A Nursing Career Crossroads Brought Mary Broderick Back to School

Mary Broderick ‘25MSN had reached a crossroads in her nursing career.

"I wasn't sure which way to go," she said. "So I decided to go back to school and get my master's to increase my knowledge so I could make a larger difference in healthcare."

Encouraged by her boss and friend, who had just completed her Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) at Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU), Broderick took her recommendation and enrolled.

She had initially planned to focus on the nurse executive leadership concentration available in the master's program. But as she moved through her courses, Broderick started to see her own strengths, and her path took a turn. "I decided to change to a concentration in (healthcare) quality and patient safety," she said.

It was her practicum — a hands-on clinical experience with a mentor in her local area — that allowed her to apply her new knowledge. "My last semester with my practicum actually was life-changing," said Broderick.

Not only did the clinical experience give her the opportunity to put into practice everything she had learned throughout her program, she said, but it also changed her career trajectory entirely. Now, she's an infection prevention and control coordinator at the same hospital system where she trained, and her former mentor is even part of her team. (Note: career advancement isn't a guarantee for all SNHU graduates.) "It is so exciting," she said. "I love my new job."

Broderick said her new team has already benefited from the tools she brought with her from her program. "I use everything I learned on a daily basis," she said.

Looking Back

Broderick attended her 2025 Commencement ceremony. There, she thought back on what it took to get her to the stage, diploma in hand.

She said that it wasn’t always easy to manage work, school and family, but earning her degree was 100% worth it. "It reminds me of when I first came out of nursing school,” she said. “You didn't think you could do it. But it changes you, and it makes you a stronger person."

She said her family was always supportive and cheering her on, and she felt equally supported at SNHU. "Emily Plante, my advisor, was amazing through the whole program," said Broderick. "I had support from my professors. My practicum was fantastic. I don't regret a moment of it."

Now, she can see how far she's come.

"I have a little more confidence," Broderick said. "I feel stronger, and I'm definitely smarter. I feel regenerated in my career. I feel like I've grown in my role and I have more to offer, and (I'm) confident that I can do it. I'm proud of myself."

Rebecca Cahill '26 is a content marketing assistant and writer at Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU). She completed her bachelor’s in creative writing and English at SNHU and is now pursuing a master's in English and creative writing. Based in Ohio, she has also written for FreshWater Cleveland and The Land and serves on the board of Literary Cleveland. When she’s not writing, you'll most likely find her nose in a book, dogs at her side, surrounded by way too many houseplants. Connect with her on LinkedIn.