Olivet Nazarene University has offered advanced degree and certificate programs for experienced, adult nursing professionals for many years. One of those programs, the Master of Science in Nursing Education (MSN) with a Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) track, uniquely allows advanced nursing practitioners to enhance their skill sets and expand their career options.
Broadening the role of a traditional nurse, a family nurse practitioner can operate as a primary health care provider. A licensed FNP can diagnose, treat, prescribe and educate patients directly. Plus, these providers have years of honed nursing skills. Many people find that working with an FNP is a great choice for a health care provider relationship.
The following interview highlights the insights of two adjunct faculty in Olivet’s School of Nursing, Angela Ferguson MSN, FNP-BC, and Ashley Darin-Messmer, DNP, MSN, FNP-BC. Both women have extensive care experience as advanced nurse practitioners and have found joy and fulfillment as instructors in Olivet’s MSN-FNP program.
How long have you taught in the nursing program at Olivet?
Angela: I’ve taught for 10 years, primarily managing practicum hours of students’ clinical rotations. These are part of the in-person clinical hour requirements for a nurse to be able to sit for boards and eventually become an FNP. Students have to complete 120 hours each 8-week period, gaining experience in six different clinical rotations. I oversee the hours and logs, and grade assignments for the course for around 8 students per term.
Ashley: I have taught in the Olivet FNP program since 2017. I love teaching the FNP students to help grow their knowledge base.
Why, specifically, are nurses important within the health care system?
Ashley: Nurses are vital to the health care system because they serve as the primary point of contact between patients and the rest of the care team; ensuring consistent, holistic and personalized care. Unlike many other health care professionals who may focus on specific tasks or specialties (such as diagnosis or surgery), nurses are trained to care for the whole person — physically, emotionally, and socially — across all stages of life.
What are some unique elements of the MSN-FNP Program at Olivet?
Angela: The online aspect makes it really easy for working professionals — active nurses—to gain more diverse experiences in the field. It also gives them the availability and flexibility to be able to go through graduate school while working.
Ashley: One unique element of the MSN-FNP program at Olivet is that the program involves a Christian perspective. Other wonderful elements include flexibility, excellent clinical preparation, and experienced and compassionate faculty — a true holistic education.
Why would an experienced nurse choose to enroll in an MSN-FNP program?
Angela: I was a nurse for 10 years before going back to school for my own FNP degree. At the time, I was looking for more responsibility. Advanced practice nurses have the ability to be mid-level providers; essentially doing everything a physician does as far as diagnosing, prescribing, bedside care, etc.
Now, with the degree, I love getting to help patients in their greatest time of need. It’s wonderful to get to know and care for entire families too — the biggest compliment is when you see one family member, and the rest get referred in as patients.
Ashley: As an FNP, you can impact your patients by providing holistic care and improving outcomes. FNPs are involved in a patient’s health promotion, disease management and preventative education. Experienced registered nurses should consider our MSN-FNP program if they are interested in enhancing their independence and autotomy in the health care field [and expanding their career options.]
Anything else people should know about MSN-FNP program at Olivet?
Angela: Olivet plays such a big part in the Illinois and the greater Chicago area that there’s a lot of support and an extensive alumni network. I continually see that students find a lot of opportunities once they graduate from Olivet. The University is well-respected throughout the region.
The next cohort for Olivet’s MSN-FNP program begins on October 27, 2025. To apply, visit Olivet.edu/apply and start your free application today!
