Bridging the Gap Between Mind, Body, and Spirit
Alison Keenan
Post-Master's Nursing Certificate Student: Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP)
As a child, Alison Keenan dreamed of working in a field that would allow her to give back to her community in meaningful ways. “I really wanted to be of service to people and have a rewarding career,” she recalls. Her passions led her to consider both nursing and teaching as potential avenues to make a difference.
A standout soccer player, she was recruited to play at Illinois Wesleyan University, where she would go on to earn all-conference honors. As luck would have it, the school has a well-respected nursing program, which helped make her decision to become a nurse that much easier.
After earning her Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) in 2017, she moved to Peoria, Illinois and began working as a registered nurse in diverse settings—including a child and adolescent behavioral health unit and a primary care office—so she could gain practical experience and decide where she wanted to specialize her expertise.
At the same time, she earned her Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) online from Benedictine University in 2023.
Pursuing a Path in Psychiatric-Mental Health
Alison ultimately decided that psychiatric-mental health, with a focus on child and adolescent patients, was the best path for her.
“For most of my career as a nurse, I have been working with children and adolescents. That age group can be really challenging, because so much of what impacts them is out of their control,” she says.
“When I am caring for these patients, I'm focusing not so much on their physical health and well-being, even though that is a part of mental health, but I'm really trying to talk to them about their environment. It's fascinating to me to bridge that gap between mind, body, and spirit.”
Choosing Bradley University
Once Alison decided to pursue her Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) certificate, the choice of institution was clear.
“I really didn’t consider too many other schools,” she says. “Bradley just has a really good reputation. I know a lot of people who went there for either undergraduate or graduate school, including a friend who was in the nursing program a year ahead of me, and they all had positive things to say.
“Plus, everyone at Bradley was so responsive and helpful throughout the application process, I knew even before I started that it would be a great program.”
Now halfway through the two-year post-master's certificate program, Alison says her time at Bradley has exceeded her expectations.
“I wasn't too sure what doing an online PMHNP program would be like,” she says. “I earned my master's online, but that’s very different than studying to be a nurse practitioner.”
Despite the initial apprehension, she says her entire experience has gone smoothly.
“I've enjoyed my classes and feel like they're very relevant to what I'm going to be doing. The online platform for the coursework has been pretty user-friendly, and my professors have been responsive and helpful.
‘I would recommend Bradley to anybody who's considering furthering their nursing education online.”
Preparing for Her Next Chapter
Although Alison initially envisioned specializing in outpatient care for adolescents and young adults, her own experience after becoming a mother has inspired her to consider a different focus.
“In April of 2024, I had my first child, and it gave me a new perspective,” Alison shares. After seeking help for postpartum anxiety herself, she now feels drawn toward working in women’s health clinics—helping new mothers manage postpartum depression and anxiety.
Meanwhile, Alison’s upcoming work in clinical placements will aid her in the decision-making process. She will soon begin placements under a PMHNP who specializes in outpatient care for adolescents and young adults aged up to 35.
“I’ll be exposed to a variety of ages and backgrounds during my clinicals, which will help prepare me for what’s to come,” she says.
Advice for Aspiring Nursing Students
No matter what route she ultimately chooses, Alison believes Bradley’s nursing program is preparing her to excel.
“Everything about the program is oriented toward my future success as a nurse practitioner, whether it’s passing my certification exam, building my skillset and knowledge, or gaining practical experience through clinicals.”
Alison encourages other nurses who are interested in furthering their education to consider Bradley.
“Bradley’s online program is easy to navigate, and the faculty support has been amazing,” she says. “Anytime something comes up or I need help, the professors are accommodating and understanding. The online option didn’t hold me back—it’s been a real advantage.”
f you’re ready to take the next step in your career, discover how Bradley University’s online nursing programs can help you get there.