Double the impact: Alum returns for dual-specialty master’s and earns student statewide honor

Moved by her grandmother's loss of speech for 19 years following a stroke, Celine Mathijsen Greenwood (NUR ’22) knew the kind of health care provider she wanted to become—someone who would advocate for patients who are unable to advocate for themselves.

Her path is uniquely tailored. After earning her Master of Nursing degree from Case Western Reserve University (CWRU) in 2022, Mathijsen Greenwood returned to pursue a Master of Science in Nursing, preparing for dual certification as both a primary care and acute care pediatric nurse practitioner. This double-specialty training equips her to guide young patients and their families through everything from routine wellness visits to complex health issues—reflecting the kind of specialized, high-impact education distinct to the Frances Payne Bolton School of Nursing.

Throughout her graduate training and clinical practice, Mathijsen Greenwood has remained committed to providing thoughtful, evidence-based, family-centered care that eases suffering and builds trust with patients and their families.

That dedication recently earned her the Student of the Year Award at the Ohio Chapter of the National Association of Pediatric Nurse Practitioners' annual conference, where she was nominated by faculty member Kristina Banks, DNP, APRN, CPNP-PC.

1. What initially drew you to the MSN program at Frances Payne Bolton School of Nursing at CWRU?

I initially came to CWRU for the Master of Nursing program. School had never been easy for me. I had a hard time figuring out my learning style, and there were a lot of ups and downs. So when classes and clinical training started, and learning seemed to come naturally, I knew I was in the right place.

I loved learning at CWRU because I was never told that I was too much or to stop asking questions. I was challenged and supported to think and learn the way that was best for me. In my first year, Dr. Janine Galeski pushed and challenged me to think critically.

While taking my pediatrics course with Dr. Kristina Banks, I would hang back after class to ask questions. After numerous conversations and countless questions, she told me that I should work in Pediatric Emergency. I trusted her instincts, and within the first week, I knew I had found my specialty. Everything just made sense. 

I did look at other pediatric acute care/primary care nurse practitioner programs across the country, but two aspects made my decision to choose CWRU really easy. CWRU offers tuition credit to students who assist in teaching labs or serve as clinical instructors. However, the more important aspect for me was the learning environment. CWRU’s FPB School of Nursing challenged me, supported me in my learning style, and taught me to think critically.

Ultimately, I came back to CWRU for the Master of Science in Nursing program because I knew I would receive high-quality pediatric education.

2. What course, faculty member, or experience has shaped your nursing education the most so far?

There have been countless conversations with faculty and experiences that were crucial to my nursing education. I think the biggest fork in the road was the conversation with Dr. Banks when she told me I should work in Pediatric Emergency. 

3. How do you like to decompress and spend your time when you are away from nursing and classes?

I like cooking. I love trying new recipes and changing flavors up, and seeing how it impacts the dish. Lately, I have been enjoying creating things from scratch. Recently, I have been making butter, dehydrating vegetables into powders like onion or garlic, and chocolate-hazelnut spread. 

4. What advice would you give to incoming students who are starting their graduate education journey?

Coming to CWRU for my Master of Nursing degree was the best decision I made, because I see and feel the difference when I am dealing with a difficult patient situation. I feel more prepared than others seem. At CWRU, we are taught to think critically. This skill is invaluable. I know and can already see that my MSN education will also set me apart from others. 

I would suggest that fellow students take time to be students and to reflect. Being a student is a dedicated time to learn and ask questions. Don’t rush through this time; you can’t get it back. Reflecting on experiences and what you're looking for, what you’re liking or disliking, and why, is essential to figuring out your path.

5. What is your favorite thing about Case Western Reserve University?

I value the way CWRU has supported me in becoming the person, nurse, and student leader I am. I am so excited for what the future holds. When waiting for clinical placement, I think we all have certain preferences. I have learned to trust the system and my professors. Each clinical has taught me invaluable skills and lessons. Professors do everything in their power to get students the clinical experiences we need. While these experiences may not be the ones we initially enjoy, they often challenge us in ways we didn't know we needed, helping us grow into better clinicians. CWRU’s constant push to challenge us is rare.