Chamberlain Student Philo Cesar: Bringing Love and Light to Her Patients Each Day

In 2022, a top priority for 26-year-old Philo Cesar was making a daily intention to have an open mind and stay in a state of growth. Philo, at the time, was an RN to BSN program student at Chamberlain’s Miramar, Florida, campus, and she felt that maintaining such openness was the key to being an excellent nurse. After all, in a nursing career, no two days are the same—so for Philo, resilience was paramount. “You don't know what will be presented to you each day, what that day is going to look like, or who's going to come in front of you. You have to be willing to say, ‘OK, this is the situation, and how can we solve this situation?’”

Nursing and the Role of Compassion

That problem-solving prowess and fierce determination served Philo well as she worked toward her BSN degree during the pandemic. “[COVID-19] made me want to be a nurse even more,” Philo said, “because in a time that is so dark, we can be the light for people that are suffering, people that are dying. We have to be there to show compassion.” 

That compassion, Philo believes, is the scaffolding of health equity. “Health equity is being fair to everyone, regardless of their status, and I always try to treat people the way that I want to be treated,” she said.

A Career in Nursing

Born in Haiti, Philo felt it was natural—and encouraged—for her to work in the medical field and pursue an RN to BSN degree. “Our parents push us toward [healthcare]. People look to you as a role model, as an example for those that might feel like they’re not capable of becoming a nurse or are hesitant about the language barrier.”

As an active volunteer in Miramar’s Haitian community, Philo always encourages other Haitians to reach for their dreams. “I tell people to challenge themselves. Don't let the world’s stigma, or what people may have said out of their own pain, cause you to stay where you’re at. Because if you have a dream, go for it.” 

The journey to becoming a nurse is challenging and the academics are rigorous. Philo encourages others seeking a career in nursing to focus on an unwavering commitment to patient care as their motivation. “I would say, number one, check your heart. Why do you want to go into nursing? Because what kept me in it for the long run was the reason why I got into nursing: to be light in someone’s darkness.”

Becoming a Nurse Who Fights for Change

“Nursing has to be something that you can see yourself doing every day that you wake up,“ Philo said. “For me, it brings me joy when I see someone smile, because I want to keep them smiling.”

She was particularly motivated by a quote from President Barack Obama: “We are the change that we seek.”

“To me,” she said, “that means a solution can only come when you see the problem. If you can see the problem, that is the beginning of change.” 

During her RN to BSN program, Philo worked to remain a force for positive change in the lives of her patients and co-workers. She saw problems not as obstacles but as possibilities for progress. One hurdle that she turned into progress was a particularly challenging class that made her question whether she could be successful in her nursing career. “I pushed myself hard, and I made it.” In fact, she was even invited to join Sigma Theta Tau, the international honor society for nursing.

An avid songwriter and committed optimist, Philo wrote: “Make the difference in your actions and in your words. A raindrop makes an ocean, and you are never too small to make the difference.”

Earn Your RN to BSN at Chamberlain

Philo earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing through Chamberlain University’s RN to BSN program, which can be completed in as little as one year. The CCNE-accredited BSN program features coursework delivered 100% online and includes a direct care component. This means you can continue working as an RN while completing your BSN degree.

Chamberlain is dedicated to preparing compassionate nurses who deliver equitable care in any healthcare setting. Chamberlain’s RN to BSN program offers:

• Flexibility for working RNs: The RN to BSN program can be completed in one year on a full-time basis, but there are also part-time options. Coursework is delivered online, plus there is a direct care component—and there are no exams.
• Dedicated student support: Chamberlain students are guided throughout their nursing program by caring faculty and a full support team that includes IT help, tutoring, and career services.
• Scholarship and grant opportunities: As a Chamberlain RN to BSN student, you can pursue a wide range of scholarships and grants, including the RN Career Advancement Grant, which provides up to 25% in tuition savings for those who apply and qualify.
• A legacy of nursing excellence: With more than 130 years of experience preparing compassionate healthcare providers, Chamberlain has the largest nursing program in the U.S.

Other Chamberlain online nursing programs include the RN-BSN to MSN Option, which can be completed in as few as eight semesters, and the Accelerated RN-MSN Option, which can be completed in as few as three semesters.

If you are an RN ready to take the next step in your nursing career, Chamberlain’s online nursing programs for RNs may be the right fit for you. Reach out today to learn more.

Chamberlain University, an HLC-accredited institution, offers bachelor’s, master’s, doctoral, and certificate programs in nursing and healthcare professions. With a growing network of campuses and robust online programs, Chamberlain continues to build on more than 130 years of excellence in preparing extraordinary healthcare professionals.

By Chamberlain University