Yes, Nursing Students Have Lives, Too

Gracie Watson on campus
Inman College of Nursing

Yes, Nursing Students Have Lives, Too

February 11, 2025 | by Cara Davis

How one student built a ‘full, beautiful, expansive life at Belmont while still having a committed academic career’

To better understand what sets Belmont's nursing program apart, we spoke with current students about their journey to choosing and thriving in the College of Nursing. For junior Gracie Watson, the decision to attend Belmont revealed how the right nursing program can offer both rigorous academics and opportunities for a rich student life. Explore Gracie's case study below. 

Student Profile

Name: Gracie Watson

Year: Junior

Program: Bachelor of Science in Nursing

Notable Experiences: Kappa Alpha Theta, international opportunities in Tanzania and Guatemala

The Challenge

Like many prospective nursing students, Gracie Watson faced the challenge of distinguishing between seemingly similar nursing programs across the country. With standardized curricula and common selling points like high-tech simulation labs and NCLEX pass rates, she needed to find a program that offered something more meaningful for her educational journey.

The Solution

After careful consideration, Watson chose Belmont's nursing program based on three key differentiators:

1. People-First Approach

In Watson’s words: "The faculty here care deeply about the wellbeing of their students. This is proven in the classes offered to us to promote mental and emotional wellness, the personal relationships the professors foster with their students, and the many events hosted by the school to bring joy and levity to an often daunting curriculum.

2. Contemporary Curriculum

Watson noted: "Belmont nursing is also always learning and adapting. Our curriculum is speckled with important lessons on cultural competency, social determinants of health, therapeutic communication and advocacy that are closely monitored and updated with this ever-changing world."

3. Work-Life Integration 

"When approached intentionally and with forethought, you can build a full, beautiful, expansive life at Belmont while still having a committed academic career that fully prepares you for the workforce," Watson said.

The Results

Watson has found that Belmont's program delivers more than just a degree. She's gained:

  • Robust clinical experience through partnerships with Nashville health care facilities
  • International exposure through study abroad opportunities
  • A balanced approach to nursing education that promotes both academic excellence and personal growth

Key Takeaway 

As Watson put it: "Belmont nursing does not stop at providing nursing degrees. Belmont nursing nurtures good, strong, impactful nurses that are known in the Nashville community and beyond for their excellence and dedication."

Next Steps

Are you ready to experience the Belmont difference? Contact our admissions team to learn more about how you can become part of our nursing program:

Learn more about nursing at Belmont