Nisha Patel, MSN, FNP-BC, is a current Post-Master’s Family Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner student. Mrs. Patel completed her BSN in India, and enrolled in Valdosta State University’s School of Nursing Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) track in August of 2016. She graduated with honors and was awarded the MSN Student Blazer Award in 2018. The Student Blazer Award recipient is chosen by the School of Nursing Graduate Faculty and is presented to a student who exhibits the characteristics of the Blazer Creed encompassing civility, integrity, citizenship, success, and excellence.
Consistent with this award, Mrs. Patel demonstrates courtesy, compassion, and integrity in advanced practice nursing. She is currently working as an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (FNP-BC) at Legacy Behavioral Mental Health. Mrs. Patel is also the Vice President of the South Georgia Association of Nurse Practitioners. In her role, she campaigns to provide accessible quality health care and to advance the practice of NPs in South Georgia through legislation, education, and community outreach. Mrs. Patel is also an advocate for her classmates and serves as a student representative on the School of Nursing Graduate Committee.
Coming from a completely different education system, Mrs. Patel found it challenging to begin her studies VSU. She states “The faculty, advisors, and the instructors in the School of Nursing were very supportive and helpful in guiding me throughout my journey and overcoming the barriers in my education. This is the reason why I chose Valdosta State University again to further my studies.” Mrs. Patel’s future plans are to enroll in the DNP program at VSU.