Answering
The Call

Preparing the Next Generation of Nurses at Carteret

At the heart of Carteret’s Nursing Program are instructors like Melanie Boudreau, committed to student success and compassionate care.

From the classroom to the hospital floor, Melanie Boudreau brings heart, experience, and a deep commitment to patient care into everything she does at Carteret Community College.

From the moment you speak with Melanie Boudreau, RN, MSN, it’s clear that nursing is more than a profession to her — it’s a calling rooted in compassion, service, and a desire to help others grow. Since joining Carteret as ADN faculty in May 2023, Melanie has become a steady source of guidance and encouragement for students navigating one of the most challenging and rewarding paths in higher education.

Teaching, for Melanie, is a full-circle moment. After earning her BSN, she began adjunct teaching in Minneapolis and quickly discovered how fulfilling it was to watch students build confidence, skills, and a sense of purpose. That early experience sparked a passion for nurse education that continues to shape her work today.

“I enjoyed teaching and watching the students grow,” Melanie shares. “It’s incredibly rewarding to be part of that journey.”

A Community That Cares

What Melanie values most about the College is the sense of community that defines the campus.

“The people here have been so welcoming,” she says. “There’s a genuine support system — for students and for faculty.”

  That spirit of connection carries directly into the Nursing Program, where students are known, supported, and challenged in meaningful ways. Carteret’s program is intentionally community-based, designed to provide individualized instruction while addressing the region’s growing healthcare needs and nursing shortage.

“Our goal is to support both our students and the health of our community,” Melanie explains. “That’s what makes this program special.”

Where Dedication Meets Opportunity

Carteret’s Nursing Program stands out because of its faculty — a team deeply invested in student success. From day one, students are immersed in a rigorous experience that blends classroom learning, hands-on labs, and clinical practice.

“Nursing school requires a great deal of time, dedication, and flexibility,” Melanie notes. “Students have to be prepared to make sacrifices, but they’re never doing it alone.”

She emphasizes the importance of strong time management skills and, above all, an unwavering commitment to patient safety. For prospective students, Melanie strongly encourages completing prerequisites before entering the program, allowing them to focus fully on their nursing coursework once accepted.

Learning by Doing

Hands-on learning is at the heart of the Carteret nursing experience. Students participate in a wide range of clinical rotations, including maternal-child health, medical-surgical units, and skilled nursing facilities. Most clinical experiences take place through Carteret’s strong partnership with Carteret Health Care, giving students direct exposure to the patient populations they will one day serve.

One standout experience is the Disaster Simulation in NUR 213 — a real-world learning opportunity that challenges students to think critically, work as a team, and apply their skills under pressure.

“These experiences prepare students for the realities of healthcare,” Melanie says. “They build confidence and help students feel ready to step into the workforce.”

From Student to Colleague

One of the most meaningful indicators of success for Melanie is seeing former students return — not as learners, but as registered nurses mentoring the next cohort.

“Going to clinicals and seeing former students now serving as preceptors is incredibly powerful,” she shares. “It shows the strength of the program and the impact our graduates are making.”

The program’s final preceptorship provides students with a critical bridge from education to practice, allowing them to transition smoothly into professional roles with confidence and competence.

More Than a Career — A Calling

Melanie is candid with students considering nursing: it’s not an easy path, but it is deeply rewarding.

“Being a nurse is not for the faint of heart,” she says. “But caring for people in their most vulnerable moments is one of the greatest privileges.”

Her advice to students is grounded in empathy and perspective: “Remember, one day it may be you or your loved ones in that hospital bed — so choose kindness in how you treat others.”

Rooted in Gratitude and Joy

Melanie credits much of her growth as an educator to mentorship, especially from her former coworker and teammate, Cynthia Young, whose guidance during Melanie’s early years at Carteret left a lasting impression.

Outside of campus, Melanie’s personality shines in fun and unexpected ways. She’s a lifelong football fan who has coached both of her sons, Beau and Blake, in flag football — even leading one team to a proud second-place finish. When it’s time to unwind, you’ll likely find her at Full Moon Oyster Bar enjoying crab legs, or relaxing with her current TV obsession, Landman.

Caring for Today, Building for Tomorrow

Through her dedication to teaching, mentorship, and community-focused care, Melanie Boudreau exemplifies what makes Carteret Community College’s Nursing Program exceptional. Her passion helps shape not only skilled nurses, but compassionate professionals prepared to make a difference where it matters most.

At Carteret, nursing education isn’t just about earning a degree — it’s about answering a call to serve. And with instructors like Melanie Boudreau leading the way, students are well prepared to do just that.

Interested in learning more about our Nursing program?
Contact Tammy Kavanaugh at tamarab8346@carteret.edu or visit carteret.edu