How UNH’s FNP Program Helps Nurses Transition to Specialized Care
Charles Adler ’16 ’G17 has always kept close ties to UNH, which made his decision to return to school for the online Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) program a natural step as he transitions from ICU nurse to palliative care specialist.
Why the UNH FNP Program Was the Perfect Fit for Adler
After completing his undergraduate degree in nursing, Adler earned a master’s through the clinical nurse leader program. He has worked as a traveling nurse and a critical care nurse in the intensive care units of multiple regional hospitals.
"COVID really opened my eyes to the importance of having clear, meaningful conversations with patients about their goals of care and what they are willing to go through to reach their goals, whether it’s life support or complex decision-making for their care. As a bedside nurse, I often didn’t have the time or opportunity to engage in those deeper discussions the way I wanted to,” Adler says.
Adler chose the family nurse practitioner track to support patients and their families throughout all stages of life.
Hands-On Learning: Clinical Rotations in the FNP Program
Adler has found the diverse clinical experiences to be the most rewarding part of the program.
“I love the clinical environment, whether it’s a pediatrician’s office or a primary care or hospital setting — that’s where things started to click for me,” Adler says. “It’s beneficial to connect with my preceptors and see things play out in practice that I’ve learned about in class.”
Adler has completed rotations at UNH Health & Wellness, Families First Community Health Center in Portsmouth, and Core Physicians in Epping. Upcoming rotations include a primary care clinic at Wentworth-Douglass Hospital in Dover and a palliative care-focused experience at Exeter Hospital, aligning with his interest in palliative and hospice care.
Adler balances his studies with two part-time roles: serving as a graduate assistant in the undergraduate nursing program, where he aids in teaching junior nursing students through simulation and classroom instruction, and working per diem as an ICU nurse at Beth Israel in Boston.
“The program does an excellent job of incorporating reflections and self-care, emphasizing the importance of maintaining balance. I’ve found this incredibly helpful,” Adler says. “Another key motivator for me when managing the challenges of clinical rotations and coursework is keeping my end goal in mind. Visualizing myself graduating, applying for jobs, and taking the next step in my career.”
Adler will have multiple career options as a family nurse practitioner, including working in primary care or hospital settings. He’s aiming for an advanced practice provider interprofessional fellowship in palliative medicine and hospice care at Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center.
Adler’s Advice for Aspiring Nurses and Graduate Students
Adler emphasizes that UNH's programs provide students with numerous opportunities to discover their path in the nursing profession. He advises students to keep reflecting on why they chose nursing—a reminder that will help them stay grounded as they navigate the program and prepare for this challenging yet deeply rewarding career.
“Nurses have so many career options beyond just working in a hospital or clinic. You can work in education, leadership, travel nursing, or even go into medical device sales,” Adler says. “I wouldn’t have been able to have the experiences I’ve had if it weren’t for UNH and the nursing department. My senior practicum led me to my first job in the ICU, which then led me to a leadership position as a CNL, which then led me to travel nursing in Hawaii, which then led me back here to complete my FNP."
Learn more about UNH’s Family Nurse Practitioner program.
