'Set your heart ablaze'
Jorgia Connor, center in white dress, stands with Loyola Nursing students inside a chapel in Lourdes, France, in spring 2025 during the school's annual immersion to Lourdes. Connor, assistant dean of the Instagram 美国 小于1个月 带邮箱 使用2fa登录 program, is one of several faculty who offered advice to the Class of 2026.
As the Class of 2026 prepares for graduation, the faculty that stood by them every step of the way share words of wisdom as their students embark on their nursing careers.
From the importance of staying present to the courage needed to keep learning and caring for others, these faculty reflections capture what it means to step into the nursing profession.
Clinical Associate Professor Emily Chin, Director of the Four-Year BSN Program
We all started somewhere. This friendly reminder can be used in two ways.
It is natural to have a bit of nervousness mixed with the excitement of your next steps. The charge nurse you might be intimidated by or the doc who seems blustery was once in a similar position to you. Use that connection to humanize your colleagues.
Also, remember your roots. You have a solid base in your education and the people who love and support you. Return to the people and places who ground you when necessary.
Associate Professor Jorgia Connor, Assistant Dean of the BSN Program
My advice to graduating nursing students is to live by Age quod agis (“do what you are doing, and do it well”). Be present to the moment in front of you, whether that is caring for a patient, learning a new skill, or navigating uncertainty. Give yourself grace as a new nurse. You have built the foundation to keep learning, so stay curious and love learning.
Be open to opportunities, even unexpected ones. Sometimes the path that unfolds is different from the one you planned, but it may lead you exactly where you are meant to be!
Nursing is a lifelong journey of growth, and your willingness to be present, humble, and committed will carry you far.
Assistant Professor Alexandra Nowak, Assistant Dean for the PhD in Nursing Program
As you begin this next chapter, keep asking the deeper questions of care, practice, and purpose, and never stop seeking the knowledge needed to answer them. Your commitment to lifelong learning will shape the care you provide, strengthen your practice, and expand your ability to serve others with skill and compassion.
In doing so, you will make a lasting difference for future patients and help support the students, nurses, and communities you will serve throughout your career.
Associate Clinical Professor Vicki Bacidore, Director of the Doctor of Nursing Practice Adult Gerontology Acute Care NP Track
Your journey at Loyola Nursing has prepared you to lead with confidence in complex clinical environments, advocate for patients and communities, and drive meaningful change in health care delivery.
Remember that your voice matters at the bedside, in interdisciplinary teams, and in leadership spaces. Continue the Jesuit tradition by leading with compassion, integrity and a commitment to health equity.
Clinical Assistant Professor Kevin Mazor, BSN Program
Throughout these days of celebration and transition, you will most likely hear the Ignatian quote: "Go forth and set the world on fire." My advice comes from another quote, from one of my favorite anime: Remember that before you can set the world on fire, you must first set your heart ablaze.