A Second Degree, A Clearer Path

Choosing Nursing with Intention

After earning a degree in kinesiology, Francesca knew she wanted a career in medicine—but she wasn’t yet sure which path to take. “I ultimately chose nursing because I wanted more hands-on interaction with patients,” says the Centreville, Md., native. “I really love being directly involved in the healing process.”

That choice led her to the Duquesne’s School of Nursing—known for strong NCLEX outcomes, rigorous preparation and a mission-centered approach to care. The University’s park-like campus in Pittsburgh also stood out. “It felt like the best of both worlds—set 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’s highly competitive Nurse Candidate Program—which provides scholarship support in exchange for eight years of active-duty service—confirmed 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—an 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.

“I often met with my mentor and went to Conway Scholar events to help guide me through school. Duquesne provides many extra opportunities to help students succeed,” she says. “I 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—qualities essential in military medicine.

“The holistic approach at Duquesne really stood out,” she said. “It wasn’t 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. “At Duquesne, 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—bringing her Duquesne education directly into military medicine.

“Military medicine is set apart from civilian medicine because of its unique patient population and environment,” Francesca said. “The 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. “I plan to spend my entire nursing career in the Navy, and I can’t wait,” she said.