When Si Luo worked as a healthcare strategy consultant, she helped healthcare organizations analyze opportunities for growth and improvement, and developed strategies to enhance patient care, organizational efficiency and financial performance. In her consulting job, she knew that nursing played a big role in every aspect of healthcare. But when Luo found herself supporting her husband through an emergency room visit and hospital stay, she experienced firsthand quality care from nurses, not just for her husband, but for herself as well. That was a pivotal moment for her. “I saw it in action then and wanted to also make a difference,” Luo said.

Luo chose Duke to pursue her Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) because the School of Nursing is one of the best in the country. “I knew that I would be provided with resources and opportunities to network with talented and driven nursing professionals,” she said.

Unfortunately tragedy struck not long into her time here at Duke—Luo suffered the loss of her husband during her second semester.

“While I was and am still struggling with grief, I have received support from faculty and peers beyond my imagination,” Luo said. “The faculty are truly caring, and they do everything they can to make sure I am supported from school to emotional wellbeing.”

Faculty checked in with her weekly, helped her navigate academic decisions while balancing self-care and studies, and encouraged her to seek grief counseling. Her cohort was also there for her through this stressful time, Luo said, and credited the culture at the School for cultivating an environment where learning is collaborative, instead of competitive.

“The program nurtures your identity as a nurse from every aspect, more than just teaching curriculum,” said Luo, who is expected to graduate in May 2025. While she is leaning toward oncology, Luo said she is still exploring what field of nursing she would like to pursue. Health equity has been a central focus of her learning, she said, and knows she is equipped with the tools and resources needed to advocate for patients. “As part of the curriculum, we involve ourselves in the community to see what difference we can make ‘in real life.” No matter where she finds herself after graduation, Luo said she wants to be a good nurse and have an impact like she felt from the nurses she and her husband encountered during those difficult times.