Sandya Janardhan, MSN
Sandya Janardhan is a board-certified psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioner from the University of Pennsylvania with an interest in caring for underserved communities. She is a top graduate and received a full scholarship award as a Lauder fellow, an accolade granted to only ten nursing students. She acquired roughly 578 clinical hours in various psychiatric settings and additionally holds extensive RN experience in critical care.
I’m grateful for the meaningful connections I forged with my cohort members. The positive support network created by my peers was truly awesome, especially given the context of living in a new city. I continue to maintain connections with many of these peers today!
What's your favorite place to eat on campus or in the city?
Monk’s Cafe (near Rittenhouse Square)
What was your favorite Penn perk (e.g. access to museum, ICA, athletics, Arboretum, etc)?
Free coffee at the graduate student center
What was your favorite place on campus?
Fisher Fine Arts Library
What was your favorite Penn activity / hobby outside of class (e.g. on-campus groups, clubs, athletics, volunteering, etc)?
Harm reduction volunteering in Philadelphia
The most memorable moment I had at Penn Nursing was...?
On my final day of class, I spent the day with my peers, reflecting on the beautiful moments we shared—navigating the challenges of learning under pressure, experiencing exam stress, and grappling with the uncertainties of entering the workforce as new psychiatric nurse practitioners. Simultaneously, it marked a moment of clarity, highlighting the substantial growth we’ve undergone, both personally and professionally. The memories of these shared experiences with my peers are ones I will cherish and carry with me always.
Is there anything that you wish you knew before coming to Penn?
Hailing from the Detroit suburbs, the transition to city living in Philadelphia proved to be an eye-opening experience for me. Little did I anticipate the practical challenge of my beloved, oversized couch not fitting into the apartment’s elevator—a discovery that elicited a good-natured “oops!” On a more earnest note, my time at Penn was an exceptional adventure, one that I have never regretted undertaking.
What is something that you really liked about your program of study?
I enjoyed engaging closely with our esteemed professors and the supportive faculty. Under the guidance of Joseph Schatz, the PMHNP program director, I learned the essence of mental health care from his kindness, enthusiasm, and wisdom. Additionally, I am grateful for the exceptional support and guidance provided by my advisor, Anita Iyengar, who has proven to be a wonderful person, mentor, and friend. I can undoubtedly say that Joe and Anita are invaluable components of the PMHNP program at Penn. In essence, I greatly admire the program’s teaching approach, which fosters friendly, supportive, and open conversations with everyone involved. This approach resonated with me as the most effective means of learning, and I truly appreciated the inclusive and collaborative environment it created.
What's your favorite thing about your cohort and/or the community at Penn?
I’m grateful for the meaningful connections I forged with my cohort members. The positive support network created by my peers was truly awesome, especially given the context of living in a new city. I continue to maintain connections with many of these peers today!
What or who inspired you the most while pursuing your degree, and why?
Dr. Emily Kravinsky, an exceptional and highly skilled psychiatrist, provided steadfast support and encouragement throughout my educational journey. Under her guidance, I gained the confidence to pursue my aspirations, even in the face of daunting challenges. Dr. Kravinsky possesses a contagious sense of humor and an exceptional ability to deeply engage with patients, inspiring me to seek more meaningful connections with others. Her profound insights into mental health and treatment have been invaluable, offering me firsthand exposure to the complexities of challenging cases that providers encounter. Beyond our clinical interactions, Dr. Kravinsky’s mentorship extended into a sincere interest in my personal and professional development. Through her guidance, I have not only learned valuable lessons but also experienced the realities of the difficulties providers confront. Undoubtedly, she has kindled a passion within me to emulate her qualities as both a provider and a person.
