Duquesne University School of Nursing

Genomics is transforming healthcare, and nurses are leading the way.

Advance your understanding of genetics and genomics with our free online course, Genomic Competencies for Nurses.

Learn how to apply genomic knowledge in practice, support informed patient decisions, and confidently navigate the evolving healthcare landscape.

Click the link to enroll and learn more: https://www.duq.edu/academics/colleges-and-schools/nursing/continuing-education-programs/genomic-competencies/index.php

Inspired by family, guided by purpose, and prepared through Duquesne University School of Nursing's accelerated Second-Degree Nursing program, Francesca Fisher's beginning her career as a Navy Officer, ready to make an impact in military medicine.

Read the full story here: www.duq.edu/news-and-stories/bluff-stories/francescafisherbluffstory.php

A Second Degree, A Clearer Path When Francesca Fisher graduated from Duquesne University’s accelerated second-degree nursing program in December 2025, she wasn’t just earning a diploma—she was stepping confidently into a future defined by purpose and service.

Meaningful healthcare begins with understanding the communities we serve 🌎❤️

For the past two weeks, a group of our graduate nursing students had the privilege of traveling to the Crow Reservation in Montana for an immersive experience focused on health equity, cultural understanding, and community-centered care.

During their time there, our students were able to apply advanced nursing skills while gaining valuable insight into delivering culturally responsive, community-centered care.

We're proud of these future nurse leaders for continuing to learn, serve, and make a difference beyond the classroom.

Learning directly from lived experience ❤️

Today, our Family Nurse Practitioner students participated in our Consult with Disability Simulation Program, learning directly from individuals living with disabilities who served as Simulated Patient Consultants.

This unique experience helps create an authentic learning experience that will shape the future of compassionate, inclusive healthcare.

“I aspire to be a researcher and a professor. I have been deeply inspired by my engineering and nursing professors across both of my disciplines at Duquesne, and I hope to one day give back to the classroom even a fraction of the love and support they have given me,” says alumna Skyler Wrubleski, a 2026 Biomedical Engineering, Nursing and Honors College graduate.

The Baldwin, Pa. native went on to say that “I hope to share with my future students the intersection of these fields, and to remind them of the humanity of helping others in time of clinical and personal need.”

After five years of hard work and countless fun times on and off campus, Skyler has achieved her bigger goal of earning a position at the McGowan Institute for Regenerative Medicine at the University of Pittsburgh. She’ll be working in a lab where they aim to discover and design clinically translatable extracellular matrix-based material for tissue reconstruction.

When thinking back to all that she’s done and accomplished on the Bluff, several things stand out. Serving as the Director of Duquesne Orientation was one of her greatest joys. “I am always grateful to have had the opportunity to work alongside a team of the most wonderful student chairpersons and team leaders to aid the newest students of our campus community.”

Being part of the Honors College community and pursing her Fellows project was also a huge highlight. “I had the opportunity to combine my experience in both biomedical engineering and nursing to design an independent research project that focused on designing an in vitro tri-polymer model of pressure injury formation,” she recalled. “I was guided by my many professors in engineering and nursing. I presented my research at both the Undergraduate Research & Scholarship Symposium (URSS) and for my Honors Fellow designation.”

With the city right at her doorstep, Skyler didn’t waste the opportunity to have horizon-expanding experiences off campus. Even though she grew up in the South Hills and attended Seton LaSalle Catholic High School there was so much she uncovered about Pittsburgh, its neighborhoods, the arts, culture and food scene and outdoor activities.

“I enjoyed many days over in Schenley Park in Oakland and the Carnegie Museums followed by boba in Schenley Plaza,” she said.

Living in Pittsburgh wouldn’t be complete with trips around the Three Rivers aboard the Gateway Clipper Fleet. From there it was a short trip to the Kamin Science Center on the North Shore or a restful stop at La Gourmandine Downtown.

“It is the community that drew me to Duquesne at the beginning of my journey. I knew I wanted to not only be a part of that community, but to help continuously build that feeling for others.”

Skyler truly embraced all of her opportunities on the Bluff and is prepared for anything as she heads out into the world.

Registration is open for the 17th Annual McGinley-Rice Symposium!

This years theme, "The Face of the Person Who Has Experienced Disaster", explores the impact of disasters through the lens of health, healing, and social justice.

Join healthcare professionals, educators, and advocates for meaningful discussions on supporting the health and well-being of individuals and communities affected by disaster.

Register here: https://www.duq.edu/academics/colleges-and-schools/nursing/events/mcginley-rice-symposium/index.php

The Spring 2026 Duquesne University School of Nursing Magazine is here! 🎉

Each spring, the nursing magazine celebrates students, alumni, faculty, and donors who make our nursing community so special by showcasing the mission-driven spirit of Duquesne nurses and the difference they make in the lives of others everyday.

DUQ SON Magazine 2026 The Duquesne University School of Nursing Magazine, published each spring, features inspiring stories of nursing students, alumni, faculty, and donors who shape the future of nursing. This year’s theme, "Serving Communities, Changing Lives", highlights the impact of compassionate nurses dedicated ...

Help us shape the next generation of healthcare providers! 🌟🩺

Duquesne University School of Nursing is seeking preceptors for the 2026-2027 academic year. As a preceptor, you'll mentor highly prepared students while gaining valuable benefits, including board-certification hours, continuing education opportunities, discounts, and more!

Current Fall 2026 placement needs include:
• Family NP (including women's health and pediatrics)
• Adult Gerontology Acute Care NP
• Psych Mental Health NP
• MSN Nursing Education & Faculty Role (including professional role development)

👉 Interested in partnering with us? Sign up here: https://bit.ly/duqgradnursingpreceptors2627