#MeetUsMonday - Meet BSN Student (and Soon-To-Be-Grad) Nakayla

Meet Nakayla.

Skilled memorizer, Stafford, VA, native, LGBTQIA+ advocate, and a weightlifter who adores AFC, Higher Grounds, and music from Kehlani and Kendrick Lamar. Nursing Student Council president and a Distinguished Majors Program participant who conducted original research on LGBTQ+ parents’ perceived expression of bias in pediatric healthcare settings and how it impacts their children’s care. After graduating in May 2025, a pediatric ICU nurse at Children’s National in Washington, D.C.

HER PATH TO NURSING

“Nursing has always been at the back of my mind—really, more like healthcare in general. My dad has been dealing with multiple sclerosis for more than 20 years, and, when I was living at home, I’d go with him to his monthly infusion appointments, got to know his infusion nurses, and always admired how they treated him. They’d always remember little details, ask questions about me and my sister, and treated him both medically and emotionally.

“In high school, I decided to take health- and medical-oriented courses where I could. But I come from a family that’s never been to college, so it was all new to me when it came time to consider where to go. A month before the pandemic hit, I toured UVA and I really pictured myself there, liked the atmosphere, and the vibe of the students.”

"I wouldn’t be the nurse I am today if it hadn’t been for all the people here. I also don’t think I would’ve discovered my passion for pediatrics in the same way somewhere else, and the opportunities for research here have really supported all my passions for nursing."

Class of 2025 BSN graduate Nakayla Figgins

BEING A FIRST-GEN STUDENT

“It was definitely overwhelming. I was among the top students in my high school academically, but, at UVA, at first, at least, being around other top students felt intimidating. Through my first year, I worked through my imposter syndrome. TC (senior assistant dean of students Theresa Carroll) really helped develop my confidence. She’s really the 'mom' of the School of Nursing, was very aware of what it’s like to be a first-gen student here, and was very compassionate to me.

“I’m an eager nursing student and try to overachieve in any way I can, so I signed up to be a patient care tech at a hospital in Fredericksburg, near where I grew up, the summer before I started clinical rotations. That helped me learn a lot of basic nursing skills and reaffirmed my passion.

“It was during COVID, which made it intense; I even got COVID, and, at one point, had 14 patients at one time. It showed me what I really didn’t want from a workplace, which is also helpful, and what I respect in nursing management and what I don’t. Also, the sense of teamwork I wanted, too.”

HER BEST CLINICALS

“Coming into nursing school, I thought I’d be a die-hard labor and delivery nurse and was always most looking forward to that experience. I got to see a twin Cesarean section, which was really cool, with two babies born a minute apart, and watched another birth where the baby had an unexpected shoulder dystocia. But while I liked the patient population, it wasn’t everything I thought it would be.

“Then I had pediatrics. Initially, I was terrified. My first-ever pediatric patient had been having 20-30 seizures a day, but I stayed in his room all day and loved it the moment I stepped in. Interacting with him, and his family—they weren’t from the U.S.—we formed a strong connection. After that, I realized it was the only clinical where I was excited every single day, and felt fulfilled at the end of the day, regardless of the patient and family I took care of. I got a lot of joy from it, even if my work was just holding a baby, or playing with a toddler.”

AFTER GRADUATION

“I’m doing my practicum in the pediatric ICU at UVA, which was my top choice, and applied to jobs in the PICU, so it’s really nice that I’ll get that clinical experience before I start. I have yet to witness a patient death, but in an ICU setting that’s something that will happen, which scares me a bit, so I’m trying to prepare as best I can.”

UVA SCHOOL OF NURSING IN A WORD?

“QUINTESSENTIAL. Obviously, UVA has a big reputation, but I really think it is the best of the best. I wouldn’t be the nurse I am today if it hadn’t been for all the people here. I also don’t think I would’ve discovered my passion for pediatrics in the same way somewhere else, and the opportunities for research here have really supported all my passions for nursing.

“Being involved with the Nursing Student Council has been really meaningful, and a great part of my journey. I like to give back, and it’s been a great way to advocate for students. I appreciate the fact, too, that I get to connect with faculty to address student issues, questions they have, big things they want.

“And, well, I love the welcome back and farewell picnic. It’s simple, and the food’s free, and it’s just so nice to see everybody. They’re fun. And Wayside is always delicious!”

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