Dean Guerdet
Allen College Class of 2013 (BSN), 2016 (MSN -PMHNP), and 2019 (DNP)

Employment history

2013: RN: Accura Healthcare of Cresco, IA

2014-2016: RN/Case Manager: UnityPoint Health – Berryhill Center in Fort Dodge, IA: working in the Assertive Community Treatment (ACT) community program specializing in helping patients with Schizophrenia and Bipolar Disorders.

2016-Present: Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, UnityPoint Health – Berryhill Center serving patients across the life span in Fort Dodge, Webster City, and Eagle Grove areas.

2017-Present: Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner: Human Resources and Services Administration, serving underserved populations for the region, this role is in conjunction with the position at Berryhill.

What led you to pursue your education at Allen College?

Its reputation and the accelerated BSN program were the factors along with the seamless transition into the nurse practitioner program. I also like the small class size and the ability to work during my Master and Doctorate programs. Instructors are personal and take a genuine interest in my progress and success.

Please share any accomplishments, awards, or proud moments.

Robert Wood Johnson Foundation scholar
Sigma Theta Tau member

What led you to your exact career path?

Being a Psychiatric NP is a second career for me. My spouse and I had a business for over 10 years, and after that ended I wanted my next chapter in life to be meaningful. I know many people close to me that struggle with mental illness and have lost three cousins to suicide. Mental illness can make you feel really lonely. I try to inspire hope with every patient and establish a therapeutic connection. The biggest compliment that I can receive from a patient is when they describe how well they are doing. My work is very fulfilling.

What piece of advice would you give to current Allen students?

The best advice that I can give is to manage your time effectively. There are only so many minutes and hours in a day. To quote Maya Angelou, "All great achievements require time."