A New Career at 52: How This Student is Chasing Her Dream of Becoming a Labor and Delivery Nurse
With six kids of her own, Davina Jaramillo is no stranger to the stress and joy that comes with being in the delivery room. And now that her kids are all grown up, she wants to use her personal experience to help others as they begin their motherhood journey.
That’s why she recently enrolled in CNM’s Nursing program and will soon graduate with an associate degree and be eligible to take the NCLEX-RN exam. From there, she can enter the workforce as a Registered Nurse and pursue further specialized education in her quest to help new moms.
“I know better than anyone what it’s like to be on the other side of labor and delivery,” she says. “Now that I’m in a position to give back, I’d like to help other women during such an exciting time in their lives.”
Before CNM, Davina held several different jobs. She sold books and dealt blackjack, all in an effort to help support her family. But a college degree was always in the back of her mind.
She admits that as a non-traditional student, she was intimidated by going back to school. Before long, however, she hit her stride.
“I told myself for a long time that I was too old or that it was too late for me to go back to school,” she says. “Once I got to CNM, I realized I was surrounded by resources and support. I truly look forward to going to school every day.”
Along with her newfound community, Davina also received financial support from CNM and the UnitedHealthcare Community Plan of New Mexico.
UnitedHealthcare Community Plan of New Mexico, along with CNM's Department of Workforce & Community Success and the CNM Foundation, have partnered to grant $3,500 scholarships to students like Davina who are entering healthcare fields. The goal of the scholarship program is to help remove barriers while also boosting New Mexico’s healthcare workforce.
For Davina, receiving this scholarship did more than relieve financial stress—it was a reminder of why she decided to pursue her education.
“When I received the scholarship last semester, I was at a point where I felt like giving up,” she says. “Then I got the email saying I received the United Healthcare Scholarship, and it was so motivating to know my hard work was recognized. It was the boost I needed to keep going.”
Nancy Parson, a trained maternal nurse and Vice President of Clinical Operations for UnitedHealthcare Community of New Mexico, and Clint Wells, Executive Director of the CNM Foundation, are both thrilled to see the real-life impact of the scholarship program on students.
“We have partnered with schools across New Mexico to help build the healthcare workforce so we can better serve and care for all New Mexicans now and in the future,” says Nancy. “I’m so excited that Davina decided to pursue a career in nursing and that we were able to support her in that journey.”
“Davina’s story is the perfect reminder of what the CNM Foundation is here for,” says Clint. “Our mission is to support students and remove barriers, and that also means eliminating barriers of self-doubt or uncertainty. I’m incredibly proud of this partnership and the impact it’s had on Davina.”
Looking ahead, Davina is excited to complete her education and eventually land her dream job as a labor and delivery nurse. She is also grateful that she pushed herself out of her comfort zone and would encourage others to do the same.
“In just three semesters I have learned how much I’m capable of and have accomplished more than I ever imagined,” Davina says. “And I know now it’s truly never too late to go after what you want.”