Rose Almonacid '10’s nursing career takes flight in the U.S. Air Force
Many students graduate college with a career plan that appears to be linear. That’s rarely the case. For Rose Almonacid, hers took an unexpected direction; up, to the skies.
By student writer Faith Lam '27
Rose Almonacid '10 grew up on Cape Cod, and when looking for colleges, Salve Regina University seemed to align with all her goals and values. Having grown up Catholic, she valued the community and sense of familiarity that would have on her educational experience at Salve. At the same time, she was looking for a nursing program that challenged her and was fulfilling her goals.
“Salve’s nursing program is rigorous, but without it, I wouldn't be half the nurse that I am now,” said Almonacid. “I didn't know what I was capable of. You really don't know until you push yourself, and Salve taught me how to push myself.”
Salve’s nursing program challenged Almonacid academically, but she had the support of her peers and faculty. The program became her community on campus, with friends that she still talks to today, and faculty members that helped nudge her in the right direction. Almonacid had found support systems in the faculty and advisors. In particular, Dr. Eileen Gray, former faculty and chair of the nursing department, was a resource for her and a safe space to seek encouragement. “Without her mentorship at that time, I wouldn't have had the confidence to go on to do what I did with my career,” said Almonacid.
During her education, she found fulfillment in learning hands-on how she could help people in her future career. The clinical experience continues to be a key part of Salve’s nursing curriculum.
As a student, Almonacid was unsure about her career plans until she found inspiration from one of her professors. She credits Dr. Debra Cherubini, associate professor and RN-BSN program director, with sharing information regarding the Air Force as a pathway for students to consider, and Almonacid was immediately drawn to this idea.
After graduating from Salve in 2010, she worked as a nurse for two years in a job where she was comfortable, but she was looking for something more. That led her to take the jump and join the Air Force in 2012. She was stationed in Mississippi for four years as an officer. The Air Force felt like it was where she was meant to be, and she grew up and learned so much in those years. “I loved it. It's probably one of the best decisions I have made in my nursing career,” Almonacid said while looking back at the beginning of her Air Force career.
In 2016 she was homesick for New England, so Almonacid returned to the East Coast to get her master’s degree in nursing administration at Northeastern University. Building upon her education helped her become more confident in her skills and expand her passion for helping others.
In 2018, she rejoined the Air Force as a flight nurse, a role that ultimately combined all her passions. She earned her pilot’s license and has since flown between Japan, Guam, Hawaii and more, transporting patients and getting the experience she craved in university. “It's the most rewarding job I can have. I train for a job that I hope I never have to do, but I know for a fact that if I do, that I'm ready.”
In addition to her Air Force career, she holds a civilian position at Beth Israel Deaconess Hospital in Plymouth, Massachusetts, as a risk management specialist. Here, she can focus on the behind-the-scenes aspects of nursing, while still helping patients.
Rose uses faith to guide her in her work and everyday life. Salve’s mercy mission is interwoven in everything she does today. She uses these lessons of creating a just, harmonious and merciful world as guiding tools in her field of work. Having mercy for others is integral to her responsibilities.
“It’s about taking care of each other. It's about caring for your fellow neighbor regardless of where they come from, what their background is, or what they believe in. None of those matter,” said Almonacid. “It's about the person and being there for them in the scariest and most vulnerable times.”
Salve’s nursing program provided Almonacid with a strong belief in mercy and helping others, and she carries that forward, whether it’s flying planes in the Air Force or working in a hospital in Massachusetts.
