Rhone D’ErricoIssue 7: October 2018

Last month I was awarded my Doctor of Nursing Practice degree from the University of Nevada, Reno. This achievement is the culmination of over two decades of scholarly activity, in which UNLV played a large part. The lessons that I learned as a UNLV psychology student and in Dr. Barchard’s laboratory have played an important role in my personal development, as well as my success as a clinician and leader.

I took my first college course in 1995, and my first course at UNLV in the Spring of 1998. That first semester at UNLV I enrolled in Psychology 101. I was intrigued with the subject and declared a major in psychology. With this decision, the study of the mind and human behavior became a passion that has remained with me to this day.

In the Summer of 2003 I enrolled in Dr. Barchard’s “Principals of Psychological Testing” course. I was unaccustomed to the level of precision and rigor required for the course, but I loved the material and I quickly became appreciative for Dr. Barchard’s sincere efforts to improve my reasoning and my writing. Dr. Barchard’s class enhanced my ability to produce quality scholarly work, a skill that has served me well. Most recently, I called upon these lessons as I produced the final paper for my doctoral project. I also use what I learned as Dr. Barchard’s student to research and write on industry topics in my work as a health care executive.

For the remainder of 2003 I was an undergraduate research assistant in Dr. Barchard’s laboratory, primarily assisting with research involving emotional intelligence (EI). My time in the lab provided an advantage in my academic studies as well as my future clinician and leadership roles. I gained an understanding of EI, which has proven invaluable in my personal and professional life. I obtained hands-on experience with experimental science, which has informed my approach to research and evidence-based clinical practice. My time in the lab also provided me the opportunity to work with other students who shared my passion for science and psychology. This prepared me for my future work with similarly highly motivated professionals such as clinicians and health care executives.

I graduated from UNLV with my Bachelor of Arts degree in psychology in December of 2004. In the years since, I have had several academic and professional achievements: a doctorate degree, two nurse practitioner certifications, and a career that has led to my current position as a healthcare executive. These successes were built upon the intellectual foundation that I developed through my experiences in the UNLV psychology department. I carry these lessons with me every day as I go out into the world and work to improve the lives of my loved ones, my patients, and my community.