Andrew Silva knew he wanted to spend his life helping people. In high school, he explored a number of different careers before realizing Nursing was the perfect fit for him.
“I decided to study Nursing because I wanted a career where I could make a real difference in people’s lives,” Andrew said. “Nursing offers both that purpose and the versatility to grow in many directions.”
Andrew decided to study at Stevenson after taking a campus tour. He was particularly impressed by the community feel of Stevenson’s campus and its dorms.
“I first came across Stevenson University through an ad I received in the mail during the pandemic in 2020,” Andrew said. “The impressive dorms and a great scholarship offer made it clear that Stevenson was the best fit for me.”
Now a senior, Andrew has enjoyed the opportunities the Nursing program at Stevenson University has extended to him. Small classes are essential to the academic experience at Stevenson, with an average student-to-faculty ratio of 15-to-1. These small class sizes have allowed Andrew to build one-on-one professional mentoring relationships with Stevenson’s experienced nursing faculty. He credits two faculty members in particular with helping him during his sophomore year and preparing him for his clinical rotation the following year.
“In my junior year, I completed my first clinical rotation at Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center in the Burn ICU (BICU),” Andrew said. “There, I discovered my passion for intensive care nursing. This experience solidified my commitment to working in high-acuity environments and played a pivotal role in shaping my career aspirations.”
Like Andrew, all students in the Nursing program at Stevenson participate in clinical nursing courses beginning in their third year. These courses allow students to gain experience in a healthcare setting while engaging with real-life issues. Stevenson’s Sandra R. Berman School of Nursing and Health Professions partners with some of the Baltimore region’s leading healthcare systems and hospitals to provide students with this valuable learning opportunity.
The same year he completed his first clinical rotation, Andrew also applied for and received the SNAP Scholarship from MedStar Health. The scholarship is awarded to a senior Nursing student. Recipients receive financial support during their senior year and will participate in a practicum at MedStar Franklin Square Medical Center in exchange for committing to work for two years at the hospital. According to Andrew, the scholarship has had a positive effect on his post-graduation plans.
“With the SNAP scholarship, there is a commitment to work for two years post-graduation in exchange for the financial support during your senior year. My future plans involve staying locally in Baltimore and giving back to the community by working in the Emergency Department at Franklin Square Medical Center while continuously advancing my clinical skills and certifications, ultimately aiming to become a flight nurse.
“After graduation, I’ll be staying local in Baltimore, working in Franklin Square Medical Center’s Emergency Department for at least two years,” Andrew said. “I plan to continuously advance my clinical skills and certifications to ultimately become a flight nurse.”
Asked what advice he has for new students—whether they’re studying Nursing or any of the dozens of other academic programs and majors at Stevenson—Andrew encourages students to participate in campus life.
“There are so many chances to connect with others, join clubs, and participate in student activities,” Andrew said. “I’d recommend getting out of your dorm early, exploring the opportunities on campus., and building connections early on.”
Reflecting on his time at Stevenson, Andrew appreciates the growth the program has fostered within him—both academically and personally.
“My experience as a Nursing student has been a challenging rollercoaster, pushing me to persevere and grow into a skilled and resilient student,” Andrew said. “It’s shown me that I have a natural aptitude for clinical nursing and the ability to handle the demands of the career. Stevenson University does a great job of facilitating professional connections, while giving students a solid foundation for their careers.”
