For Gator Nurses Day on Monday, incoming Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing students at the University of Florida College of Nursing reflected on the moments, people and experiences that led them to nursing.
Held during National Nurses Week, Gator Nurses Day celebrates the students, faculty, staff and alumni who represent the College of Nursing across health care, research, education and communities throughout Florida and beyond. The inaugural celebration highlights the pride, impact and shared identity of Gator Nurses while recognizing the profession’s enduring commitment to caring, leading and inspiring boldly.
Incoming ABSN students have already earned a bachelor’s degree in another field and come from many different backgrounds and experiences.
For many, the path to nursing began after witnessing the impact nurses had on their own families or themselves.
“My grandfather passed away last year due to respiratory cancer, and he had this one CNA named Debbie who was absolutely fantastic,” said incoming ABSN student Devyn Bernstein. “She became a part of our family. She really embodied what I think a nurse is and what I want to be.”
Bernstein said watching the compassion and dignity shown to her grandfather during his final days helped solidify her decision to pursue nursing.
It was a similar experience for Tesslyn Dahl.
“My niece has a rare genetic disorder, and seeing the way her health care team improved her life made me want to give back in the same way,” Dahl said.
For former UF wrestler Jacob Zawosky, an injury during college revealed the impact nurses can have beyond clinical care.
“The nurses helped me through a really difficult time,” Zawosky said. “Every nurse I’ve met seemed to embody virtues I really admired.”
Family connections also played a major role for several students.
“My whole family is in health care,” said Kyle Jacob Daya. “Hearing my brother talk about caring for patients and supporting families always inspired me.”
Incoming student Joell Wright said many of his relatives are nurses and nurse practitioners.
“It just felt like the right fit,” Wright said. “I realized I wanted a career where I could connect with patients and hear their stories.”
Kate Kaplan said volunteering at UF Health Shands helped her understand the central role nurses play in patient care.
“The nurses had the most direct impact on a patient’s experience while they were in the hospital, and that really solidified it for me,” Kaplan said.
Others were looking for a more direct way to make a difference.
“I worked as a pharmacy tech and realized I wanted a more hands-on approach with patients,” said Shayla Handis.
For Jordan Demory, nursing offered a way to advocate for others during difficult moments.
“I really care about being able to advocate for others who are experiencing hardship and helping people who may not be able to vocalize what they need,” Demory said. “It’s overwhelming, but exciting. I feel lucky to be here.”
Some students said the profession’s compassion and humanity stood out most.
“I wanted to become a nurse because of the ability to use empathy in health care and connect with patients when they’re at their most vulnerable,” said Adley Boston.
For Camille Ubas, the decision came after years of working in clinical research.
“I realized I missed interacting directly with patients and wanted to do more for people in the medical field,” Ubas said. “That’s when I knew nursing was where I wanted to be.”
Together, the students’ stories reflect the values at the core of nursing: compassion, advocacy, resilience and human connection. As they begin their accelerated journey into the profession during National Nurses Week, they represent the next generation preparing to Care, Lead and Inspire BOLDLY.