Alumni Profile: Nursing Scholar Brana Dubajic ’24N Finds Strength in a Fresh Start

Sixteen years ago, Branislava “Brana” Dubajic ’24N started a new chapter in her life when she and her husband moved to New York. When she graduated from the School of Nursing’s accelerated bachelor’s program in Summer 2024, it was a reminder that moving abroad was worth it.

Born and raised in Serbia, she went to law school at the University of Belgrade and spent several years building a successful career as an assistant district attorney. The early years of her career were also a turbulent time in her home country's history, and she dreamed of seeking new opportunities in the U.S. When she was finally able to fulfill that lifelong dream, it also meant starting over.

By taking that daring leap, she found her new calling in healthcare through a job as a phlebotomist with UR Medicine Labs, and later earned a spot as an inaugural UR Nursing Scholar.

The Scholars program offered Dubajic a full-tuition scholarship for the School of Nursing’s accelerated bachelor’s in nursing program in exchange for a three-year work commitment at a participating UR Medicine-affiliated hospital.

Transitioning to a career in healthcare was challenging, but law and medicine also have more in common than one might think at first, according to Dubajic.

“My life choices have always been driven by a desire to be a useful member of the community and help individuals in distress,” she said. “Law and medicine are similar that way. Both disciplines require compassion and empathy.”

Overcoming obstacles to inspire others

More than a decade of experience as a phlebotomist – and eventually, a phlebotomy supervisor – helped Dubajic see herself becoming a nurse.

“My experience working in phlebotomy first made me realize my ability to understand and channel a patient’s feelings and help them to focus on their own well-being. In retrospect, I feel that was the first step toward my decision to seek a formal education in nursing.”

Having healthcare experience helped, but beneath the surface, she also felt nervous: “As a woman from a foreign, non-English speaking country, the challenge was daunting,” she admitted. “I questioned my ability to master the prerequisites.”

Being chosen as one of the first Nursing Scholars helped her push past those fears. And throughout the program, she also realized that her unique background would be one of her greatest strengths as a nurse.

“Coming from a different background, I sometimes find myself feeling unaccepted, which can be painful, but this program has empowered me to devote myself to fighting against prejudice,” she said. “The program pays special attention to minority issues and diversity, and encourages us to consider the effects that prejudices can have, both on individuals and on the community as a whole.”

Advice for future accelerated students

As she prepares to continue her career in the UR Medicine network, Dubajic is grateful for the support she received from faculty, staff, and friends.

While completing a 12-month program is demanding, it has also been incredibly enriching, she said.

“Reflecting on the past year from a place of accomplishment, I would encourage any prospective student to brace for a year of rigorous dedication,” she said. “The personal and professional rewards are immense and well worth the effort. This experience has not only shaped my professional abilities, but it has also profoundly enriched my character.”

Helping others at Highland Hospital

Dubajic is now preparing to take the next step in her healthcare career as a nurse at Highland Hospital. Located on the edge of Rochester’s South Wedge, Highland has been recognized twice by the American Nurses Credentialing Center as a Magnet Designated Hospital, demonstrating the strength of its nursing department and outcomes.

As a longtime UR Medicine employee, she looks forward to remaining part of a community that has encouraged her to seek educational and professional development opportunities.

“In Serbia, we say, ‘A good reputation travels far,’ and I would add that it’s privilege to get an opportunity to contribute UR Medicine’s good reputation,” Dubajic said. “UR Medicine encourages professional growth and provides the platform to attain it.”

She will soon join the Southeast 5 unit, a general surgical unit that specializes in caring for patients after bariatric, colorectal, urological, gynecological, and plastic surgeries.

“This opportunity will allow me to work with a diverse patients population with a wide spectrum of different care needs, ultimately enhancing and broadening my nursing experience,” Dubajic said. “I am looking forward to starting to work and being a part of a great team at Southeast 5.”

Learn more about the UR Nursing Scholars program and accelerated program pathways. Get the latest School of Nursing news in your inbox.