In his first clinical at Spaulding Hospital in spring 2021, Nick cared for multiple COVID-positive patients. “Witnessing the tragic effects of COVID-19 virus first-hand was a humbling experience, and knowing I could provide any kind of relief for the patients put everything into perspective.”
On campus and off, Nick is focused on deepening his understanding of the human experience. “As a nurse, I will have patients of many different backgrounds, and I want to be able to provide inclusive care to all patients, and be educated on different cultures, religions, races, ethnicities, and identities.”
Last fall, during his medical/surgical clinical at Boston Medical Center, the city’s only public hospital, Nick worked with patients experiencing homelessness and learned about the social disparities that affect access to health care. This spring, he is delving into the mental health and psychological side of patient care at St. Elizabeth’s Medical Center in Brighton.
“Working at a Catholic hospital brings learning opportunities, exploring the role that religion and faith has on a patient's treatment decisions,” he said. “In my mental health clinical, I work with patients suffering from a variety of mental conditions, including bipolar disorder, schizoaffective disorder, schizophrenia, and patients experiencing suicidal ideation. Within this rotation, there requires self-reflection and bias elimination of mental illness, and stigma surrounding mental health, to build therapeutic relationships with the patients.”
In addition to his nursing coursework and clinical work, Nick also credits his cocurricular activities—he has served as Resident Assistant, an Admissions Ambassador and a member of the Men’s Cross Country and Track & Field teams—for broadening his experiences and interactions with diverse groups of students. “Involving myself on campus has provided me with so many amazing opportunities, and has helped to create many life-long friendships,” he said.
Excited for what the future holds, Nick is confident in his future path. He plans to spend his senior year at Emmanuel striving for success in academics as a student-nurse, as well as success in his social and mental health as an individual. After graduation, he hopes to stay in Boston, gaining experience in Emergency and ICU settings, as well as spending some time as a travel nurse. His ultimate goal is to carve out his nursing specialty and receive his Master of Science in Nursing.
“It may be early, but what good is a plan if you do not leave room for revisions?” he said. “Simply, but most importantly, I plan to spend my next few years living a life that I can look back on in 50 years and be proud of.”