We asked Viktoria Mae Nardella 2027 who comes to Salem State from San Francisco, Agusan del Sur, Philippines now residing in Somerville, MA about her experience in the Salem State School of Nursing.
My name is Viktoria Mae Nardella, and I am a member of the Class of 2027. Originally, I came from a small town of San Francisco, Agusan del Sur, Philippines, but now I am residing in Somerville, MA. Deciding to pursue this path was deeply personal choice, and I found the perfect place to fulfill my passion at Salem State University.
My deepest motivation for entering the healthcare field is engraved in my heart. I am taking this program to fulfill the dream of my late daughter, who aspired to become a medical doctor. Choosing this path is my way of honoring her memory, carrying her passion for healing forward, and dedicating my education to the life she wished to live.
Why did you decide to study nursing at Salem State?
To be able to fulfill and honor such a profound dream. I knew I needed a rigorous education. I have to accomplish the program for my late daughter not just to fulfill her dream but also to make myself proud. I chose Salem State because of the intense and focus-driven program within their Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) curriculum. The program gives me an incredible opportunity to work alongside like-minded, dedicated students and gain invaluable knowledge and experience within a highly rigid, professional environment.
What has been your favorite nursing course at Salem State so far? Who taught it?
I like all of my professors and the courses itself, but my absolute favorite course so far has been Medical-Surgical I (Medical Surg I). I find it fascinating to learn about different diseases and discover how a nurse can truly help patients in a clinical setting. Professor Martin does a wonderful job explaining complex course topics in the classroom. In the field, our clinical instructor in Med Surg, Ahlam, is incredibly hands-on. She walks us through exactly what care should be delivered to our assigned patients, allowing us to perfectly apply classroom theories to real-world scenarios. I wanted to mention also my fundamentals clinical instructor Sue and Professor Rivers.
What kind of nursing care do you plan to pursue? Is there a nursing specialty you are interested in?
I haven’t decided yet, but I am thinking about focusing on my nursing career in geriatrics. This vulnerable group has always had a soft spot in my heart.
Describe your experience at Salem State's in the School of Nursing. In what ways have your courses prepared you to be a nurse?
My experience in the Salem State School of Nursing has been incredibly rewarding, fast-paced, and transformative. The ABSN curriculum is demanding, but it is structured in a way that builds a solid foundation for real-world practice. My courses have prepared me to be a nurse by bridging the gap between textbook concepts and clinical reality. In lectures, we don’t just memorize facts; we dive deep into the pathology of illnesses and the rationale behind nursing interventions. The program trains us to think critically and react quickly under pressure. By the time we step into our clinical rotations, the classroom concepts turn into actual patient care skills. Learning how to assess a patient, for example, anticipate their medical needs, and deliver care with confidence has given me the practical preparation I needed to step onto the hospital floor ready to make a difference.
What do you like most about studying nursing at Salem State?
What I love most about studying nursing at Salem State is the community. It feels like an extension of my home and family. My professors and classmates are very approachable and always supportive when challenges arise.
What do you love most about nursing in general?
What I love most about nursing in general is the profound ability to translate complex medical knowledge into real, life-changing comfort at the bedside. There is something deeply rewarding about understanding the science behind an illness and using that expertise to actively guide a vulnerable patient toward healing. As a student who is still learning every day, I am proud to develop the skills needed to be both a clinician and a compassionate advocate, at the same time, keeping my daughter's dream of healing others alive through my education.
What advice would you give to future nursing students?
If I could offer advice to future nursing students, it would be to lean into your community and never lose sight of your 'why.' The ABSN program is intense and fast paced, but you do not have to carry the weight alone. Build strong relationships with your peers and professors, they are your greatest support system, and everyone at Salem State genuinely wants to see you succeed. Additionally, always remember the deeper purpose that brought you to healthcare. There will be demanding days when the workload feels overwhelming, but grounding yourself in your core motivation, whether it is a passion for patient care or honoring a personal dream, will give you the strength to keep pushing forward. Stay organized, be patient with yourself as you learn, and embrace every clinical experience as an opportunity to grow.