Megan Vasseur (’09, ’15) has been a registered nurse for more than two decades. During that time, she worked as a staff nurse, charge nurse, preceptor, educator, manager and director.
For the last 10 years, Vasseur has worked in staff development with a focus on simulation-based education and research.
The Union, Kentucky, native moved out of state after high school with her husband, Brian, who is in the U.S. Air Force. The couple lived in Colorado, Kansas and South Dakota before moving back to northern Kentucky in 1997. It was then that Vasseur began her journey at St. Elizabeth Healthcare as a clinical staff nurse.
After receiving her Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) from a local university, Vasseur wanted to advance in her career. As she began looking for graduate programs, Northern Kentucky University stood out.
“NKU’s
Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program allowed me to specialize in education, which was my program of interest,” she says. “I found the program provided diverse experiences to facilitate broader discussions that contributed to a greater understanding of today’s complex nursing practice. The online program format allowed for greater flexibility as an adult learner who was working full time and had a family.”
Vasseur received her MSN in 2009 and was promoted to education specialist, focusing on providing education, support and mentoring for new graduate nurses.
During her time as an education specialist, Vasseur found a passion for simulation-based education—leading to her return to NKU for a second time to complete her
Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP).
“I thoroughly researched other area and national DNP programs and found that NKU was the best option for me,” she says. “The program aligned with my career plans and goals and provided opportunities for personal growth and professional development that expanded beyond classroom knowledge. Plus, as an alumna, my experience with the MSN program confirmed this was the right decision.”
Vasseur’s experience in NKU's DNP program led to another promotion and a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity: manager of the St. Elizabeth Training and Education Center, which opened in 2016. Her simulation expertise gave her the chance to contribute to the design and planning of the free-standing education center with a dedicated simulation center.
Advanced degrees helped Vasseur rise through the ranks at St. Elizabeth Healthcare, where she is now the director of organizational development and education.
“My greatest passion is having a career that gives me the ability to help people. As a nurse and as an educator, I am able to do this on a daily basis. I love the challenge and being involved in new projects to improve the education and services we provide our associates, patients and the community,” she says. “Both of my graduate degrees from NKU provided me opportunity for career advancement. The curriculum of the programs broadens nurse’s knowledge of the health care system in order to develop expert leaders and clinicians.”
