Georgetown Nurse-Midwifery/WHNP Student Enjoys Distance Program, Seeks to Provide Holistic Care

August 10, 2021 – Lois Dwira (G’23) is pursuing a master’s degree in the Nurse-Midwifery/Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner Program at the School of Nursing & Health Studies. She values the program’s faculty and distance learning experience, hoping to provide holistic care in her advanced practice career. To individuals thinking about becoming an APRN, she says, “My advice to others is to go for it.”

Question: Tell us about yourself, including where you grew up and received your bachelor’s.

Dwira: I was born in Italy and moved to Ghana when I was approximately two years old. I’ve been in the United States since I was six years old and living in Worcester, Massachusetts. I received my bachelor’s degree from Fitchburg State University and graduated in 2019. I have been a labor and delivery ever since, and I absolutely love what I do! Besides nursing, singing has been a huge passion of mine since I was two years old.

Question: How did you learn about Georgetown’s Nurse-Midwifery/WHNP Program?

Dwira: Georgetown’s program was presented to me by the Internet actually. I did not know anyone who attended this school when I applied. However, after getting accepted, I was able to interact with a recent graduate of the program who has been immensely supportive of me.

Question: What stands out for you about the learning experience so far?

Dwira: The biggest stand out for me has been how organized classes have been. I love the mix of async and synchronous learning. It was a different way of learning compared to in-person classes. However, I have really grown to love it. I must also say how great my professors have been. I truly do believe Georgetown has hired some of the best, most supportive, most compassionate faculty.

Question: Tell us about what inspires you professionally and what you hope to accomplish through your career. 

Dwira: I have been blessed to work with some great midwives in my few years of experience. I have been honored to witness how they carry themselves and how they approach different people of all backgrounds. The time they take to understand and explain to their patients is inspiring. 

I want to be an open-minded, welcoming, and positive influence of a provider. I am looking forward to broadening my approach to more holistic care compared to the more medical/intervention-based care I’ve been exposed to. 

Question: What advice would you give individuals considering graduate school to become an APRN?

Dwira: My advice to others is to go for it and do it if you’re looking to advance your learning. Taking the first step is key! There are people who are willing to help and support, and I am one of those people for sure. If it’s your dream to become an APRN go out and get it.

By Bill Cessato