Isabel Hamro, from Naples, FL, is currently a nurse practitioner and is in a Master’s to DNP program at the University of Florida. Her nursing journey began in 2015 and her passion for supporting patients in their most vulnerable times has motivated her ever since.
“Whether you’re in the hospital or hospice, in their homes, or in the office setting right now,” she said, “it’s just knowing that there is something I can do to change their lives for the better.”
Starting Nursing School
Like many in the profession, Isabel’s journey didn’t begin with nursing as her intended career path. She originally completed a bachelor’s degree in biology with a minor in chemistry from Florida Gulf Coast University with the intention of going to dental school. However, while working at a dental office in the summer before she graduated, she was given the idea to consider nursing as an opportunity to focus on direct patient care.
And so, Isabel’s nursing journey began. After graduating with her biology degree, she immediately went back to school to complete a few prerequisites then started an accelerated nursing program.
Isabel’s experience applying for nursing school was a smooth process. The programs were up front about prerequisite courses and other admissions requirements. She used NursingCAS to apply for her initial nursing degree, and later for her master’s and DNP applications as well. Having one single place to upload documents and submit transcripts made the process even easier.
After all the time and effort spent applying, it was a fulfilling and exciting experience to be accepted into nursing school. While in school, Isabel has met lifelong friends, had new experiences at clinicals, and received valuable feedback from the more experienced nurses on the floor. Her experience has also come with its own challenges, especially the exams. When it comes to standardized tests like the NCLEX or TEAS, she says persistence and hard work are key.
Working in the Nursing Field
Once she completed her nursing degree, Isabel initially went to work at a primary care office but wanted more experience in a hospital setting. She started at Naples Community Hospital and worked in the cardiac telemetry unit for two years. Ultimately, she decided to continue her nursing education to open the door to more career opportunities.
“I also wanted to do more in the community and, in the hospital setting, get more leadership opportunities. So that was my goal. I do want to also try to teach with the degree to those who are going on to become nurse practitioners as well.”
She then began her master’s degree to become a nurse practitioner and graduated in July 2017. She worked in hospice care as a nurse practitioner for five years before taking an opportunity to become a nurse program director at Keiser University in Naples, FL, where she started the school’s associate degree nursing program. In her current role, Isabel works as a nurse practitioner for gastroenterology and will complete her DNP in April 2026.
Advice for New Nursing Students
Throughout her career, Isabel has had the chance to meet many people, work with a lot of patients, and learn new things about nursing every step of the way. For students who are just coming into a nursing program, she tells them that hard work is what leads to success.
“Even if you were that perfect student in your previous degree, you need to work your way up there as a nursing student,” she said. “It is not something that is handed to you. You have to try your best to earn that degree.”