Why This Student is Choosing a Career Based Around Care

Ivory Ibarra grew up helping her mom take care of her four siblings, so caretaking was a skill she developed early on. That’s why a career in nursing made perfect sense and why she’s about to graduate with a degree in Practical Nursing from CNM. 

“I’ve always had a lot of compassion for other people, and I want to carry that over to the nursing field where I can help people who are in extra vulnerable positions,” she said. “I’ve known in my heart for a long time that I was chosen for this.” 

The program, while fulfilling, hasn’t always been easy. She said all the instructors are thorough and the work is challenging. 

“The instructors have all pushed me, but that’s because they want me to show my best work. I’ve been given feedback that was hard to hear, but I’ve also had incredible support and learned so much,” she said.  

To make sure she was ready to meet the challenges, Ibarra developed several study habits including reading ahead. If she read the material ahead of classwork, she was more prepared to understand the instructions and could ask helpful clarifying questions.  

There was one roadblock: she struggled through Pharmacology and failed the first time around. But she didn’t let that hold her back and returned more prepared, passing the class with high marks. She spent extra time studying at night and over the weekends and was proud to rise to the challenge.  

“I don’t have any regrets because that class helped make me who I am today,” she said.  

To help pay for school, Ibarra applied for multiple Follet Book and Advantage scholarships that together covered all her books and tuition. Next is a registered nursing degree, and she eventually wants to become a nurse practitioner. That will take several more years, but she’s not afraid. 

“To be honest, I love school,” she said. 

When she lands a job, Ibarra expects to work with kids. She’d love to work at UNM Hospital. Kids are her focus because of her experience with her siblings and because she knows they’re often the most scared. She can use her skills and her care to make a difference. 

"I’ve found that I love being around kids and they love being around me,” she said. “Really, I just want to be the best hero I can be.”