For Brianna Rezza ’25, St. Joseph’s University, New York checked two big boxes.
“As a commuter from Staten Island, having a school close by gave me the best of both worlds, I could stay at home while still receiving a high-quality education. Another major factor was the reputation of the nursing program. I had heard great things about it, and what really stood out to me was the direct entry option. Unlike other schools that required entrance exams and had limited spots, St. Joseph’s allowed me to start the nursing program without that added pressure. That level of accessibility and support was exactly what I was looking for.”
This month, Rezza will graduate from SJNY with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) ready to pursue her dream career as a labor and delivery nurse.
“From before entering nursing school, my goal was to become a labor and delivery nurse, and after going through both the coursework and clinical rotations, that goal hasn’t changed,” she said.
It’s no wonder, then, that a maternity-related class with SJNY’s nursing curriculum tops her list of favorite courses.
“That class, to this day, will forever be my favorite and most enjoyable one,” Rezza said about her 200-level course.
Not to discount clinical rotations—critical steps in the pathway to a BSN.
“These moments were where everything came together and where I could apply what I had learned in real-world settings and truly step into the role of a nurse,” Rezza added. “Clinicals gave me the opportunity to test my knowledge, build confidence and grow both personally and professionally. They were challenging at times, but also incredibly rewarding, and they reminded me why I chose this path in the first place.”
SJNY’s faculty — including Esther Carter, MSN, RN, coordinator of skills, simulation labs and a teaching instructor — were part of an important support system forged during her four-year journey.
“Her open-door policy created a space where I always felt comfortable coming to her with questions, concerns or simply to talk. Her willingness to be there for me in any way made it easy to build a genuine relationship with her, and for that, I am truly grateful,” she said about Prof. Carter.
Outside of the classroom, Rezza found support in the Bachelor of Science in Nursing Club at SJNY’s Brooklyn Campus.
The club, which was designed so nursing students could support one another and learn through various hands-on and educational activities, helped Rezza build meaningful connections across all class years, not just those she’d be walking with during commencement.
“It provided a strong sense of community, where both new and graduating students could share experiences, offer advice and grow together,” Rezza said.
For Rezza, friendships forged during her time at SJNY made her journey her own.
“If it weren’t for the friends I met during nursing school, my experience would’ve been completely different,” she shared. “Nursing school is challenging on its own, but having a support system of friends who constantly encouraged and pushed me to be my best made all the difference. These friendships were built through shared experiences in the program, but they’ll extend far beyond graduation and that’s something I will always hold close to my heart.”
This story is part of OnCampus’ “Class of 2025 – Meet the Grads” series, focusing on the Class of 2025 at St. Joseph’s University, New York. To read more from this series, click here.
