Nursing is both a gift and a responsibility.
So said Dr. Mandanna Naleyanda, interim dean of the Berkeley College School of Health Studies.
Naleyanda, commenting on the Berkeley College School of Health Studies during its semesterly Nurse Recognition Ceremony last month, summed it up this way.
“You will be someone’s advocate, someone’s comfort, someone’s second chance,” she said.
The recent event, which celebrated 34 nursing students, was a way to highlight several outstanding graduates, the school said.
Nakia Neil, Amanda McNeil and Stephanie Fernandez were all noted for their resilience, determination and perseverance.
While each of the honorees had different motivations for pursuing degrees in healthcare, they said they are united in their mission to provide compassionate, patient-centered care.
Here’s a greater look at the three.
Nakia Neil, Bachelor of Science in Nursing: During her time at Berkeley College, Neil balanced parenting, working fulltime and managing school.
“Every challenge reminded me of why I chose nursing,” Neil said. “My biggest ‘Aha!’ moment came during my psychiatric clinical rotation, when I realized how natural it felt to connect with patients and support them through difficult moments. That experience confirmed that I’m in the right field.”
Neil, who lives in Paterson, has been influenced and motivated by many of her professors whom she said pushed her “to think deeper, stay curious, and trust her clinical judgment,” and challenged her “in a way that built confidence rather than doubt.”
“I have had moments that challenged me, moments that humbled me, and moments that reminded me exactly why I chose this field,” Neil said. She said being a parent of two children, ages 7 and 2 has helped her gain “a deeper understanding of what it truly means to care for others.”
While Neil continues in her home care career at Care Options for Kids, she wishes to pursue further studies to become a psychiatric nurse practitioner.
Amanda McNeil, practical nurse certificate: A U.S. Army Reserve veteran, McNeil plans to return to Berkeley College to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Nursing.
“I have a genuine interest in the health and wellness of the whole person,” she said.
McNeil received a DAISY Award at the Nurse Recognition Ceremony, the highest symbol of nursing excellence and compassion.
“Nursing, to me, is about showing up with compassion, consistency, and respect for each individual,” she said.
McNeil attributes her success to the values and discipline she gained through the U.S. Army Reserve along with the passion and professionalism of the Berkeley College faculty.
“I am grateful to have learned in an environment that values patient-centered care and fostered connection and encouragement,” McNeil said.
McNeil, who lives in Budd Lake, is employed as a certified nursing assistant at Forest Manor Health Care in Blairstown.
Stephanie Fernandez, practical nurse certificate: Fernandez, who lives in Clifton, was chosen as the practical nurse graduate speaker during the ceremony.
“The Nursing program at Berkeley College has been challenging, emotional, and honestly life-changing,” Fernandez said. She lost a parent shortly before starting the program, which she said made her journey extraordinarily challenging. “There were days I questioned myself, but I kept going, and nursing school showed me a level of strength in myself that I didn’t know I had,” Fernandez said.
It was quite a journey.
“I realized that nursing isn’t just about passing exams or mastering skills,” Fernandez said. “It’s about showing up for people during some of the hardest moments of their lives. Those experiences made it clear that this is exactly where I’m meant to be.”
