As a compassionate, dedicated nursing professional in Houston, Shelita Anderson has an immeasurable impact on
patients who face serious health challenges. “I am a system oncology patient care director at Memorial Hermann. I’ve worked there for 27 years and grown my practice,” she said. “I started at the bedside, became a manager, and now, I’m a system director. It’s been a great journey.”
After earning a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Walden University in 2007 and an online MBA from Angelo State University in 2010, Shelita briefly considered ending her academic pursuits to focus on her career. “I oversee 11 campuses, as well as staff and other leaders. I’m very busy overseeing the work that we do.”
Ultimately, some timely persuasion from a coworker prompted her to enroll in the online Post-Master’s Doctor of Nursing Practice program at Northern Kentucky University. “One of the nurses I work with came to me and said, ‘Miss Shelita, you should go to school with me. I’m getting my doctoral degree.’ And I’m so glad she did. I give her all the credit for staying on me until I made up my mind. She encouraged me.”
The accelerated online format at NKU allowed Shelita to earn her DNP on an ambitious timeline. “I started at the very beginning of 2021,” she said. “And I finished in 2023. It was a great adventure.”
When asked about which aspects of the nursing program she found most beneficial, Shelita was quick to point out how the industry relevant coursework empowered her to drive real-world improvements that benefit nurses in her home state. “One of the high points was advocacy as a DNP nurse. I had the opportunity to go to the capital of Texas. We wanted to talk about workplace violence and how that’s impacting healthcare professionals. It was awesome that we were able to have an impact. Workplace violence became a federal offense in the state of Texas.”
As someone with over three decades of nursing experience who maintains a leadership role at a highly respected medical facility, Shelita cites amplifying her voice as a driving force for pursuing her doctoral degree. “As a DNP, it empowers you to sit at the table with other executives and advocate for patients, nurses, and the healthcare team. I want to be prepared so I can make sure I’m equipping our nurses with the tools they need to be successful.”
Shelita has nothing but positive things to say about the helpful advisors and engaged faculty at NKU. “They called me, checked on me, and made sure I had what I needed. I felt very comfortable communicating with them. I met with one of my instructors because I had a question. She took the time to walk me through it and the light bulb came on. It was a phenomenal experience.”
The last step of her NKU journey was among the most memorable for Shelita. “I think the greatest reward was that my family was able to hear my [dissertation] defense. My oldest daughter gave me the biggest compliment. ‘Mama, you make me so proud.’ To me, that is more rewarding than anything. I’m just so inspired.”
As a parting word for prospective students considering the online DNP program at NKU, Shelita offers the following advice. “I would absolutely say it’s worth it. You get more information, and it makes you more resourceful because you can help even more. I definitely say: ‘go for it.’”
Elevate Your Practice and Improve Health Services in Your Community
Hone your leadership skills while exploring the business, financial, and economic principles of healthcare systems with the online Post-Master’s DNP program at NKU. This flexible academic pathway features instruction by expert faculty dedicated to fostering dynamic, hands-on learning environments. Our 100% online coursework explores cost-effective strategies for financing healthcare operations and the utilization of electronic information systems to deliver exceptional patient care.
Advance your understanding of healthcare policy development and further your ability to design and implement quality improvement initiatives. In addition to preparing you to practice at the highest level, this cutting-edge program empowers you to advocate for meaningful improvements in nursing while serving as a strong mentor for emerging industry professionals.
Create a schedule that fits your life by choosing from multiple start dates per year and keep your budget intact with affordable, pay-by-the-course tuition. Get started quickly with our streamlined admissions process and take a bold step toward transformative roles as a sought-after change agent in the nursing world.
Advance to Leadership Roles With an Online DNP
The CCNE-accredited online Post-Master’s Doctor of Nursing Practice program elevates your management expertise, research acumen, and program development skills so you can craft innovative solutions to complex industry challenges.
As a graduate of the DNP online program, you’ll be qualified for high-level roles, including:
- Chief Nursing Officer
- Chief Health Information Officer
- Chief Clinical Officer
- Chief Patient Experience Officer
Learn more about the online Post-Master’s Doctor of Nursing Practice.
NKU Offers Online Programs Designed To Put Your Goals Within Reach
Check out our full range of online nursing programs and discover how you can easily add specialized skills to your credentials. We also offer an online Master of Science in Business Informatics – Healthcare Informatics designed for leaders interested in improving health services through data.
