Nursing was not a childhood aspiration for Tonika Witchard, RN. Graduate school was even further from her mind. But after two years鈥攜ears maintaining two jobs, family responsibilities, and a natural disaster or two鈥擶itchard is set to graduate [this week] from USF College of Nursing鈥檚 Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) program.
Witchard鈥檚 nursing journey began with prophetic words from her grandmother, who was like a second mother. 鈥淟ong before I chose nursing,鈥 Witchard told us, 鈥渟he would always say, 鈥榊ou're going to be the nurse of the family.鈥欌
Tonika and Ken at BayCare St. Anthony's
When her grandmother was hospitalized for congestive heart failure and end-stage renal disease, Witchard remembered those words. Her grandmother鈥檚 ICU nurse, Ken, cared for both her grandmother and her family with honesty and empathy, demonstrating the essential role nurses play. After her grandmother passed, Witchard became a registered nurse, working at BayCare St. Anthony鈥檚 Hospital alongside the very nurse who inspired her. Ken is now not only a role model, but a colleague.
The opportunities and encouragement Witchard found at St. Anthony鈥檚 laid the foundation for the decision to pursue her master鈥檚 degree, but a transformative patient encounter solidified the decision.
鈥淚 had a patient who was very sick, about to leave with no meds because she had to work,鈥 Witchard said. 鈥淭hat made me think about why she didn鈥檛 take the precautionary steps prior to coming to the hospital鈥攑reventative care is always cheaper. That made me want to step outside of my role as an RN to see how I can help patients like this.鈥
Tonika's goddaughter, Ke'Veah.
USF was Witchard鈥檚 clear choice for her graduate studies, with its hands-on requirements, simulation opportunities, and dedicated faculty. Her college interview confirmed her choice, with questions focused not only on her reasons for pursuing the FNP role, but on the support she would have throughout the program.
Support has been a constant in Witchard鈥檚 life, from friends and family to colleagues and preceptors. Shortly before Witchard began the MSN program, she took full custody of her goddaughter, Ke鈥橵aeh. While she considered deferring, her support team was there. With their help, this new responsibility motivated her to lead by example, showing her daughter what is possible.
鈥淪he has taught me a lot about myself. That little girl humbles me; she teaches me to slow down. She teaches me to apologize.鈥
More challenges blew Witchard鈥檚 way during her time at USF. She was preparing for a make-or-break final when Hurricanes Helene and Milton hit. Her house flooded, her shed flipped into her neighbor鈥檚 yard, and the two storms threatened to topple the delicate balance Witchard had found. Her support team answered the call without hesitation. Witchard鈥檚 brother came through with a new door, a new shed, and the tools and skills to install them.
Witchard found more support here at the college. 鈥淵ou meet people at USF who are always willing. If they can't help you, they're going to find somebody who can. The faculty seeks opportunity for us. They help us, they advocate for us.鈥
In addition to amplifying her support network and advancing her education, the college transformed the way Witchard approaches her work. She credits FNP program faculty with expanding her way of thinking, encouraging the use of out-of-the-box thinking to make diagnoses.
After graduation, she hopes to build a practice that鈥檚 rooted in dignity, prevention education, and genuine connection. She envisions a future practice that prioritizes making sure all families are seen, heard, and supported, regardless of their financial circumstances. After earning her MSN at USF, that goal is within reach for this Bull Nurse.
鈥淚 couldn't ask for a better education. I really couldn't. It doesn鈥檛 get any better than USF.鈥
Tonika Witchard, MSN Family Nurse Practitionor Program graduate