Brooke Landess, a recent Traditional BSN graduate, remembered the quiet hum of medical equipment in her grandparents’ home, an early introduction to what it meant to care for others. Long before entering a hospital as a nursing student, she learned how to listen, anticipate needs and provide comfort during uncertain moments. Those experiences helped shape her path into nursing.
A first-generation college student from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, Landess had relied on scholarships to fund her education. Raised by a single mother, she developed an appreciation for perseverance and sacrifice at an early age, a mindset she said continued to guide her.
Her interest in nursing began while helping care for her grandparents, both of whom had multiple medical conditions. The experience sparked a desire to support patients during vulnerable moments and pursue a career in health care.
At the University of Florida College of Nursing, Landess balanced academics, leadership and work. She served as a nurse ambassador and peer mentor while working in the restaurant industry, a job she had held since age 15. She said the fast-paced environment had helped prepare her for clinical settings.
A recent intensive care unit rotation at UF Health Shands Hospital helped solidify her career goals. Working in a high-acuity environment, Landess said she gained hands-on experience and could see herself pursuing a role in critical care after graduation.
Landess said faculty support and clinical experiences had been among the most meaningful parts of the program. Caring for patients across different settings, she said, had provided moments that would stay with her throughout her career.
“I’ve always wanted to help people, but nursing showed me what that really looks like,” Landess said. “It’s being there for someone when they need it most and knowing that even the smallest moments of care can mean everything.”
Landess graduated in May with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. She said her journey was driven by a desire to give back to her mother and honor the family members who inspired her to pursue nursing.