Student Spotlight Detail

Francis Dimacali Nursing 2011

“Simple things, like a smile or a hello, can help make a person’s day be a little brighter” 

 Francis Dimacali is a third year nursing student at Mount St. Mary’s College. Nursing is one of the top majors at MSMC. Two hundred students pursue in pre-nursing and less than half are accepted into this prestigious program annually. Students in this program are required to take rigorous nursing courses and apply the skills they have learned in a clinical setting, along with preparing for the National Council Licensure examination.

 At a young age Francis knew he wanted to pursue nursing. His dedication and commitment is evident not only in college but also in high school. He previously received a certificate as a nursing assistant.

 “Being a certified nursing assistant before coming to the Mount really helped me build the foundation I have now to take care of others.”

 His previous experience in nursing homes and in other clinical environments has prepared him for clinical work he does now. “At the mount I learned how to treat people, not just the disease, but the individual person. MSMC teaches you to help others on a more personal level.”

 As one of the few male nursing students, Francis has not only excelled in his academics he has also played leadership roles in and out of campus. He was the resident assistant for the male dormitory for two years, where he not only maintained order in the residence halls, but also managed several cultural, educational and life skills programs, shared on-call responsibilities and responded to emergency situations.   

 He is currently the events coordinator of the Pangkat Filipino club. As event coordinator he manages events on and off campus, that range from cultural awareness events to major fundraising events.   He is also an active member of Na Pau O Ka Aina (the Hawaiian club), California Nursing Student Association and was a participant of Volunteer in Partnership.  

 After completing his undergraduate education he plans to work as a registered nurse in the medical surgical unit or the pediatrics unit and also continue his education in a masters program at either UCLA or UCSF to become a nurse practitioner.

 “Nursing is hard, but it’s so worth it, it feels great to know that at the end of the day you know that you made a difference. Simple things, like a smile or a hello, can help a person’s day be a little brighter.”  Francis advices Mount St. Mary’s students to, “keep pushing yourself. If it really makes you happy and you know you really love it, do it. Don’t’ do something because of the money, do it because you enjoy doing it.”

Brought to you by Office of Student Affairs, Jeanne Ngo