Dr. Margaret Fitzgerald ’70

This year marks 50 years since the NECC nursing program graduated its first class. To celebrate, we are sharing the diverse success stories of nursing alumni through the decades whose contributions have positively impacted the community. Enjoy!

Margaret Fitzgerald ’70, DNP, FNP-BC, NP-C, FAANP, CSP, FAAN, DCC, FNAP

Current Job Title: Founder, Fitzgerald Health Associates; Nurse Practitioner, Greater Lawrence Family Health Center

What inspired you to pursue a career in nursing? “I knew I liked working with people and I knew I liked science. And so I wanted to go into some kind of work that allowed me to do both!”

What is the most rewarding part of your career? “I would say it’s twofold – first, the long-term relationships that I’ve had with patients as a primary provider and nurse practitioner. I quite literally have patients who I’ve been seeing for 30 years or more. It’s been incredibly humbling and rewarding to have people entrust me with their health and the health of their families for such a long period of time. Second is helping other nurse practitioners solve clinical problems and find the best solutions for providing the best care to patients.”

What is your favorite memory of NECC? “It had to be back in 1969, when the nursing program was first applying for accreditation. I was selected as the nursing student representative to stand beside President Harold Bentley during the process. It was an incredibly affirming and intoxicating experience and it was the first time in my life that someone had pulled me to one side and told me I had leadership potential. That has stayed with me throughout my career.”

Please see the Student & Alumni section of the Newsroom for more interviews with NECC nursing program graduates.