Nursing Journeys: RCoN partners share their stories

We sat down with three couples who chose Research College of Nursing (RCoN) to pursue their nursing dreams. Below you’ll get to know our students, and alum, along with their inspiring nursing journeys.

Sam & Lucy Cannella

(Accelerated BSN ’23)

Lucy and Sam Cannella are natives of Massachusetts and Connecticut, respectively. The two met at college in Ithaca, New York, where they earned their first Bachelor’s degree. The newlyweds enrolled at RCoN’s 12-month accelerated BSN program and began their nursing journey in January 2023.

Before nursing school Sam worked as an emergency medical technician (EMT), while Lucy worked in marketing and advertising. She then later got a job as a certified nurse assistant (CNA) for the two years leading up to nursing school. When we asked what attracted them to relocate to our program in Kansas City, Lucy said, “RCoN offered a one-year program and a competitive price which was hard to beat!”

Accelerated BSN students come to RCoN with a wide variety of life experiences. Lucy made the career transition to nursing after a sibling was involved in an accident which required a lot of care. Being there for her loved one inspired Lucy to switch careers into nursing. Sam loved his time as an EMT and enjoyed the patient care and critical thinking that came along with it. He opted to go back to school for nursing as well.

Coming from out of state, they weren’t sure what to expect. The Cannellas soon felt at home among RCoN’s close-knit community made exclusively for nursing, which they described as kind and welcoming, from the faculty to the students.

While earning their degree together, the couple also shared the stage again during the induction ceremony as new members of Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing. On their way to being practice-ready in 12 months, they enjoyed numerous opportunities to attend professional development sessions, volunteer in the community and further their nursing skills.

“It was a great experience. It was actually our first year of marriage so we put our relationship to the test,” says Lucy. “It was great having a built-in study buddy and someone you can talk to about things who understands what you’re going through, because they’re going through it with you.”

The Cannellas graduated from RCoN in December of 2023 and moved back east. Both Sam and Lucy recently accepted new grad nurse positions at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center in Boston, MA. Lucy will join their Med/Surg unit while Sam will be working on the Medical ICU. The couple plans to move into their new apartment in February and start their RN jobs March 4, 2024.

Their dog Hudson has been with them through it all, but they say he’s excited to finally settle in their home.

“We made some great lifelong friends during our time at RCoN, who we are so grateful to have crossed paths with!”