Angela Karakachian, PhD, RN
Assistant Professor
What is most rewarding about being an educator?
As a nurse educator, I take pride in preparing future nurses to care for patients. Being a nurse educator is very rewarding as it gives me the opportunity to bond with my students and get inspired from them every day. It is a true pleasure to give nursing students the foundation they need to provide quality of care to their patients.
Many students keep in touch long after they graduate. When they reach out asking for recommendation letters to continue their education or when they reach out to tell me how I influenced them in their professional life, it just puts a big smile on my face.
What excites you about teaching at Duquesne University?
Duquesne University School of Nursing is a very family-oriented place. We care for our students like they were our own. I feel that Duquesne University is my second home. I love the people I work with; I love the students. It is just a great place to be!
What advice do you have for a Duquesne nursing student?
My best advice for nursing students is to keep up with your readings. You need to read the material every day; don't wait for the last minute to prepare for an exam. If you are not sure about something, ask your instructor. Just tell us how we can help you be successful. We all want you to succeed not only as students, but also as nurses.
Don't expect to receive A's in all your classes. If you do, that is great, but if you don't, it is OK. Just remember B's get degrees.
What do you hope all your students gain from your classes?
I hope that all my students learn the material not only to pass the tests, but also to put their knowledge into practice as they become successful nurses. I hope that my students learn that honesty and caring are important key values in nursing profession. I tell my students all the time we care for patients with our hearts, and that is what is important!