Five Questions with Kelly Whalen, MS ’10
There’s a full-circle quality to Kelly Whalen’s return to campus. A member of the Class of 2010, she now works closely with nursing students as they navigate one of the most formative stages of their education—gaining real-world experience and beginning to define their path in healthcare. From building confidence through clinical placements to helping students secure competitive internships, her perspective is grounded in both experience and purpose. We asked her to share five insights on what matters most as students prepare to step into the profession.
You studied Health Policy and Management at PC as part of the Class of 2010. What brought you back to Providence College, and what does it mean to you to now be shaping the experiences of the next generation of nurses here?
Providence College has always held a special place in my heart – at the core, its mission really helped to shape my professional and personal life. I had an incredibly meaningful experience as a student here. Coming back to PC felt like a perfect opportunity to contribute to a community that had a big impact on me. I’m excited to be back and part of the new School of Nursing and Health Sciences, helping the next generation of nurses to care for our communities while highlighting the mission of Providence College. Once a Friar, always a Friar!
You just started this semester, so what has been the most rewarding moment in your role here so far?
It’s hard to pick just one moment already, it truly has felt like coming home. Being back on campus surrounded by such inspirational and devoted colleagues and students has been truly powerful. I think the most rewarding aspects so far has been meeting with individual nursing students, getting to know them, their stories and career aspirations. Helping students work on cover letters, resumes and applications for summer internships has been impactful, but nothing beats finding out students have received internships at hospitals and fellowships they are passionate about. Sharing in the excitement of our students as they see their hard work paying off has been great and I am hopeful it will continue!
Securing clinical placements is notoriously competitive. What does that process look like, and what do you do to advocate for your students?
Securing clinical placements for internship can certainly be challenging and competitive, but our students are amazing! The process for applying for clinical internships can look a little different, depending on what you are looking for – are you looking to be in a particular geographic area? Are you looking to do your internship in a particular specialty? Are you hoping the internship will be paid? Our students are amazing and have so much to offer in the clinical setting. We work to cultivate relationships with healthcare facilities, so we are able to place our students appropriately with clinical preceptors that meet all our high standards of excellence.
What do you think is the most important thing a nursing student can take away from their internship experience, beyond the clinical skills themselves?
Internships have proven to be an invaluable experience. Beyond clinical skills, I think internships can help students build confidence, critical thinking and help to create a professional identity as they begin to think about transitioning from undergraduate to a professional career. The experience of real clinical situations, working alongside patients and their families are critical components to the internship. I believe recognizing the impact a nurse can have on a patient and a family can be life changing.
What advice would your “undergraduate self” give to a current student trying to figure out their path in healthcare?
My first piece of advice would be it’s okay not to have it all figured out. The healthcare world is big and ever changing – allow some time to explore and truly see what you are interested in and where your passion lies. It’s essential to be open to opportunities to allow for exploration. Learning from different healthcare professionals will help you know what you love, (and what you don’t!) and never be afraid to ask questions. Experiences are so important – take advantage of any experiences available to you. Experiences can open your eyes to roles and passions you might not have considered, and these experiences can guide you to a career that might be the perfect fit!
