California nursing grad has sights on pediatrics
Hailey Duong-Tran, who is earning a Bachelor of Science in Nursing this May, is following in her family's footsteps and plans to specialize in pediatrics. Courtesy photo
Editor’s note: This story is part of a series of profiles of notable spring 2026 graduates.
By Amanda Loudin
It probably came as no surprise to anyone that El Dorado Hills, California, native Hailey Duong-Tran chose nursing for her major.
With two parents in the medical field — her dad a pediatric intensivist and her mom a pediatric intensive care unit nurse — the 2026 spring graduate followed in their footsteps, receiving a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the Edson College of Nursing and Health Innovation this spring.
And like her parents, Duong-Tran hopes to parlay her degree into working with children post-graduation.
“Seeing my parents regularly caring for kids inspired me,” she says. “Growing up, they both encouraged me to take care of others. I think of them as heroes, so I wanted to specialize in pediatrics, too.”
ASU’s nursing program has a strong relationship with Phoenix Children’s, which allowed Duong-Tran to have hands-on experience in her chosen specialty. She says it’s part of what drew her to the university in the first place.
Forging tight relationships with her nursing cohort — plus the wise guidance of her professors — sealed the deal.
“Everyone is pulling for each other and helping each other achieve success,” she says. “I’ve learned that no one expects you to know everything right away, and that what matters is learning from your mistakes.”
Duong-Tran is the recipient of two scholarships, including the New American University Scholarship and the Sun Devil State Award. She was also a member of the consistently top-ranked Barrett, the Honors College, where her honors thesis focused on inclusive playgrounds.
Following graduation, Duong-Tran plans to stay in the Phoenix area, not only because she has lots of family here, but because of the strong relationships she built while studying at ASU.
“I’ve built a community here,” she says, “and it feels like a second home.”
Here, she shares more about her college journey.
Question: If someone gave you $40 million to solve a problem, what would you do with it?
Answer: I’d solve pediatric mental health issues, which are still stigmatized. I’d like to give kids more resources to help them explore their feelings when they’re younger.
Q: Which professor taught you the most important lesson while at ASU?
A: Professor Jen Overturf taught me that making mistakes does not equal failure. I failed my first test in nursing school, and I was afraid I wasn’t good enough to become a nurse. She taught me that mistakes are part of learning and do not define who I am or what I can achieve.
Q: What advice do you have for those still in school?
A: Confidence is built over time; it’s not something you have automatically. Challenges can be opportunities to grow.
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