For Olivia Azevedo Scanzillo, joining the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program at the University of North Georgia (UNG) allowed her to pursue her passion.

"I wanted the opportunity to help people, and nurses are on the front lines of health care," Azevedo Scanzillo said.

The May 2024 graduate from Jefferson, Georgia, knew coming in that UNG's BSN students have high pass rates on the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX), and graduates have a 100% job placement rate. Once she was in the program, she said the rigor was also impressive.

"Nursing school is hard," she said. "UNG definitely prepares you for what you will experience in your future jobs with intense clinical hours and getting ready to take the NCLEX."

Even with the demanding nature of the program, she always felt supported.

"The faculty care," Azevedo Scanzillo said. "If you are confused about a topic, they'll talk through it with you."

UNG also has a pediatric elective program in the summers at Children's Healthcare of Atlanta (CHOA), and that opportunity paved the way for Azevedo Scanzillo's current job as a hematology oncology nurse at CHOA. She cares for children with blood disorders and cancers, inspired in part by her husband previously having pediatric cancer.

Her work with children and their families has changed her perspective and made her grateful for the chance to make an impact.

"All my problems seem small compared to theirs," she said. "When you're a nurse, you have to learn to be resilient. You have to take care of yourself so you can take care of others."