Originally from Truckee, California, Zachary Smith’s path to nursing was shaped by his diverse academic background and passion for healthcare. Before enrolling at Duke University School of Nursing (DUSON), Smith studied anthropology at California Polytechnic University Pomona. Initially planning a career in public health, he discovered a stronger calling in nursing. 

"I got my EMT certification during my undergraduate studies and enjoyed working with various patients. I realized I wanted to be more hands-on with patient care rather than solely conducting research," Smith shared.

Following this revelation, Smith chose DUSON for its unique focus on community health and leadership in nursing education. "I was drawn to how the school emphasizes helping entire populations and encourages students to pursue higher education within the field," he explained.

Smith will graduate from the ABSN program this month, and he shared that his experience at Duke has been transformative. "The clinical experiences are incredibly valuable, and the support from faculty and peers is amazing. Everyone here wants to see you succeed and advance in your career," he noted. As part of his education, Smith completed his community health clinical hours via a global clinical immersion program with DUSON partner clinics in Tanzania. “What I learned during that trip will influence my future nursing career in many ways. It taught me that there are many ways to do the same task and that nursing is a very adaptable career,” Smith recalled.

For Smith, the "DUSON Difference" means striving for higher standards and making a broader impact in the field of nursing. "DUSON is committed to training nurses who will go on to help specific populations, create policies, and advocate for those who need a voice," he said.

Looking ahead, Smith plans to start his career in the Emergency Department at Duke University Hospital. He aims to build his bedside skills and eventually pursue further certifications and education.

“Duke has prepared me to become a nurse leader by training me to think of the bigger picture and not just one patient at a time,” Smith said. “DUSON wants their students to envision better health for all and work every day to accomplish that goal.”