Approximately 6,000 students have graduated from Yale School of Nursing (YSN) since the first class earned their diplomas in 1926, and more than 4,000 alumni are still living. After submitting their best wishes and advice for the Class of 2024, alumni also shared how being a Yale nurse or midwife has shaped their careers.
Carol J. Kromberg Scales ’67 MSN, RN, PhD
Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing
Along with my Naval career, my MSN from Yale accelerated career advancement opportunities. Although always planning to teach, I moved into administration quickly as director of nursing at five different mental health facilities. After completing a PhD in nursing, I finally achieved my goal, retiring as the dean of a school of nursing (Lander University).
Shirley Girouard ’77 MSN, PhD, RN, FAAN
Medical-Surgical CNS
YSN gave substance to my passion for health and healthcare and the role of the nurse in making both better. Knowledge gained and skills learned (not just clinical) were the foundation for acting at every level, thinking out of box, and having self-confidence to persevere. My professional life, volunteer, and person have been in many organizations and with many people. I’m always able to take risks, try different things, and speak for and with those who may benefit from my engagement. My YSN education and experiences added to and formed the basis for my success and, most important, to make a difference in health and healthcare.
Luc R. Pelletier ’82 MSN
Adult Psychiatric-Mental Health Nursing
Yale prepared me exceptionally well for my roles in clinical practice, scholarship, teaching, research, and community work. The foundational knowledge, expertise, and values I confirmed at Yale have stood the test of time. Compassion, truth seeking, hope, and always wanting to improve have been my guideposts. This month, I celebrated 45 years in nursing and Yale was a highlight in my professional life.
Judy Ahlheim Beal ’85 MSN
Pediatric Nurse Practitioner
YSN and Donna Diers in particular guided me to a career as a researcher and eventually an academic leader. YSN gave me the confidence to take risks and stretch and challenge myself. While I never practiced as a PNP, I began my career at YNHH as a pediatric nurse manager and there I found my love for teaching. Once a faculty member, I listened to several wonderful mentors who encouraged me to advance my education and take on leadership roles in academic and professional associations. I retired in May 2019 as the Dean of Nursing and Health Sciences at Simmons University in Boston. I have loved every minute of my 50-year career and thank YSN for challenging me to challenge myself and others.
Sara A. Fisher ’91 MSN
Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing
At YSN, the combination of scholarship, research, and acquisition of clinical skills shaped my development as a Psychiatric Clinical Nurse Specialist, still thriving in the profession for 33 years. I reflect so fondly upon the excellent faculty who mentored me, and the wonderful relationships formed with my YSN classmates. YSN “launched” me and continues to be such a source of pride and inspiration for me. Thank you, YSN! Congratulations on your centennial year!
Lisa Rudzinsky Keeler ’97 MSN
Pediatric Acute Care
Attending YSN gave me the knowledge base to expand my horizons and feel confident as I started my career. It shaped my critical thinking skills and gave me a strong clinical base.
Erin Morelli ’02 MSN, CNM, CLC, RN, FACNM
Midwifery
Associate Dean of Student Life
YSN sets you up with the tools to launch your career and for lifelong learning once you graduate. It gives you the foundation to be a leader in nursing. The network of classmates is fantastic and it’s great to have continued connection to YSN through the alumni association and the alumni office. Of course, in my case YSN drew me back with opportunities to precept awesome students, guest lecture, and then move into a career as faculty and now as the Associate Dean of Student Life.
Katherine Bryden ’15 MSN, CNM, WHNP-BC
Nurse-Midwifery
YSN made me the midwife I am today. Know your worth and negotiate for it in your contract. And if your employer doesn’t value you, move on to somewhere else that is a better fit.