When it comes to role models, Babymol Johnson’s is about as solid as they come.
“In school, when I studied about Florence Nightingale, I decided that nursing was my calling,” she said. “While growing up, my resolve became stronger. I joined nursing school after I completed high school.”
Johnson recently enrolled in the online Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) – Adult Gerontology Nurse Practitioner program at William Paterson University.
“It was my dream to complete the Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) course, but as my three children were studying, I had to put my studies on hold,” she said. She knew it was time to pursue her goal when all of them had graduated from college and started working.
Johnson has worked at Bergen New Bridge Medical Center in Paramus, New Jersey, for more than 29 years. Her manager was a nursing professor at William Paterson University, and she had heard many good things about the program there.
“One of my co-workers and friends also completed her BSN at William Paterson, and she is now doing the MSN online program,” Johnson said.
The online format helps her maintain a busy schedule with her career and family and have enough time to focus on schoolwork.
“Earning the degree online has absolutely worked out well for me,” she said. “Setting your own schedule of study and doing the assignments accordingly helped a lot — especially for those of us who work full time.”
Home Away From Home
Johnson is from India. She attended T.K. Madhava Memorial College in her hometown of Nangiarkulangara before moving to the United States and graduating from the online RN to BSN program at Thomas Edison State University in 2014.
Education was always a high priority in her family. All five of her siblings have each earned college degrees and collectively hold four graduate-level degrees. Johnson is eager to add another master’s degree to that tally and boost her career.
“The knowledge I have attained from the three courses I have completed in the program has already started preparing me to take leadership in my current role,” she said. “It is definitely helping me provide the best healthcare to the patients.”
Although Johnson is new to the online MSN – Adult Gerontology Nurse Practitioner program, she is already broadening her horizons in her nursing practice. So far, NUR 5701: Population Health, Legislation and Social Policy, taught by Professor Cheryl Hollema, is her favorite course in the program.
“The William Paterson University faculty guide and coach the students to the fullest extent,” she said.
Off and Running
Johnson plans to finish her master’s degree journey by walking the graduation stage in the commencement ceremony. She is on track to complete the program in the fall of 2022.
“My family members all encouraged me to go back to school, and all of them wholeheartedly support my plans,” she said.
Though she has several courses left to complete, she is finding the online program to be a worthwhile investment of her time.
“I have already gotten more out of the program than I expected,” she said.
Once Johnson completes the online MSN – Adult Gerontology Nurse Practitioner program, she plans to take the next logical step in her career.
“When I finish, there are possibilities of getting a nurse practitioner position in the geriatric unit where I have been working for almost 30 years,” she said. Her ultimate goal is to earn a Doctor of Nursing Practice degree.
In her free time, Johnson enjoys reading, doing charity work and helping others. She and her husband, George, have three children — Alvin (28), Jessica (26) and Julia (23).
After many years in the nursing field, she is happy that she finally enrolled at William Paterson University to help propel her adult gerontology career forward. She also has a bit of advice for potential students in the master’s degree program.
“By all means, go for it,” she said. “Time doesn’t wait for anyone. So, the earlier you start, the better. Once you start, things will work out. You will be happy that you took a giant step toward your life goal.”
Learn more about William Paterson University’s online MSN – Adult Gerontology Nurse Practitioner program.
