Yale School of Nursing (YSN) students Annie Shen ’25 MSN and Brenna Keogh ’25 MSN both recently won $10,000 through the CVS Health Caring Hearts Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) Student Scholarship.
According to the organization, scholarships are awarded to 50 outstanding FNP students nationwide who “face financial barriers in their pursuit of education including, but not limited to those who identify as an underrepresented minority student, a student with a disability, or a student with a previous or current military service to include national guard and reserves.”
YSN caught up with Shen and Keogh to chat about what it’s like to be an FNP student at YSN. Their responses have been lightly edited for style and clarity.
Annie Shen ’25 MSN | Hometown: Calgary, Canada
What do you love about being an FNP student at YSN?
I love the diverse range of courses that that allow me to learn from different specialties of nursing and learn from classmates with varied backgrounds. The curriculum has a perfect balance between theoretical knowledge and clinical practice, ensuring that we not only develop critical skills but also reflect on ourselves and on the kind of nurse practitioners we aim to become.
Is there an FNP class or YSN professor that has played a significant role in your Yale experience?
Each class at YSN has been uniquely enriching, and every professor brings an extraordinary level of knowledge, enthusiasm, and dedication to their teaching. Seeing each professor/faculty’s commitment to advancing the field has shown me the many pathways available to nurse practitioners—whether in clinical care, research innovation, or leadership—broadening my perspective on how we can contribute meaningfully to society as a Nurse Practitioner (NP).
Tell us about the sense of community at YSN.
What I appreciate most about YSN is the vibrant sense of community that truly makes it feel like home. The warmth and support from faculty and fellow students create an environment where we can all thrive together. The mentorship I’ve received has inspired me to engage in research and pursue new opportunities within nursing. I am genuinely excited to see where this journey takes us, knowing that the connections we’re building here will last a lifetime.
Brenna Keogh ’25 MSN | Hometown: Ashfield, Massachusetts
What makes being an FNP student at YSN special?
Students at YSN have such diverse personal and professional backgrounds; I appreciate how much I’ve learned from my peers while at YSN. I will be providing care for individuals of all ages as an FNP, and I have particularly enjoyed the opportunity to take classes in both pediatric and adult care while at YSN.
You’ve spent many hours at the HAVEN Free Clinic during your years at YSN. Could you tell us about how that resonates with you?
I recently enrolled in the HAVEN elective, a course for students who volunteer at the HAVEN Free Clinic in New Haven. I have volunteered at HAVEN Free Clinic since starting as a Graduate Entry Pre-Specialty in Nursing (GEPN) student. In many ways, my time at HAVEN has been my most formative experience at YSN. Beginning as a medical interpreter and more recently serving as a senior clinical team member, my work at HAVEN has informed my future goals while enriching my capacities as a future clinician.
Anything else you’d like to share about being an FNP student at YSN?
Being an FNP student at YSN has been an invaluable learning experience, surrounded by incredible resources and mentors. I am looking forward to becoming an FNP and beginning a new career as a primary care provider.
Apply for Fall 2025
The priority deadline for Fall 2025 is November 1. Visit apply.nursing.yale.edu to check out upcoming admissions events, book an appointment with a current student ambassador, and explore financial aid options. Good luck!