From Law Enforcement to Nursing: A Journey of Service and Compassion

After serving on the Albuquerque Police Department for 21 years, Chris Kernlin was looking for a new way to help others. He spent some time working security, but then he found CNM’s new Practical Nursing program and it all came together.

“Security was familiar, and because of my experience, the pay was pretty good,” he says. “But I knew it wasn’t what I wanted to do forever. I was still figuring what I wanted to be when I grew up, and now I know I want to be a nurse.”

Before diving into the nursing program, Chris tried out some computer science classes but quickly realized he wanted to work in a field where he could build relationships.

Through the Practical Nursing certificate program, Chris is learning skills for direct patient care and the fundamentals of healthcare, nursing practice, and holistic patient care. Once he completes the program, he will be eligible to take the NCLEX-PN licensure exam to become a Licensed Practical Nurse.

For Chris, the Nursing program combined what he loved about law enforcement with his desire to serve others.

“I think in some ways, nursing reminded me of what I liked about being an officer—the opportunity to help people, sometimes at their worst. It’s just a different way of helping,” he says.

Chris is set to graduate this August, and from there, he has his sights set on a skilled nursing position.

“I want to be somewhere where I can see people get better,” he says. “And I like that in skilled nursing, you get to build relationships with your patients. I can use some of the tools I learned in crisis intervention to help people.”

After 56 trips around the sun and a handful of careers, Chris has finally figured out what he wants to do when he grows up. And no matter where he ends up, he is determined to treat others with kindness.

“When I had to arrest someone as an officer, I would always try to be a human first—be polite, respectful, or even put on music they liked in my squad car,” he says. “Whether it’s law enforcement or health care, showing kindness in people’s worst moments—that’s what they’ll remember you for.”