SXU Nursing Student Has Provided a Lifetime of Care and Compassion
Saint Xavier University (SXU) nursing student Alexandria Demas has been involved in patient care ever since she was a child. Exposed to the medical field at a very young age, Demas helped to take care of her father, who had cardiovascular disease and diabetes. From taking his blood sugar every morning to learning about the different parts of the heart on a brace pillow, Demas's experiences helped her to realize just how much she loves helping those in needs, and now, she is ready to take care of patients and families in need.
Demas was drawn to SXU because of its reputation for excellence in education.
"SXU's nursing program is known for their excellence. In order to care for patients in the way that I would like to, with the greatest amount of compassion and knowledge possible, I needed a program like SXU's to challenge me. When I compared SXU's nursing program to other schools, I found that they were the only one to truly emphasize holistic, patient-centered care. Other schools were more focused on creating nurses quickly and efficiently, but I wanted to become a well-rounded nurse," said Demas.
Demas feels that her courses at SXU are preparing her well for her future career.
"I appreciate that my courses not only revolve around the physiological side of nursing, but also the humanistic aspect. It's easy to become overwhelmed with all the pathology and pharmacology necessary to be a nurse. However, emphasizing the spiritual, psychological and emotional needs that we need to address for our patients reminds me that I am going to be caring for a holistic person who requires my complete devotion and heart," said Demas.
This year, Demas collaborated with several of her peers, Miranda Clinton, Jacklyn Alfred and Danya Mohamed, to begin a Start by Believing chapter at Saint Xavier, which serves as a safe space on campus for survivors of sexual assault. Those who want to learn more about the group can visit The Den.
"After taking an honors course on violence against women and girls taught by Dr. Steven Taylor, we were inspired to instill an atmosphere of acceptance and belief for those in need. We welcome all, including those who want to be allies for survivors," said Demas.
Demas's favorite thing about attending Saint Xavier is the supportive and positive environment. She finds that every professor she's encountered has been contagiously passionate about their specialty.
"Dr. Beck, Professor Kelly, Professor Moran, Dr. Nemeh, Professor Soso, Dr. Taylor, Dr. Tegan and Dr. Tiberg have all helped to guide me in following my various passions. Thanks to them, I have been able to major in nursing while also exercising my literary side as a writing consultant and peer tutor, and I am also pursing a minor in gerontology. I am very grateful to have so many professionals motivate me in my own pursuits," said Demas.
Demas also appreciates SXU's core values and feels that she integrates them into her life with ease.
"Many of the SXU core values are also core values of my own! However, since attending SXU, I have become much more conscious of exemplifying these values. At my current job, I am able to show respect, compassion, service, hospitality and integrity as it concerns my patients. As a result, I have become much more comfortable and confident in the care that I provide. As I move forward in my career, I will strive to meet all the core values that are essential to being a well-rounded nurse," said Demas.
As a nurse, Demas hopes to be able to provide comfort and relief to her patients and their families, serving as a supportive presence and offering hope to those who feel hopeless.
In her free time, Demas enjoys spending time with loved ones and in nature, cooking, and embroidering.
After graduating, she hopes to continue her education to eventually become a nurse practitioner. Though she is not yet sure what she wants her specialty to be, she is considering gerontology, dermatology and pediatrics.