Alanna Russo, a Keiser University Nursing major, has just completed her first year of classes and is more motivated than ever to enter the profession.

The Olympic Heights High School graduate and native of Boca Raton, Florida was inspired to enter the profession after having grown up with a mom who was a nurse, a dad who is a paramedic and an uncle who was a quadriplegic.

“My mother was actually my uncle Ed’s private nurse years ago when my mom and dad met,” reflected Russo. “Over the years I’ve watched her care for patients, including my uncle who was paralyzed and was touched by her knowledge and the comfort she instilled. We also used to visit my dad on his work breaks as a paramedic, and he’d share stories relating to his day, many of which were life-saving and transformational,” she said.

Russo has maintained a 3.50-grade point average and is thankful for the collaboration and evidenced-based focus of Keiser University’s nursing curriculum, and credits professors for their ‘supportive, knowledgeable, and compassionate’ attention as they provide hands-on learning scenarios. “Being a part of Keiser University’s nursing team is an honor and our group feels like a family,” said Russo who encourages those contemplating a nursing career to reach for the stars. “Never doubt yourself. You are capable of anything you put your mind to. Stay organized and enjoy the ride,” she smiled.

“The compelling paths that lead our students to Keiser University can vary tremendously, but caring seems to be universal,” said Dr. Kelly White, Nursing Program Director. “We consider it an honor to further develop our dedicated group of students as we focus on caring for individuals, families, groups, communities, and populations in a variety of healthcare settings.”