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Melissa DaSilveira ‘26 isn’t just furthering her nursing education; she’s embracing a larger purpose. With every step forward, she’s not only deepening her skills and knowledge, but also honoring her roots as a first-generation nurse. 

Based in her hometown of New Bedford, Massachusetts, DaSilveira is charting a new chapter in her nursing journey through ½ûÂþÌìÌÃ’s online RN-BS in Nursing program, with graduation on the horizon in 2026. For her, the decision to pursue a BS in Nursing wasn’t just a career move; it was a heartfelt commitment to grow, and to serve. 

“As a current nurse, continuing my education means I can provide and understand my patients and their care plan more in-depth,” she said. “I have looked around at other universities; however, they didn’t feel quite right. Being able to pursue my BS in Nursing here at ½ûÂþÌìÌà just felt right.” 

Though the program is fully online, Melissa emphasized how connected she still feels to the university community. “Regardless of this program being online, I am able to utilize the UMass amenities and space,” she noted. 

Expanding on a strong foundation 

With her Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN) already under her belt and clinical skills sharpened through hands-on experience, Melissa was eager to dive into the theoretical and strategic elements of nursing. The RN-BS curriculum at ½ûÂþÌìÌà has helped her do just that. 

One course has stood out to Melissa. “Scholarly Inquiry really was exciting for me. Utilizing research and understanding how research is applied to nursing care... To be able to recognize the steps and how to accurately search for proper journal articles is beneficial for future and current nurses.” 

Cultural competency has also been a powerful area of growth for Melissa. “As an RN in the New Bedford and surrounding areas, the population is remarkably diverse,” she said. “Learning the importance of understanding the population you serve creates a great patient experience along with utterly understanding the patient as a whole.” 

Online learning, real-world support 

At first, Melissa was hesitant about online education. Not much time has passed, and she now finds herself thriving in a virtual environment thanks to support from faculty and staff. 

“Professors are incredibly supportive along with ½ûÂþÌìÌÃ,” she explained. “They are often reminding us that they are available and encouraging student success. As a nightshift RN, online courses have been beneficial considering my work schedule.” 

That support extends beyond the classroom. Melissa has tapped into campus resources like tutoring, library services, and even the commuter community.  

“All resources are a click away,” she said. “Professors have linked resources in specific places, so it is easily accessible. ½ûÂþÌìÌà also has a commuter's community which makes me feel welcomed and a part of the university.” 

A path toward leadership 

As she moves forward in the program, Melissa already feels the impact on her professional outlook and ambitions. 

“This program has made me understand the deeper meaning of the care I provide to my patients,” she said. “Completing this program will open the door to many more nursing opportunities such as leadership, education, and potential advanced practice.” 

Melissa now sees herself on a long-term educational journey. “I do plan to go further and receive my MSN and achieve a degree as a nurse practitioner,” she said.  

“However, while I have been in this program, I have noticed that there are many pathways I can go into after earning my BS in Nursing. As I navigate more into this program, I am steadily realizing which pathway I would like to walk in.” 

What’s clear is that no matter where she ends up, Melissa intends to keep her focus on patient-centered care. “I enjoy the personal interaction with patients and working directly with them. I am not ready to let that part of nursing go.” 

Embracing the future of healthcare 

In the ever-changing field of healthcare, Melissa doesn’t just want to keep up. She’s gaining the tools to help shape the future. “This program has given me the necessary tools to evolve through enhancing my critical thinking and knowledge in evidence-based practice,” she said. “It allows me to stay current with new medical treatments and protocols.” 

From scholarly research to leadership readiness, from cultural understanding to professional development, Melissa DaSilveira’s journey through the online RN-BS program thus far is a powerful reflection of how online education, when thoughtfully designed and fully supported, can change lives, and improve the lives of countless others in the process.