Sarah Richardson, AGACNP-BC, CCRN
Inpatient Orthopedic Nurse Practitioner at Mercy Health Lourdes in Paducah, Kentucky
USI Degrees: Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) in 2018 and Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) with the Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner specialty in 2024.
Where are you from, originally? I was born and raised in Evansville.
Where have you worked as a nurse and nurse practitioner? Before my current position, I worked bedside as a STICU nurse at UK hospital for six years.
Who or what inspired you to pursue nursing as a career? My friend, Lindsey Brenenman (also an ‘18 BSN graduate), decided to pursue nursing and I followed because she was passionate about it. I’m so thankful God sent Lindsey my way, because I can’t imagine a better career to serve Him. I fell more in love with nursing every year I pursued my bachelor’s and master’s degrees.
Who or what inspired you to return to school for a NP degree? I wanted to be an acute care NP because I saw the difference they made with patients and the entire care team in the hospital.
Why would you recommend USI’s NP program to others considering this degree? Every professor I had at USI is an inspiration because of their professionalism, knowledge and genuine care. I have recommended USI’s master’s program to everyone who asks where I got my MSN. I will continue to recommend it because it was online, so I was able to get my degree while still working bedside in Lexington, Kentucky, and being a mom to two kids.
All the professors and staff were so encouraging throughout the program, and I was always able to get in contact with someone when I needed. Quite honestly, it is also one of the most affordable schools. I felt very prepared to start my first acute care NP job thanks to Dr. Bailey Rankin and Dr. Kara Doucet. I think everyone should consider USI when pursuing a career in advanced nursing.
