Katie Upton MSN, APRN, FNP-C
Family Nurse Practitioner at St. Luke's Cardiology - Heart Care Specialists
St. Louis, Missouri
USI Degrees: Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) in 2016; Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) with a specialty as a Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) in 2021; FNP Post-Master's Certificate in 2025
Where are you from originally? I am from Jasper, Indiana.
Who or what inspired you to pursue nursing as a career? I grew up with nursing because my mom has worked as a nurse for 40 years. The way she described it, it did not seem like an average job. Just to be sure, I shadowed with the Jasper ICU nurses, and I instantly knew I was in the right place.
Who or what inspired you to return to school for a NP degree? My CVICU patients inspired me to earn an FNP certificate. Their acuity and comorbidities dramatically increased, especially after the pandemic. Hospital length of stay increased, keeping patients away from the people and activities they loved. That was difficult to watch. I wanted to switch to the preventive side of care to guide patients to long-term lifestyle changes, allowing them live satisfying lives outside healthcare facilities.
Why would you recommend USI’s NP program to others considering this degree? I would recommend USI for multiple reasons. It is by far one of the more affordable schools. I also had an outstanding clinical faculty I could go to with questions. The FNP program was also one of my greatest challenges, so I felt I could handle the transition from student to healthcare provider.
Anything else you would like to add? Although we are not medical doctors, our role remains essential for patients. It is up to us to continue using our nursing skills to empathize, listen and educate in a way patients understand and feel empowered. One of the greatest perks of being a nurse practitioner is that we are known for making our patients feel cared for. Patients never forget that.
