Aleksandra Fitzgibbons

Graduate student Aleksandra Fitzgibbons is currently enrolled in the Christine E. Lynn College of Nursing’s Master of Science in Nursing program with a concentration in Nursing Administration and Financial Leadership.

A passionate advocate for public health, Aleksandra has worked in health care management for over 10 years. Currently, she serves as the Immunizations Program and Refugee Health Director/Community Nursing Consultant for the Florida Department of Health in Sarasota County.

“I was raised to be a nurse because my grandmother was a psychiatric nurse, and she was my inspiration and role model as both a professional and as a woman,” explained Aleksandra.

She manages the adult, travel and children’s vaccines and immunizations at all agency sites within the Florida Department of Health in Sarasota County, and she is the first-line supervisor for immunization and employee health staff at the Ringling and North Port Sites in the Epidemiology and Communicable Disease Control (ECDC) Division.

“The most rewarding part of my job is that I get to make a difference in the lives of my staff and care for my patients and their families,” shared Aleksandra. “I can’t express enough how much I love nursing and public health.”

During her time at Florida Atlantic, Aleksandra shared that her academic experience has been “amazing.”

“The College’s professors, leadership and administrative staff make the learning journey an inspiring experience,” she expressed. “In addition, FAU’s staff is truly culturally competent in dealing with students from diverse cultural and ethnic backgrounds.”

She especially noted that Drs. Angela Prestia and Terry Eggenberger are her role models. She described Dr. Prestia as an inspiring leader, a passionate and talented professor, and a kind human being, who is outstanding at communicating with students; and Dr. Eggenberger as an educator who teaches with her whole heart because she genuinely cares about students.

Aleksandra anticipates completing her master’s degree in spring 2024. After graduation, she plans to seek a nurse executive position.

“We need nurses grounded in a caring philosophy in leadership positions,” she stated. “Patients and the nursing workforce need transformational leadership. I also want to pursue my doctoral degree in nursing —hopefully with FAU!”