The role of nurses is changing as healthcare becomes increasingly complex, nursing faculty and students say.
Harley Deitz, a sophomore from Moscow, Pa., expects that nurses will take on more responsibility.
“In the next five to ten years, nurses will use more technology to improve patient care and take on advanced roles like diagnosing and prescribing,” Deitz said. “They’ll work with other healthcare professionals to provide better, well-rounded care, focusing on both physical and mental health.”
She also expects nurses will have a bigger say in shaping healthcare policies.
“I hope to help by supporting personalized care and fighting for better access to healthcare for everyone,” she added.
This outlook aligns with the growing importance of nursing in interdisciplinary healthcare teams and the continued push for nurses to take on leadership roles in shaping patient care and
health policy.
At the heart of the nursing program is a strong focus on hands-on learning and ethical practice, faculty said. The program combines rigorous academic coursework with clinical experiences, providing students with the tools to excel in a field that requires both technical expertise and emotional intelligence.
Eva Penas, a sophomore nursing student from Poughkeepsie, New York, said her goal is to serve others.
“I was inspired to pursue a career in nursing because of my desire to make a meaningful difference in people’s lives, especially during their most vulnerable moments,” Penas explained. “My passion grew stronger after witnessing the compassionate care nurses provided to a loved one during a hospital stay.”
Penas’s time at Misericordia has only deepened her commitment to the profession. “I’ve been surrounded by supportive faculty and hands-on clinical experiences that have deepened my understanding of patient care. The university’s emphasis on service and ethics has helped shape me into a more empathetic and well-rounded future nurse.”
The nursing program goes beyond the classroom to ensure students are well-prepared for the demands of the profession. Said Delaney Collins, a sophomore from Poughkeepsie, New York.
“There have been opportunities for internships and externships. We have had internships offered to us for the summer. At the end of this semester, we can do an internship to start getting the idea of the hospital before clinical,” Collins explained.
The program’s structure provides students with ample opportunities to gain practical experience before graduating, she said.
“After junior year, we are required to do a 10-week externship, and this allows us to use more of our skills and gain more experience,” Collins added.
Recognizing the importance of nursing education, Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro recently allocated funding to support nursing programs across the state. The investment aims to improve
access to quality education and address the ongoing nursing shortage. With these resources, institutions like Misericordia can continue to enhance their programs, ensuring that students
receive the training and support they need to succeed in the field, faculty said.