Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Student Profile: Meghan McGuigan
DNP ’24
I knew from an early age that I wanted to pursue a career in health care, but I think the most beautiful thing about nursing is the ability to be there for others in some of their most vulnerable moments. Very few people get to share in that level of intimacy and trust.
Please tell us a bit about yourself; where are you from, and what do you like to do in your spare time?
I was born and raised in New Jersey. I moved to New York City to attend Columbia Nursing, and have now been living here for almost three years. In my free time, I am starting my training for the New York City Marathon, so I’ve been spending lots of time exploring the city on my runs. I also enjoy showing my love for friends and family through cooking and baking.
Why did you decide to pursue nursing, and why did you choose Columbia?
I knew from an early age that I wanted to pursue a career in health care, but I think the most beautiful thing about nursing is the ability to be there for others in some of their most vulnerable moments. Very few people get to share in that level of intimacy and trust. As a nurse, I love that I have the privilege of walking with people through their fears and doing whatever I can to make them feel even just one percent better. I chose Columbia because I knew that my learning would be challenged in an incredible array of clinical environments. These challenges have shaped me into the nurse I am today and hope to be tomorrow, which feels very rewarding.
What are you passionate about, and how has being a student at Columbia Nursing allowed you to follow that passion?
Within my career, my passion is to advance the intersection of nursing and public health. I love working in community settings because it pushes me to be creative through strong collaboration with my colleagues and patients. Nurses are instrumental in these settings because of their unique ability to build relationships with people who may be distrusting of the medical establishment. I am currently both working as an RN and completing my advanced practice clinical at Project Renewal, an organization that serves the needs of individuals experiencing homelessness. This experience has given me an entirely new perspective on what patient-centered care means and what health promotion looks like within an underserved population.
Do you have a favorite memory of your time at Columbia Nursing?
Some of my favorite memories from Columbia Nursing have been with the individual clients I saw for talk therapy as part of my Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) clinical rotations. Even though my role was to help them manage their mental health conditions, the experience was so formative for me because these clients have taught me so much about what it means to be truly therapeutic. I feel so proud of the connections I built with them over the time we worked together, and I think of them all the time.
What are your next steps after graduation?
After graduation, I hope to continue working in homeless health care, but now in the provider role. I also look forward to taking a few weeks off to travel and enjoy a break from school!
Is there anything else you’d like to add?
I am so grateful for my time at Columbia, and I would be remiss not to mention the people in my life who have supported me throughout the past several years. It really does take a village, so I thank my friends, family, and partner who have all been there for me. Most of all, I thank my mom – she has been my No. 1 fan and I could not have done all of this without her!