This is Who We are: Our Alumni Voices

Image

Felicia Mitchell, BSN ‘24

New Graduate RN at Stanford Health Care

How are you using your heart, mind, and soul to change the health of people, communities, and the world?

I strive to create environments where individuals can heal and thrive. Each patient has a unique story, and I tailor my care to meet their needs. I apply my knowledge and creative thinking to connect my patients with the necessary resources and tools for happier, healthier lives. I strive to identify the root causes, collaborate with others, ask questions, and find solutions to remove barriers between individuals and their health and happiness.

Which USF values do you embody?

Empathy, leadership, and excellence. Empathy is vital in our field, as we care for people during their most vulnerable moments. I treasure the moments when I can make patients smile, help them feel comfortable, or offer support during challenging times. Leadership plays a crucial role in nursing, and USF provided many opportunities for me to grow as a leader throughout my nursing education.

Excellence remains my constant goal. With people’s lives and well-being in my hands, I prioritize delivering the highest quality care. I will continue to pursue growth and improvement in everything I do.

USF laid a strong foundation for my career and I am proud of the nurse I have become.”

Image

Patrick Paolo, BSN ‘24

Clinical Nurse at Lucile Packard Children's Hospital

How did USF prepare you for your personal and professional journey after graduation?

USF has not just served as a stepping stone in my professional journey, it has also catalyzed my personal growth. The experiences I gained were invaluable. As a med-surg supplemental instructor, I deepened my knowledge and honed my teaching skills. In my role as a skills lab assistant, I not only built my confidence but also learned the value of patience and perseverance. Serving as a cohort representative allowed me to advocate for my peers, significantly contributing to my growth. Additionally, my participation with the Hawaiian Ensemble and Hui O Hawai’i executive board enhanced my cultural sensitivity and humility. These experiences at USF have shaped my career and empowered me to make a difference in the world.

Which USF values do you embody?

I embody the value of courage. Courage means pushing forward even when the path feels unclear. One of the toughest challenges I encountered was the new grad application process; it’s stressful, and doubts often arise. Courage isn’t the absence of fear but the ability to move forward despite feeling it. It means showing up for myself, trusting in my capabilities, and overcoming doubt. In nursing, courage is essential for facing challenges, advocating for patients, and striving for excellence. Each step forward presents an opportunity to grow stronger.

Sarkis Makarovich - DNP-FNP, BSN

Image

I am committed to providing compassionate care.

When I arrived in the United States, I felt uncertain about my future. It seemed distant, and the path ahead appeared dark and bumpy. One desire continually motivated me: to pursue a nursing education and ultimately serve those in need. In 2013, I received an acceptance letter from the University of San Francisco, a nursing school recognized for its diversity, values, and commitment to social mobility. I was invited to join the BSN program, which became a turning point in my life—a beacon of hope. I graduated as an honors student and was proud of my accomplishment.

A few years later, I returned to pursue USF's Doctor of Nursing Practice—Family Nurse Practitioner program, where I was honored to be inducted into Sigma Theta Tau, the international honor society for nursing leaders and scholars. The unwavering support, belief, and collaborative efforts of the faculty and staff at USF have been a constant source of inspiration.

Aligned with Jesuit values and the mission of my organization, USF has prepared me to deliver honest and compassionate nursing care that meets patients' needs. As a Family Nurse Practitioner, I am committed to working with the vulnerable pediatric population, which requires more advanced practice nurses.

Devoting time to patients reflects Ignatian values, emphasizing healing, hope, justice, and improving quality of life. The Jesuit tradition is rooted in core principles of holistic care, with the concept of "cura personalis" highlighting our duty to address each individual's unique challenges and needs while respecting diverse cultures and values.

Ultimately, our goal is to care for and advocate for others, a mission that resonates deeply with the values upheld by the Jesuit nursing community and my workplace.

Lucy Lundell BSN ‘24

Image

Empathy is far more than just a skill; it is a potent force that can transform the nursing landscape.

At USF, I had the privilege of caring for and learning from a diverse patient population. Each patient contributed to my understanding of how culture, language, and lived experiences influence healthcare needs. The shared mission of USF and LA General to serve vulnerable and historically underserved populations has equipped me with cultural humility, clinical competence, and a dedication to health equity.

As a new nurse, I may not feel like I'm making a significant impact on a larger scale, but when a patient calls for me and says, "Lucy knows what's up," it reminds me that my empathy, vulnerability, and dedication to learning genuinely make a difference. It reinforces my belief that I am capable of providing the care my patients need. My Jesuit education instilled the values essential for delivering compassionate care.

I work in the maternity and postpartum unit. While birth is often joyful, not every patient feels this way. Some are grieving, others are dealing with immense uncertainty, and many face complex social or medical issues that impact their experience. Every shift, I practice empathy—whether sharing in a family's joy, sitting with a mother through her tears, or being a steady presence for someone who feels completely alone. I know I can make a significant difference in a patient's journey.
 

Image

Kelsey Green MPH - DNP

Emergency Room Nurse at CPMC

How are you using your heart, mind, and soul to change the health of people, communities, and the world?

My journey at USF has enhanced my understanding of implementing preventive care practices and collaborating with community groups to create culturally competent approaches that uplift target populations. While conducting community participatory-based research, I learned to engage with community organizations and leaders in empowering ways that facilitate change. This perspective continues to shape my nursing practice today, guided by the school’s vision to “change the world from here.”

How did USF prepare you for your personal and professional journey?

The impactful mentorship and guidance of the MPH faculty through the SONHP have significantly helped me bridge my education to practice. Outstanding faculty members encouraged me to recognize my potential and consistently provided opportunities for further development. As one of USF’s 2023–2024 “This Is Public Health (TIPH)” student ambassadors for the Association of Schools and Programs of Public Health (ASPPH), I collaborated with fellow public health students worldwide to create educational campaigns, which fostered my personal growth. This experience prompted me to think critically by combining my nursing background and passion for community health, and reinforced my belief in my ability to make a difference.

I am genuinely grateful for my USF experience, which has deepened my understanding of my role as a health professional to ‘change the world from here.’ ”

Image

Dierdre Martinez, DNP FNP ‘22

DNP Leadership Award

How are you using your heart, mind, and soul to change the health of people, communities, and the world?

My master’s and doctoral education at USF provided a solid educational and leadership foundation that I continue to build upon as a family nurse practitioner. Working in a community clinic, I care for patients and recognize that good medicine extends beyond physical complaints. Healing often requires addressing the heart, mind, and soul, leading to a deeper understanding of my patients. I have witnessed this approach’s positive impact on patients, their families, and the entire community.

Which USF values do you embody?

Excellence, ethical practice, and cura personalis. With a strong educational and clinical foundation and high standards of excellence, USF has helped me sharpen my leadership skills. As a healthcare provider, I treat each patient as a unique individual. USF’s cura personalis emphasizes the importance of self-care—nurturing our physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being is essential to caring for others. I aim to keep growing and “changing the world from here.”