Convocation Spotlight: Alyssa Lord

Alyssa Lord

Alyssa Lord completed her nursing degree back in 2016 here at the University of Alberta, and after working in the field for several years, she was ready for a new challenge and returned to pursue a master of nursing to become a nurse practitioner. Juggling work and school was a challenge, but she is grateful to her supportive spouse who kept things running smoothly at home while she was immersed in her studies.

We spoke to Lord to find out more about her experiences during graduate school and what the future holds as she graduates.

What initially drew you to return to school?

I wanted to advance my nursing practice and scope. I enjoy an educational challenge and felt ready for this next step in my career and wanted to step outside my comfort zone.

What are you most proud of from your time in the program?

Working together with one of my classmates, Karlin Su, to resurrect and modify the nursing graduate mentorship club, Mentor Us. This club really responds to the current on- and off-campus needs of students, making a lasting impact. I am confident the club will continue to foster amazing peer-to-peer mentorship among nursing graduate students for years to come, as we are handing the club over to a great executive team for the coming year.

What was the biggest challenge you faced during your degree?

Isolation in clinical placements, and difficulties with maintaining a sustainable work-life balance while in the thick of the degree.

How did you stay motivated and who helped you keep going when things got tough?

I was lucky enough to develop some close friendships in the first year of the program with other students who were attending both in person and online. These peer relationships sustained me during challenging times in the degree. I also have my husband to thank for holding down the fort at home and financially while I was unable to work in my second year of the program. He kept me well fed and watered during my long study sessions!

What advice would you give to a student thinking of entering this program?

Take time to consider your motivation behind pursuing an advanced degree. I think you need to have an end goal to guide your determination through the program. Graduate studies are more of a marathon than a sprint — especially the NP program, as it runs continuously for two years if you are doing it full time. You don't have the same break and recuperation periods that you get during undergraduate studies.

What have you learned about yourself, and how will you use this going forward?

I learned that given the opportunity, I am a good leader. I also learned a lot about good leadership from my mentors in the program. And I learned that the strength of a program or group is truly determined by the ability of each individual to meet their own individual fullest potential. Getting to know the folks I am working with and how to motivate and encourage them has been a wonderful learning journey.

What comes next for you?

My husband and I will be making a big move from Edmonton to Cranbrook, B.C., where I am joining the Cranbrook Urgent and Primary Care Centre as a family nurse practitioner. My husband and I are really excited to contribute to a smaller community and settle into a slower pace of life after the breakneck speed we have been racing since 2020!