MSN program student, Maria Gagliardi, RN-BSN, and her sons (from left to right) Dominic, Stephen and Vincent.

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Ask a Nurse

An Interview with Student Maria Gagliardi, RN-BSN

Maria Gagliardi, RN, a clinical nurse at Kennedy Health in New Jersey and student in the Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program at the W. Cary Edwards School of Nursing, is the recent recipient of a Kennedy Nursing Scholarship Award. The program awards up to $8,000 to RNs aspiring to earn a graduate degree in the field. Gagliardi talked about what the achievement means to her and shared her perspective as a nurse professional furthering her education.


It must've been affirming professionally to know that fellow nurse leaders and clinical staff, who took part in selecting the award recipients, hold you in such high regard. Tell us how you felt about receiving the scholarship and your work at Kennedy Health.

MG: I am a staff nurse at the Kennedy Surgical Center at the Washington Township, N.J., campus. I have worked for Kennedy for three years and, in that short time, they have provided me with a way to pursue my education that others I’ve worked for have not. I’m humbled that my Kennedy peers selected me as the recipient of the Health Leadership scholarship as I feel recognized for accomplishing quality nursing care and being rewarded for it. I’m also honored that Kennedy has chosen me to fulfill my dream of earning my master’s degree and to pursue a career that I only imagined I’d ever have.


What aspects of nursing practice do you enjoy the most?

MG: What I truly love about nursing is the personal reward I get from my patients. I feel honored every day to give the best care and make a difference in someone’s life. I enjoy the physical contact of nursing, the interaction with family members and the teaching aspect. I take great pleasure in being able to relay information to families that will have a positive impact on their lives. I also enjoy being a patient advocate, working autonomously and having an influence on nursing practice and my patients.


What motivated you to become an RN?

MG: My father was in a serious car accident just as I entering college and still unsure of what degree to pursue. As my family rushed to his bedside in the emergency room, I was overwhelmed by the care and concern of his nurses. It was through that journey of visiting him in the hospital every day for a month that I decided what my path would be. I wanted to become a nurse so I could have the same positive impact on people.


Tell us the ways that Kennedy Health's educational partnership with TESU helps in your educational pursuit.

MG: I've taken advantage of the tuition reimbursement program at Kennedy in my master's degree pursuit and enrolled in courses at the W. Cary Edwards School of Nursing. The reimbursement we receive is an allotted amount that covers a generous portion of my tuition. The scholarship funds I've been awarded will cover the balance. I’ve always been a big proponent of furthering your education and believe that you are never too old to go back to school. Attending school at the graduate level allows you to focus on an area of specialty and it certainly makes it more rewarding. I feel as if my knowledge base in nursing has expanded and I’ve improved my critical-thinking skills as well as enhanced my interpersonal skills. I can utilize nursing theories that I have learned in my courses into my own practice. Kennedy encourages all of its employees to achieve a higher level of education and they have made earning a nursing degree more feasible for many by offering scholarships, tuition assistance and professional guidance.


Do you find that TESU’s online programs and course structure work with your busy schedule?

MG: The reason that I chose TESU was because of the flexibility of the program and being able to respond to online discussions with other RNs. I work different shifts and would not survive a regimented class meeting schedule. The online model is much more accommodating and has allowed me to log into my courses early mornings and late evenings while I worked full time and cared for my three boys. It also gives me the opportunity to complete my assignments at any time and from just about anywhere. Earning my degree has been a challenge for me in unexpected ways. I started my journey with the support of my husband and three sons. One day my life was turned upside down when my husband died unexpectedly. With two sons in college and a third in high school, I strongly considered abandoning my dream of attaining my degree. With the strong support from my co-workers and family, I decided to continue to pursue my master’s degree. My days are difficult at times, but I know this is something that I personally want to achieve. I am proud to say that my oldest son, Stephen, is graduating from Boston University with a business degree this year, my middle son, Dominic, is a junior in the University of Delaware’s business program and my third son, Vincent, is graduating high school and will attend the University of Delaware next year. In spite of our setbacks, I am going to achieve my goal. I want to make my sons proud and serve as a strong role model. I look forward to one day walking across the stage at commencement to receive my diploma. If it were not for all of the support I’ve received, I never would have achieved this.

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