SXU Students Attend Student Nurse Political Action Day
Saint Xavier University (SXU) student Olivia Dominici, along with fellow nursing students Shahzaib Asif, Rodolfo Cleofas, and Tara Cronin, recently traveled to Springfield for 2025 Student Nurse Political Action Day. Held by the American Nurses Association Illinois, the event features a number of topics that provide students with relevant information that will help them be better advocates and prepared for the real world of health care.
Dominici chose to participate in Student Nurse Political Action Day because she believes it's important for nurses and future nurses to be informed and engaged in the policies that impact practice.
"It is important for student nurses to enter the field of nursing with an understanding of the legislative process so they can make meaningful changes within the profession of nursing that positively impact patient care. Participating in events like this during my academic career has been incredibly meaningful in showing me how powerful nurses are when they come together. Being involved in these events as a student pushes me to become a better nurse that can combine advocacy and leadership in practice. It motivates me to stay active in the nursing community and continue growing as a health care professional," said Dominici.
Dominici chose to study nursing because she was interested in the blend of science and compassion.
"Nursing requires lifelong learning as medical advancements are continuously being made, and each patient brings a different experience with various approaches. Medical science has always been interesting to me, so I chose to pursue it as a career to be able to make a difference in people's lives. Being able to use knowledge to improve people's health or help them feel more comfortable during vulnerable times is profoundly rewarding. I thrive in face-to-face interactions with people, and nurses are typically at the forefront of patient care as a source of support during times of hardship," said Dominici.
Dominici is grateful for the courses she is taking at SXU, which are preparing her to be a well-rounded and confident future nurse. She appreciates that the curriculum is structured to build her knowledge gradually, starting with foundational courses and working up to more complex material she can apply in the real world.
"Each course has me apply knowledge from previous courses, which has helped me to not only retain information but also understand how to apply it in clinical settings. My professors also consistently emphasize critical thinking and holistic care, which I'll carry into my career. The courses have taught me what to do with an emphasis on the rationales of why we do it, and that deeper understanding makes me feel prepared to face the challenges of nursing," said Dominici.
Dominici especially appreciate the opportunity to engage in high-impact learning practices through the on-campus simulation labs and off-campus clinical rotations.
"The sim labs at SXU provide a safe, controlled environment where I can practice critical skills, make decisions under pressure, and learn from my mistakes, which has boosted my confidence and helped me refine my technique within the clinical setting. I find that my clinical rotations have been the most impactful overall. Being able to interact with real patients has allowed me to apply everything I've learned in class, including clinical judgment and communication skills. Clinicals push me to think about what I have learned in class and adapt that knowledge to each patient's unique needs. I've felt the most growth throughout my time spent in clinicals, especially in my ability to stay grounded in high-stress situations and maintain confidence at the bedside. These practices are serving to help me smoothly transition into practice after graduation," said Dominici.
In the future, Dominici hopes to work in the intensive care unit, where she can make a meaningful impact by providing high-acuity, competent care for critically ill patients.
"Critical care is a specialty that demands strong clinical knowledge, quick thinking, and maintenance of composure under pressure. To me, ICU nurses exemplify leadership and resilience, which are qualities I aim to develop in my practice as a nurse. I strive to be able to manage complex conditions while supporting patients and their families during difficult and uncertain times. I look forward to continuously learning so I can provide the best possible care."