Danyelle Besancon
For Danyelle Besancon, pursuing a career in nursing was a winding road, but each step brought her closer to the kind of compassionate patient care she knew she was meant to provide.
Danyelle, an Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) track student at the Davie campus, is scheduled to graduate in December 2025. The four-semester program is specifically designed for students with a baccalaureate degree in another field seeking to become a Registered Nurse.
“I initially began my academic journey as a nursing major but was uncertain if it was the right path for me at the time,” Danyelle shared, adding that she transitioned to health sciences for its broader scope, intending to explore different career options.
She received a Bachelor of Health Sciences degree from the University of Central Florida and attended EMT school after graduation, planning to pursue the paramedic route.
“That experience solidified my passion for patient care,” Danyelle said. Still, she found herself wanting to build deeper, ongoing relationships with patients – something that EMTs typically do not experience.
“This realization brought me back to nursing, where I knew I could truly make a lasting impact.”
Danyelle’s experience as an EMT showed her the importance of compassionate, continuous care. She was also inspired by her cousin, a nurse and a role model.
“Her passion for the profession and the tangible difference she makes in people’s lives reaffirmed my decision to pursue nursing,” Danyelle stated. “I aspire to make a similar impact through my own practice.”
Danyelle said the support she’s received in the Accelerated BSN track has been outstanding, and she credits much of that to the faculty. She noted that having Instructor Danielle Steele Mendez for three consecutive semesters has been especially helpful. “Her passion for nursing education is evident in her teaching style, and she continuously challenges me to expand my knowledge and grow as a future nurse,” she added.
Danyelle received the Deluca Scholarship in 2024 and the Lamplighter Scholarship in 2025.
Earning a BSN will allow her to fulfill her goal of becoming a registered nurse, but the degree is more than a credential, Danyelle said – it opens the door to lifelong learning, career advancement, and the opportunity to serve others.
“The field of nursing is rich with possibilities, and I’m excited to see where this journey leads,” she stated.
After graduation, Danyelle hopes to be accepted into a nurse residency program with a focus on pediatrics. While she initially explored various specialties, her first clinical rotation with children made a lasting impression.
“I quickly realized that pediatric nursing is where I feel most connected and purposeful,” she said.
Danyelle encourages prospective Accelerated BSN students to trust their instincts and embrace change, even if the path to nursing doesn’t feel certain at first. While she had her own doubts early on, she said the decision to become a nurse has been one of the most rewarding of her life.