Becoming the Nurse She Was Meant to Be

The 25-year-old from Canonsburg, Pa., first stepped onto the Bluff as a freshman in the School of Nursing in 2017. What started as a promising academic journey quickly transformed into something deeper: a path defined by purpose, mentorship and meaningful impact.

“I remember walking down Academic Walk on my first visit, and a priest stopped to talk with me and my mom. He offered a blessing over my future nursing career,” Julia recalls. “That moment gave me peace—I knew I was meant to be here.”

After earning her BSN at Duquesne in 2021, Julia quickly built a strong foundation as an RN in women’s health and pediatrics, working as a postpartum, nursery and NICU nurse. Her favorite part of the job—educating new parents and mentoring young nurses—flourished through her roles as a unit leader and preceptor.

Inspired by her experience as a nurse, Julia came full circle and returned to Duquesne in 2023 to pursue her Master of Science in Nursing Education. Her decision was rooted in her positive undergraduate experience and her desire to pursue bigger goals—ones centered on shaping the next generation of nurses.

Currently enrolled in the Faculty Role track, Julia hopes to become a collegiate nursing educator. Her passion for teaching is driven by the deep respect she holds for her Duquesne nursing professors who, trusting in her potential, helped her to grow both personally and professionally. 

“Their selflessness and dedication helped me develop my own professional confidence,” she said. “I want to do the same for future students.”

Duquesne’s recent No. 1 national ranking for its online MSN in Nursing Education program by U.S. News & World Report didn’t surprise Julia—it affirmed what she already knew. “The curriculum is thoughtful, supportive and rigorous. I’ve learned how to build engaging lesson plans, foster inclusive classrooms and remain centered in evidence-based practice.”

Though this program is fully online, Julia emphasizes that it’s far from isolating. “My professors have fostered a sense of community and connectedness throughout the program by holding occasional synchronous meetings, maintaining open communication channels and facilitating active peer discussions,” she says. “While I am not in a physical classroom with my peers and instructors, I have never felt alone.”

Throughout her time at Duquesne, Julia has also stayed actively involved in service and leadership. As an undergrad, she was a student ambassador for nursing, held positions in multiple honor societies and served as president of the Duquesne University Student Nurses’ Association. Now a graduate assistant in the school, Julia gives back through roles on the School of Nursing Alumni Association and the Dean’s Advisory Board.

Her clinical background has shown her the immense responsibility and privilege of being a nurse. “My strong commitment to nursing education has enabled me to succeed as a nurse and make a positive impact on patients and families,” Julia explains. “It is such an honor to care for the tiniest but strongest patients as they are born into this world.”

As graduation nears, Julia feels well prepared to launch a meaningful career that bridges clinical experience with academic influence. “The nursing faculty shortage, which is a critical issue that perpetuates the nursing shortage, further fuels my desire to pursue this degree,” she says. “I’m excited to gain experience as a nursing educator and foster a spirit of life-long learning in my future students.”

For those considering their next step in nursing, Ciotti believes Duquesne offers the kind of transformative experience that shapes both skilled clinicians and compassionate caregivers.

“I would highly encourage anyone applying to Duquesne to take a leap of faith and commit to the University,” she says. “The opportunities you will encounter are endless. Doors will be opened that you never knew existed. You will be supported wholeheartedly. Your peers, mentors and professors will stand beside you every step of the way as you become the nurse you were meant to be. Believe in yourself as you strive to become the next Duquesne University School of Nursing alum.”