swedish American Hospital), and I work in the perioperative department. Currently, I work a PRN position since school and small children take up most of my time. I love going to work; it is like a break for me, believe it or not!