---
title: Nursing Program - START STRONG; Your Nursing Journey Begins Here
description: Nursing Program - START STRONG; Your Nursing Journey Begins Here
image: https://blog.fitchburgstate.edu/hubfs/Image_007-Aug-18-2025-02-45-55-1890-PM.jpg
---

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# Nursing Program - START STRONG; Your Nursing Journey Begins Here

Posted by [Andy Cunningham](https://blog.fitchburgstate.edu/author/andy-cunningham) on August 18, 2025 at 10:30 AM

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This morning, the university welcomed members of our newest [Nursing](https://www.fitchburgstate.edu/academics/academic-schools/school-health-and-natural-sciences/nursing-department) Student cohort to campus for the START STRONG; Your [Nursing](https://www.fitchburgstate.edu/academics/academic-schools/school-health-and-natural-sciences/nursing-department) Journey Begins Here program. After checking in, settling in the dorm, and breakfast, Professor and Chair of the [Nursing Program](https://www.fitchburgstate.edu/academics/academic-schools/school-health-and-natural-sciences/nursing-department) [Deborah Benes](https://www.fitchburgstate.edu/about/directory/deborah-benes) discussed the program, expectations and student  support with parents and families. Meanwhile, [Nursing Program](https://www.fitchburgstate.edu/academics/academic-schools/school-health-and-natural-sciences/nursing-department) Professor [Karen Beaton](https://www.fitchburgstate.edu/academics/faculty-profiles/karen-beaton). along with current students and faculty, began an array of activities with the students.

The program is designed to;

- Reduce First-Year Anxiety: Help students feel more prepared and less overwhelmed. Emphasize the importance of self-care and resilience.
- Build Confidence: Empower students with foundational knowledge and skills.  
  Equip students with essential skills for academic success
- Foster Community: Help students connect with their peers and faculty
- Set Realistic Expectations: Provide an honest look at the demands of nursing school
- Improve Retention: Better preparation can lead to higher success rates in the program

![Image_010-Aug-18-2025-02-45-55-2376-PM](https://blog.fitchburgstate.edu/hs-fs/hubfs/Image_010-Aug-18-2025-02-45-55-2376-PM.jpg?width=1170&height=706&name=Image_010-Aug-18-2025-02-45-55-2376-PM.jpg)

![Image_007-Aug-18-2025-02-45-55-1890-PM](https://blog.fitchburgstate.edu/hs-fs/hubfs/Image_007-Aug-18-2025-02-45-55-1890-PM.jpg?width=732&height=512&name=Image_007-Aug-18-2025-02-45-55-1890-PM.jpg)

![Image_019-Aug-18-2025-02-45-55-2260-PM](https://blog.fitchburgstate.edu/hs-fs/hubfs/Image_019-Aug-18-2025-02-45-55-2260-PM.jpg?width=1013&height=730&name=Image_019-Aug-18-2025-02-45-55-2260-PM.jpg)

![Image_006-Aug-18-2025-02-45-55-2101-PM](https://blog.fitchburgstate.edu/hs-fs/hubfs/Image_006-Aug-18-2025-02-45-55-2101-PM.jpg?width=1231&height=810&name=Image_006-Aug-18-2025-02-45-55-2101-PM.jpg)

![Image_002-Aug-18-2025-02-45-55-2031-PM](https://blog.fitchburgstate.edu/hs-fs/hubfs/Image_002-Aug-18-2025-02-45-55-2031-PM.jpg?width=1033&height=739&name=Image_002-Aug-18-2025-02-45-55-2031-PM.jpg)

![Image_004-Aug-18-2025-02-45-55-1965-PM](https://blog.fitchburgstate.edu/hs-fs/hubfs/Image_004-Aug-18-2025-02-45-55-1965-PM.jpg?width=1046&height=704&name=Image_004-Aug-18-2025-02-45-55-1965-PM.jpg)

[![Learn About Our Nursing Programs](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/376696/a08ac0d6-5a9f-4d4a-95dd-7599dddcc4aa.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/376696/a08ac0d6-5a9f-4d4a-95dd-7599dddcc4aa)

 Topics: [Nursing Program](https://blog.fitchburgstate.edu/topic/nursing-program), [Health and Natural Sciences](https://blog.fitchburgstate.edu/topic/health-and-natural-sciences)

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