Being hospitalized is often one of the lowest points in a person’s life. Diseases, injuries and other ailments can make the stay feel unbearable. But Duke University School of Nursing student Katia Anello hopes to be a bright spot in a patient’s day.  

“I have always had a passion for helping others,” she said. “I wanted to be able to be a glimmer of happiness for a patient and make their day better, even if it meant putting a smile on their face for just a minute.” 

Anello is an assistant nurse manager on a cardiology stepdown unit at the Duke University Health System. She is also studying to earn her MSN in nursing and healthcare leadership. She chose DUSON after hearing that many of her coworkers were students there or had recently graduated.  

“They all had fabulous things to say about the school and DUSON’s programs,” Anello said.  

So far, she has had an amazing experience at Duke and says the classes have helped her become a well-rounded nurse leader. She attributes that to taking classes with nurses in other programs who are from all over the country and learning from faculty with various leadership backgrounds and experiences.  

“All of the professors I have had have been amazing. They answer questions promptly and will go the extra mile to help me learn the information,” she said.  

Anello also appreciates that the classes are online so she can balance working while completing her MSN. Despite working and going to school, she is still able to have days off and spend time with friends and family. 

After graduating, Anello hopes to help bridge the multigenerational gap between nurses. Her goal is to be a nurse manager or director of nursing.  

“Nursing lets me provide hands-on care and lets me critically think every day,” she said.