Category: School of Nursing
CHS Class of 2024 Spotlight: Nursing
May 23, 2024 Written by Amy Cherry | Photos by Ashley Barnas Larrimore
We're honoring the Class of 2024 by shining the spotlight on some of the best and brightest graduates from the School of Nursing:
ELSIE OSAE BREDU
Nursing major
Three words to describe the UD CHS experience:
Adventure. Educative. Fun.
Why Elsie UD?: "UD is one of the best schools in Delaware, and I didn’t want to miss the experience of being a part of that. I chose to major in nursing because that's how I want to give back to society."
Post-graduation plans: "I'm focused on passing my NCLEX to obtain my registered nursing license. I also plan to pursue a master's degree in critical care nursing."
How did UD prepare you for your future? "UD exposed me to different units and specialties in the hospital through clinical experiences."
Favorite academic experience: Clinical experiences. "My favorite clinical rotations were in Christiana Hospital's Cardiovascular Critical Care Unit and the Neuro Intensive Care Unit at Bayhealth Kent General. I learned a lot of skills on these units and put my critical thinking skills, honed at UD, into practice."
Favorite non-academic experience: "Time spent working as a STAR Ambassador and hanging out with my friends on campus."
What does it mean to you to be a Blue Hen: "Being a Blue Hen means being a part of one big happy family."
Isabella Ciabattoni
Nursing major, Global Health minor
Three words to describe the UD CHS experience:
Exciting. Challenging. Fun.
Why Isabella chose UD?: "I was born and raised in Delaware, and growing up, I always wanted to go to UD. I chose to major in nursing because I've always wanted to be in a position to help people, improve their health, and provide a comfortable and inclusive environment for them as they enter the hospital."
Post-graduation plans: Accepted a position as an emergency room nurse at Nemours Children's Hospital.
How did UD prepare you for your future? "UD helped me understand the next steps after graduation and obtaining my nursing license."
Favorite academic experience: "Our simulations on campus were engaging and interesting."
Favorite non-academic experience: "I loved walking and hanging out on Main Street and trying the different restaurants. Everything was so good!"
What does it mean to you to be a Blue Hen: "Being a Blue Hen means representing a highly rated university and trying your best through everything academically."
Abby diaz
Nursing major, Public Health minor, Honors student
Three words to describe the UD CHS experience:
Exciting. Friendships. Growth.
Why Abby chose UD?: "I was born and raised in Delaware, and growing up, I always wanted to go to UD. I chose to major in nursing because I've always wanted to be in a position to help people, improve their health, and provide a comfortable and inclusive environment for them as they enter the hospital."
Post-graduation plans: Working as a registered nurse at The Johns Hopkins Hospital Emergency Department in Baltimore, Maryland.
How did UD prepare you for your future? "UD prepared me so much for my nursing career. At an early start, they placed me in a hospital setting and pushed me to think critically and connect my education to my nursing practice. Through simulations, clinical rotations, community work, and classes, I enter the workforce more confident as a nurse."
Favorite academic experience: "Simulations and clinicals, especially my senior Surgical/Trauma ICU preceptorship."
Favorite non-academic experience: Participating in multicultural organizations. "I am involved in the Filipino Student Association and Student Diversity & Inclusion. Both organizations helped me form long-lasting friendships with people and allowed me to spread my culture on campus."
What does it mean to you to be a Blue Hen: "Being a Blue Hen means showing your school spirit all around and following your dreams and pursuits."
Thomas Gallucci
Nursing major, Honors student
Three words to describe the UD CHS experience:
Perseverance. Ambiance. Memorable.
Why Thomas chose UD?: "I was born and raised in Delaware and wanted to return home after serving in the military for four years. I chose nursing because I have a calling for service jobs and love to be the one who can help others."
Post-graduation plans: Accepted a job as a registered nurse at Beebe Healthcare's Emergency Department.
How did UD prepare you for your future? "UD provided me with the knowledge and perseverance to feel comfortable transitioning from a student to working full-time as a registered nurse."
Favorite academic experience: "Using virtual reality/AI to help simulate nursing experiences."
Favorite non-academic experience: "Representing the Blue Hen Veterans organization as well as Student Veterans of America at Communities in Action at the White House, where I got to see President Joe Biden.
What does it mean to you to be a Blue Hen: "Being a Blue Hen means I will always be able to call Delaware home."
DeVaughn Wilson Jr.
Nursing major
Three words to describe the UD CHS experience:
Eye-opening. Laughable. Humbling.
Why DeVaughn chose UD?: "I enjoyed the different paths to take with nursing, the patients, the work ethic, and the rewarding aspect toward the field while becoming something bigger than myself."
Post-graduation plans: "Take some time to enjoy summer while studying for the nursing licensure exam and aiming to work as a medical/surgical nurse."
How did UD prepare you for your future? "UD prepared me for the National Council Licensure Examination throughout the four years. I also connected with professors and classmates who helped me build communication and leadership skills while on my journey."
Favorite academic experience: Clinical rotations. "My favorite clinical rotation was in psychiatry. It's a specialized form of nursing where you encounter patients from different backgrounds."
Favorite non-academic experience: "Getting to hang out with friends and eating all the ice cream and tacos."
What does it mean to you to be a Blue Hen: "Being a Blue Hen means feeling accomplished, honored, and grateful for your studies, professors, and friends and becoming someone willing to take my knowledge from UD into the real world."
