The Thunder Bolt

Attending: University of Pennsylvania (Class of 2027)

Double Major: Nursing and Nutrition

Bao Nhi views nursing as a uniquely versatile field that opens doors to a vast array of opportunities within the healthcare landscape. Her passion stems from the fact that nurses are empowered to do far more than provide bedside care; they also act as vital advocates for patients and staff in policy-making roles, improve safety through research, and influence meaningful change across entire healthcare systems. She is particularly drawn to the diversity of nursing specialties, each offering a unique patient population and range of health conditions. This variety allows her to view the human body from multiple perspectives, which she finds creates a deeply engaging and comprehensive clinical experience.

The academic foundation Bao Nhi built at Concordia was essential in preparing her for the transition to the University of Pennsylvania. She found that the rigorous science classes at Concordia gave her the necessary tools to engage meaningfully with foundational courses in her nursing curriculum, such as anatomy, physiology, and pharmacology. By mastering these challenging subjects early on, she was able to step into her university studies with a high level of confidence and technical understanding.

One of the most rewarding aspects of Bao Nhi’s journey so far has been adopting a truly patient-centered mindset. She has discovered that focusing on the human element during clinical tasks leads to more profound and effective experiences. For instance, when taking vital signs or performing physical assessments, she makes it a priority to engage patients in small talk about their interests. She strives to ensure that every patient feels seen and understood, which helps to build a foundation of trust and rapport. This approach has proven successful, as patients often feel comfortable enough to share additional information that directly contributes to more effective and personalized care.

Looking ahead to 2027, Bao Nhi plans to remain in the United States to begin her professional career as a Registered Nurse. Her long-term goal is to advance her education at the Master’s level, specializing in Acute Pediatrics. This path will allow her to combine her clinical skills with her dedication to treating younger populations in high-stakes environments.

As an international student, Bao Nhi recognizes that pursuing a medical career can be a challenging path to navigate. However, she encourages current Concordia students to persevere, noting that the journey is ultimately rewarding because it allows you to follow your passions and make a meaningful impact on the lives of others. She believes that the ability to help people through healthcare is well worth the effort required to succeed in such a demanding field.

Learn more about Concordia's Alumni here.