Acinel Bruce’s journey to becoming a nurse is an inspiring one, filled with determination, hard work, and a deep passion for caring for others. From her experience as a family caregiver to her decision to pursue nursing through the University of Vermont’s Direct Entry to Master of Science in Nursing program, Acinel has found her calling.
How childhood experiences inspired a career change into nursing
By the time she was only 10 years old, Acinel Bruce had medical knowledge that surpassed most adults.
She knew how a feeding tube functioned and how to change a tracheostomy tube inserted into the windpipe to help a person breathe.
Her expertise was born out of necessity. Acinel’s sister was born with a rare genetic condition called Nager Syndrome which affects the development of the face, hands, and arms. While nurses cared for her at home and school, it was important that each family member could step in when needed.
“My mom wanted to make sure that my sibling and I knew what to do in case of an emergency and while she was handling daily tasks, so that was my first experience with healthcare and my very personal testament to nursing,” Acinel said.
Acinel initially pursued a degree in exercise science and worked as a physical therapy aid after college. But something was missing. She felt a deeper calling rooted in the years she spent caring for her sister and seeing the positive impact nurses had on their family. So, she decided to go back to school to become a nurse.
“I always tell everyone it’s a full-circle moment,” Acinel said. “We’ve had amazing people come into our lives and do so much good for us. I want to be the return of good—I want to help families and their children in the hardest moments of their lives.”
Finding the right path
When researching nursing programs, UVM’s Direct Entry to Master of Science in Nursing for Non-Nursing Majors (MEPN) program stood out to Acinel. She knew she didn’t want to start over in a traditional four-year nursing program after already earning a bachelor’s degree.
“It was the accelerated portion that drew me in, and then the master’s part added on to it,” she said. “Adding that next layer of education really sparked my interest.”
Moving to a new state without knowing anyone was intimidating, but Acinel found support in unexpected places. She connected with roommates through Facebook and relies on a combination of an electric scooter and public transportation to navigate Burlington.
“I knew no one in Vermont. I was terrified. But I just took a leap of faith and just believed in myself,” she said.
The biggest adjustment was the rigorous schedule of full-time coursework.
“The workload was intense, but very doable,” she said. “Time management was key.”
A supportive community
Acinel says support from faculty and peers helped her stay on track through classes six days a week and a part-time job at the library.
“The program coordinator was incredibly helpful,” Acinel said. “She had a whole panel of students speak to us on the first day of orientation, and they guided us through everything. They emphasized time management…that’s what makes it doable; you just have to manage your time correctly.”
Despite having a background in exercise science, Acinel appreciated how the program built a strong foundation for those new to nursing.
“If you don’t know anything about nursing, they start at the basics,” she said. “They teach bedside manner, go over anatomy again, and provide reviews. They give you everything you need to be successful. They really do.”
Looking ahead
After completing the program, Acinel plans to move to Texas to work in pediatrics at a highly ranked children’s hospital in Austin.
She acknowledges that nursing school is challenging, but perseverance is key.
“It’s a brave thing. You really have to believe in yourself,” Acinel said. “The first semester is tough, and you’ll wonder, ‘Is this for me?’ But there’s always that little push that keeps you going, whether it’s from your peers or professors. We always felt motivated together.”
Ultimately, she knows she made the right choice.
“Nurses are always needed, so you never have to worry about not having a job,” she said. “But the best part is getting to help people—that’s what I’m most excited for. Especially children.”
Take the next step
If you’re considering a career in nursing and want an accelerated path to a master’s degree that allows you to gain specialized skills, the UVM MEPN program could be the right fit for you.
Learn more about the program and how it can help you achieve your nursing goals!
