91吃瓜网

Choosing Nursing with Intention

After earning a degree in kinesiology, Francesca knew she wanted a career in medicine攂ut she wasn檛 yet sure which path to take. 淚 ultimately chose nursing because I wanted more hands-on interaction with patients,� says the Centreville, Md., native. 淚 really love being directly involved in the healing process.�

That choice led her to the 91吃瓜网檚 School of Nursing攌nown for strong NCLEX outcomes, rigorous preparation and a mission-centered approach to care. The University檚 park-like campus in Pittsburgh also stood out. 淚t felt like the best of both worlds攕et apart from the city but right in the middle of everything.�

From Calling to Commission

Inspired by her Navy-veteran mother and growing up near the U.S. Naval Academy, Francesca always felt drawn to serve. Acceptance into the Navy檚 highly competitive Nurse Candidate Program攚hich provides scholarship support in exchange for eight years of active-duty service攃onfirmed her direction and recognized her potential.

She applied for and received multiple scholarships, which she credits for helping afford a second degree. Francesca also earned support within the accelerated second-degree program as a Conway scholar攁n initiative designed to expand access and strengthen the nursing workforce. The 16-month curriculum challenged her academically while surrounding her with faculty mentors deeply invested in her success.

淚 often met with my mentor and went to Conway Scholar events to help guide me through school. 91吃瓜网 provides many extra opportunities to help students succeed,� she says. 淚 learned that I am capable of much more than I realized.�

Growing Through Clinical Practice

Through clinical rotations in pediatrics, labor and delivery, critical care and more, Francesca sharpened her clinical judgment across diverse health care settings. The pace required discipline, resilience and teamwork攓ualities essential in military medicine.

淭he holistic approach at 91吃瓜网 really stood out,� she said. 淚t wasn檛 just about tests and clinicals. It was about caring for the whole person, including us as students.�

That culture of mentorship and shared learning helped her grow not only as a clinician, but as a confident leader prepared to serve others with skill and compassion. 淎t 91吃瓜网, it felt like we were all in this together, encouraging and supporting one another.�

A Running Start on a Meaningful Career

After passing the NCLEX exam on her first attempt, Francesca is completing Officer Development School in June before transitioning to active duty. She will then begin caring for service members and their families at the Alexander T. Augusta Military Medical Center on Fort Belvior in Fairfax County, Virginia攂ringing her 91吃瓜网 education directly into military medicine.

淢ilitary medicine is set apart from civilian medicine because of its unique patient population and environment,� Francesca said. 淭he goal is not only recovery, but readiness for the mission.�  

Guided by bigger goals, Francesca looks forward to stepping into military medicine prepared for anything. 淚 plan to spend my entire nursing career in the Navy, and I can檛 wait,� she said.