Meaghan Campbell ’16
Tell us about your current position:
I have been working as a registered nurse in inpatient and interventional psychiatry since I graduated from Brockport in 2016. Currently, I work as the Assistant Nurse Manager on an inpatient psychiatry unit. In this role, I balance administrative leadership tasks and my ongoing commitment to clinical excellence and providing high-quality, evidence-based, patient-centered care. I became board-certified in Psychiatric-Mental Health Nursing in 2019, and I am also pursuing my Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner degree at the University of Rochester.
Were there any professors, mentors, or courses that had an impact on you?
There were several faculty members who had a profound impact on both my academic and personal growth. I was privileged to work with faculty members, including Dr. Kathy Peterson, Dr. Susan Lowey, Dr. Paula Barbel, Jennifer Smalls, Jennifer Chesboro, Janie Dennis, Nancy Iafrati, and Patty Sharkey. Their commitment to teaching, their encouragement, and their ability to connect coursework to real-world applications helped me grow not only in knowledge but also in confidence. They consistently challenged me to think critically, refine my leadership skills, and balance the demands of academics with my responsibilities as a working parent. Their influence reinforced my commitment to lifelong learning and continues to guide me as I advance in my nursing career.
Did you take part in any extracurriculars, internships, or campus organizations?
In May of 2015, I had the privilege of participating in the international program with Anyi Wasi/Sacred Valley Health in Peru. This experience allowed me to immerse myself in a new culture while contributing to meaningful community health initiatives. Through this experience, I developed valuable skills in cross-cultural communication, adaptability, and teamwork, which strengthened my ability to collaborate with people from diverse backgrounds. More importantly, it deepened my commitment to serving others and highlighted the power of human connection. These lessons have continued to shape my academic, professional, and personal growth.
Were there any “aha” moments during your time at Brockport?
During one of my clinical experiences, I had a conversation with a unit staff member that profoundly shaped how I approach patient care. During a debriefing, we had discussed the idea that behavior is often purposeful, serving as a form of communication. We had talked about how our presence and our ability to truly listen, not just to the words being said, but to the underlying message behind a patient’s behavior, can make all the difference when it comes to de-escalation.
This is an interaction I have reflected on frequently throughout my career. It opened my eyes to the importance of communication, therapeutic relationship-building, empathy, and active listening, not just in psychiatric nursing, but in all areas of nursing. It helped me realize that while we may not always be able to identify with another person’s exact experience, we can almost always relate to the emotions they are feeling. This insight has shaped the way I approach patient care, reminding me how human connection, presence, and listening to understand can be life-saving interventions.
If you had to attribute your success to one thing at Brockport, what would it be?
If I had to attribute my success to one thing, it would be the unwavering support and encouragement I received from the faculty members. There were many times during the program when I thought I wasn’t going to make it through due to a multitude of life circumstances. I will forever be grateful for the people I met, the faculty I worked with, and the role they played in guiding me to where I am today.
What advice would you give to current students?
My biggest advice is to say yes to opportunities, even when they feel intimidating. Growth doesn’t happen in your comfort zone, and some of the most rewarding experiences in my career have come from taking a chance. Use your resources, your mentors, supervisors, faculty, and colleagues. They are invested in your growth and success and can provide guidance, encouragement, and support when you need it most.
I also encourage nursing students to take advantage of networking opportunities available. Many professional organizations, such as the American Nurses Association (ANA) or the American Psychiatric Nurses Association (APNA), offer student memberships. These connections can open doors and keep you engaged in the broader nursing community.
Additionally, for students looking for employment during school breaks, I recommend looking at local work programs that allow student nurses to work in healthcare settings and gain clinical experience while still in school. These opportunities will not only build skills, connections, and confidence but also strengthen your transition into practice after graduation.