​Caryn Bowden graduated with her Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree in 2003 and is thankful that the Duke University School of Nursing (DUSON) faculty helped her prepare for her career as a nurse practitioner. The clinical diversity of the DUSON faculty helped Caryn and her fellow students broaden their knowledge to realize the potential of what they could accomplish with their DUSON education.

As a certified nurse practitioner working with pediatric patients at Wilmington Health at North Chase, Caryn says she knew as early as high school that she wanted a career in nursing. “I started as a nurse in pediatrics” said Caryn. “I returned to pediatric medicine after attending graduate school.” Caryn says what she enjoys most about working with pediatric patients is that they’re very interested in their healthcare. It’s very easy to promote wellness by educating them about how they are being treated.

Caryn and her family live on a small farm outside of Wilmington, North Carolina. Their farm is home to a menagerie of cows, pigs, goats, chickens, and two dogs. Living so close to the coast, Caryn says her family’s love of being on the water is unavoidable.

Caryn is an avid reader of the Duke Alumni magazines. She says that she reads them cover to cover and also checks the Duke webpage to stay connected with what’s going on within the Duke community. Her piece of advice to new alumni – network and meet as many people as you can. Someone may be the resource you need as you start, continue and advance your career.