Nurses Week: Q&A with DNP and Psychiatric NP Alumna Faith Carini-Graves

Faith Carini-Graves ’22N (MS), ’25N (DNP) began her journey into nursing when she took on her first job in healthcare as a home health aide. The former photographer was seeking a career change, and instantly felt a deep connection to the caregiving role.

Today, Carini-Graves is a psychiatric nurse practitioner at Hillside Children's Center and is about to graduate with a Doctor of Nursing Practice. She also recently finished a term as a liaison in the American Association of Colleges of Nursing’s (AACN) Graduate Nursing Student Academy, through which she helped foster new professional development opportunities for fellow students.

As the University of Rochester School of Nursing celebrates Nurses Week 2025, Carini-Graves shares insights on her career so far, and the power of nursing.

How did you discover an interest in nursing?

During high school and initially in college, I was aiming to be a photographer. I quickly realized that I didn't want to connect with people primarily as a salesperson. I started out in healthcare as a home health aide and found the role of a healer to be much more my style. I enjoyed being creative to meet each unique patient's needs.

Can you describe your current role in nursing and what makes it rewarding?

I absolutely love being a nurse on a healthcare team. We nurture unique relationships with patients and other professionals on our team strategically to meet the needs of the patients. Currently, I work on two interdisciplinary teams that provide psychiatric care to youth in the community. I use my relational skills, which are critical to the nursing approach, to show them that they can trust me and that we can work together. I also use clear communication and collaboration with my team so that we are providing coordinated and holistic care.

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

The most amazing thing is about being a nurse, for me, is being in those human moments - even the difficult ones. We have such amazing access to key human experience moments that are amazing. The power of nurses is knowing what to do in those intense human moments.

Learn more about NP programs and the Doctor of Nursing Practice program at UR Nursing. Subscribe to our newsletter for monthly updates.