Alumni Spotlight: Jillian Salerno Integrating Psychology and Nursing in Holistic Patient Care
During her time at the University of San Diego, Jillian Salerno ’24 (BA) discovered a clear sense of purpose at the intersection of psychology and healthcare. Volunteering at the hospital gave her early exposure to the realities of patient care, experiences she describes as helping her realize “how much I valued being in a helping role.” Additionally, active involvement in the Pre-Nursing Club connected her with peers and mentors who encouraged her to blend her interests. “Several of my psychology professors inspired me to think critically about the relationship between mental and physical health,” she says. These insights now guide her approach as a student in a master’s Entry Nursing Program, where her understanding of the mind–body connection informs the heart of her work.
As Salerno’s academic journey evolved, so did her understanding of what it means to support others. What began as an interest in human thought and emotion expanded into a deep appreciation for psychology as “a framework for understanding human connection and behavior in real-world settings.” This perspective plays a defining role in her nursing practice, shaping how she communicates, builds trust and approaches each patient with empathy and curiosity. A pivotal moment in her first clinical rotation, supporting a patient who was struggling emotionally as much as physically, affirmed her commitment to whole-person care and reminded her why she chose a healthcare path grounded in compassion.
Since graduating, Salerno has navigated the demands of an accelerated nursing program with resilience and intentionality. She reflects that the transition “pushed me to grow in confidence and adaptability,” strengthening both her clinical skills and her sense of purpose. Her psychology background informs every aspect of her work, guiding the way she understands patient experiences and advocates for their needs. As she puts it, “Psychology taught me to look beyond symptoms and understand the person behind them, an approach that shapes every interaction I have as a nurse.”
She encourages current psychology students to explore widely, trust their experiences, and remain open to where the field can lead. “A psychology degree”, she says, “provides a strong and versatile foundation.” For Salerno, blending psychology with nursing has become the perfect way to combine science, empathy and meaningful patient care.