SENIOR SPOTLIGHT: Compassion in every step of the journey
MINOT, N.D. – For Ana Morelli, a senior at Minot State University, nursing was never just a career choice; it was a calling rooted in experience and purpose.
"I was inspired to become a nurse after developing a passion for the medical field and seeing firsthand excellent nursing care provided to loved ones,” said Morelli. “Many people are at their lowest when experiencing health complications, so as a nurse, I aim to provide positivity, safety, and light to those I care for.
“During my time in the program, this motivation has continued to keep me driven. As I’ve encountered more patients and gained more clinical experience, I remain focused on leaving a positive impact on patients, their families, and their health.”
Throughout her time at Minot State, Morelli brought that sense of purpose into every clinical and class. One moment that stood out came from a rotation in the prep and recovery unit, where a small gesture made a big difference for one young patient.
"A clinical experience that confirmed my passion for nursing comes from my time in the prep/recovery unit,” Morelli said. “A pediatric patient was heading back for surgery, but did not want to leave her doll behind. So, my preceptor and I helped her feel more comfortable by placing a scrub hat on her doll to match her and to be able to enter the OR with her. We also had ‘Moana’ playing on the TV in the OR for this patient. This experience was special to me, as it completely warmed my heart to see this little girl smile after being very worried about surgery, and knowing I helped leave a positive impact on her health journey was beyond gratifying.”
From those small, meaningful moments to long hours of studying and patient care, Morelli has grown tremendously since she first stepped into nursing school.
"I think the most rewarding part of my nursing education is reflecting on my growth,” Morelli said. “Thinking back to the first semester, I remember being so nervous for our first clinical at the nursing home. I felt anxious in communicating and providing care to patients. Fast forward to now, graduating from the program, I’m very proud of how far I’ve come! Although I still have a tremendous amount of learning ahead of me, I feel much more confident and prepared as I enter the professional world of nursing."
To manage it all, Morelli found balance through self-care and strong family support.
"To balance the demands of nursing school, I made sure to reserve time for things I enjoy outside of school, such as spending time with friends, going on walks, attending yoga classes, listening to music, and watching ‘Grey’s Anatomy,’” she said. “I especially owe a lot to my parents, Kelly and Matt, and my brothers, Mason and Mackley, for their constant support throughout my time in nursing school, and for helping me navigate times of stress through faith, positivity, and laughter."
Looking back, Morelli finds it hard to name just one person who made a difference — because so many did.
"It’s hard to pinpoint one specific person who has left a lasting impression on me, when there have been countless people who have done so during my time as a nursing student,” Morelli said. “Each one of my professors has played an instrumental role in my nursing education, and I feel extremely blessed to have learned from such wonderful nurses here at MSU. I also feel grateful I was able to learn from such amazing preceptors and help serve a variety of fantastic patients.”
Now, with graduation ahead, Morelli is looking forward to what comes next.
"Currently, I’m in the process of determining where to work,” she said. “I am open to several different areas of nursing, and I look forward to seeing where I end up! I completed my practicum hours in the NICU and the same day surgery unit, both of which I greatly enjoyed."
Her advice to future nursing students is simple, steady, and full of encouragement.
"I would tell incoming nursing students to take it week by week and keep things organized using a planner! I would also say to ask questions, utilize the nursing professors/resources within the department, and lean on your peers since they’re going through the same thing,” Morelli said. “Don’t forget to breathe and enjoy the process — it truly flies by. You can do this!”
With heart, determination, and compassion, Morelli is ready to make her mark on the world of healthcare.
About Minot State University
Minot State University is a public university dedicated to excellence in education, scholarship, and community engagement achieved through
rigorous academic experiences, active learning environments, commitment to public service, and a vibrant campus life.
Published: 05/16/25
