Keiser University West Palm Beach Campus Valedictorian Sophia Hernandez-Rubianogroot said she’s always been drawn to the healthcare profession, particularly the field of nursing.

“What really solidified my decision was seeing how much of an impact nurses have on people’s lives. Whether they helped a loved one through a tough time or I witnessed their compassion firsthand. My aunt, who is a nurse, truly inspired me. Seeing her dedication and the way she cared for her patients made me realize the profound difference nurses can make. I knew it was the career for me. “ I want to be that person for others and make a real difference when they need it most,” said Hernandez-Rubianogroot, a native of Palm Beach County who also attended Florida State University, graduating with a degree in Psychology in 2021.

Attracted to Keiser University’s program of nursing because of its hands-on clinical care opportunities and small class sizes, Hernandez-Rubianogroot said, “I wanted a school where I wouldn’t just be a number and where I could get real support from my professors to gain the skills, I need to be a confident nurse.”

Intending to enter the profession as a critical care nurse, Hernandez-Rubianogroot shared that she’d like to eventually earn her Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree in family nursing with a focus on cardiology. “Reaching these goals will not only give me the chance to care for patients at the highest level but will also allow me to keep learning and growing in a field I’m passionate about,” she said.

When asked what she’d recommend to others who are road-mapping their steps to success, Hernandez-Rubianogroot encouraged perseverance. “Don’t give up when things get tough (because they will get tough). Nursing school (or any goal) isn’t easy, but if you stay determined and remind yourself why you started, you’ll get through it. Find a good support system, ask for help when you need it, and believe in yourself. You’re capable of more than you think,” she said while adding how appreciative she is of this milestone. “Nursing is more than a job, it’s a privilege. Every day, we get the chance to make someone’s worst day a little better. I’m so grateful for the experiences I’ve had at Keiser, and I can’t wait to take what I’ve learned into my career,” she smiled.

Keiser University’s traditional Bachelor of Science in Nursing program is offered for students beginning their first professional nursing program. Depending on the campus, students in this program of professional nursing study may attend in either the Fall/Spring semesters only or year-round, for eight semesters. Graduates will be prepared to provide compassionate, patient-centered, culturally competent nursing care to individuals, families, groups, communities, and populations in a variety of settings, using evidence-based knowledge and skills related to wellness, health promotion, illness, disease management, and end-of-life care to improve healthcare outcomes. They will practice in partnership with patients as members and leaders of interprofessional healthcare teams, utilizing the most current healthcare technologies. Successful completion of this program qualifies graduates to sit for the NCLEX-RN licensing exam. 

Transform Your Future at Keiser University

Since 1977, Keiser University has been empowering students like you to achieve their career dreams. As one of Florida’s largest private, non-profit institutions, founded by Dr. Arthur Keiser and Evelyn Keiser, we’re committed to your success with:

• Over 100 degree programs from associate to doctoral level
• Recognition as the No. 1 university in the U.S. for Social Mobility by U.S. News & World Reports (2023)
• Proud membership in the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities
• A legacy of excellence in education spanning more than 45 years

Don’t wait to start building your future. Contact Keiser University today and take the first step toward your dream career. Call Toll-Free: 888-KEISER-9  or Contact a Keiser Campus near you. Schedule your campus tour and learn more about our flexible programs, financial aid options, and career services support.