Nurses Week: Q&A with Accelerated Bachelor's Alumnus Diyor Mukhammadov

Diyor Mukhammadov ’24N, RN, has been working in healthcare since high school. Roles as a medical assistant, home health aide, and foreign language interpreter helped him find a calling in patient care, and eventually led him from New York City to Rochester to pursue an accelerated bachelor’s in nursing.

Today, the UR Nursing Scholars program graduate continues to provide compassionate care as a registered nurse at Wilmot Cancer Institute. In honor of Nurses Week, Mukhammadov shared insights from his role in oncology nursing, and how he’s making an impact on patients and families:

How did you decide to pursue a career in nursing?

I’ve always known that I wanted to be in a profession where I could truly make a difference in people’s lives. My journey into healthcare started before I officially became a nurse. Working as a home health aide and later as a medical assistant, I had the privilege of caring for individuals from all walks of life. These experiences opened my eyes to the physical, emotional, and mental challenges people face, especially when their health is compromised. I realized how much trust people place in those who care for them, and how powerful that trust can be when it’s met with genuine empathy and skill.

Becoming a nurse felt like a natural next step. Nursing isn’t just about treating an illness or performing procedures. It’s about being present, being patient, and being a steady hand during times of uncertainty. For me, helping others in need is more than just a job — it’s about advocating for those who can’t always advocate for themselves, offering comfort when words fall short, and creating a safe space for healing.

Can you share a little bit about what your current RN role is like? 

Working in a cancer center is a deeply emotional, challenging, and incredibly meaningful experience. You’re surrounded by people who are facing one of the hardest battles of their lives, and you become part of their journey in a very personal way.

There’s a unique sense of purpose that comes with working in oncology. You’re not just treating a disease; you’re caring for the whole person. That means managing symptoms, offering comfort during chemotherapy or radiation, being there for hard conversations, and celebrating the small victories that mean so much to patients and their families. You learn to meet people where they are emotionally, and it builds a level of connection that’s hard to describe.

Knowing that your presence and care made someone’s day a little easier, or their journey a little less lonely, makes the emotional weight of the work absolutely worth it.

What is the most powerful part of being a nurse for you?

For me, the most powerful thing about being a nurse is the ability to truly be there for someone in their most vulnerable moments. Moments of connection define this profession for me. It’s powerful to know that my knowledge and skills can help heal, but it’s just as powerful to know that my compassion can bring comfort.

The opportunity to make someone feel seen, heard, and cared for makes this work so meaningful and powerful.

What is something you wish you knew when you started your nursing career or education?

Something I wish I knew when starting my nursing career is that it’s OK not to have all the answers right away. Growth comes with time, experience, and patience with myself and others.

It’s also normal to feel overwhelmed sometimes. What matters most is learning how to cope, lean on your team, and give yourself grace.

Most importantly, I wish I knew how much this job would change me in the best ways. The impact you make goes beyond medications and charting. It’s in the way you treat people, how you show up when it’s hard, and how you continue to care even when you’re tired.

Anything else you'd like to share with readers:

I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to the School of Nursing for the incredible work that goes into making the program such a rewarding and enjoyable experience. The organization, communication, and unwavering support provided created an environment where students could truly thrive.

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