This is a multi-part series celebrating Arizona College of Nursing students, their stories, and their embodiment of the AZCN values.
In 2023, Arizona College of Nursing established the AZCN Values Scholarship Fund as a way to celebrate our values with our colleagues, our students, and the communities in which we serve. Each time an AZCN colleague recognizes another colleague for demonstrating our values, $5 is added to the scholarship fund. These add up to $5,000 scholarships awarded to students the following year who have demonstrated our values within their communities.
Join us in celebrating 2024 AZCN Values Scholarship recipient Hannah Hale as she shares some of her journey to nursing.
Building Mental Health Awareness at the Las Vegas Campus
Meet AZCN Values Scholarship Recipient, Hannah Hale, a Nursing Student at the AZCN Las Vegas Campus. Hannah looks to make a lasting impact on mental health care accessibility and awareness through her nursing education.
Hannah’s Essay: Addressing Mental Health Challenges in Underserved Communities
Growing up in a small farming community, access to quality healthcare was quite a challenge. My aunt, who works as a nurse, not only provided for her family but also served as a role model, showcasing the fulfillment one can derive from a profession they are passionate about. My journey into nursing wasn’t a direct one; rather, it involved a process of self-discovery and a commitment to making a meaningful impact.
Academically, I was an average student, with C’s being the norm in high school and my first year at community college. It took some time for me to realize that my true passion lay elsewhere. Reflecting on my aunt’s fulfilling nursing career and the evident healthcare gaps in my hometown, I made the decision to pursue nursing. It wasn’t merely a career change; it was a conscious choice to align my professional path with a genuine desire to address the healthcare needs of my community. A pivotal aspect of my motivation is my profound interest in mental health care, a facet often overlooked in smaller communities like mine. Growing up, many of my friends grappled with mental health issues, and the lack of available resources exacerbated their challenges. This firsthand experience fueled my determination to specialize in psychiatric nursing, with the aim of providing support to those dealing with mental health issues in underserved areas.
The values upheld by the Arizona College of Nursing deeply resonate with my own aspirations. Compassion, empathy, and a commitment to holistic care form the foundation of my nursing philosophy. These values align seamlessly with my goal of delivering comprehensive and compassionate care to individuals navigating the complexities of mental health challenges.
As a self-supporting student, financing my education has proven to be a significant challenge. At 23, having moved out of my parents’ house at 17, I do not qualify for government assistance due to my parents’ income level. Currently working part-time to contribute to my tuition, the prospect of paying student loans without external support is formidable. The Arizona College of Nursing Values Scholarship represents more than financial assistance; it signifies an opportunity to dedicate more time to my studies and community involvement, enriching my education and amplifying the positive impact I can have on my community.
My vision extends beyond personal success; it encompasses active community involvement and a commitment to addressing mental health stigma. Through volunteer work, internships, and eventual professional practice, I aim to contribute to mental health awareness and accessibility to support services. My long-term goal is to attain a nurse practitioner’s license and establish a practice tailored to addressing the unique mental health needs of teenagers and young adults. Drawing from personal experiences, I aspire to create a safe and judgment-free space where individuals can seek help without fear of societal stigma.
The Arizona College of Nursing Values Scholarship is not merely a financial aid; it represents an investment in the well-being of future generations in my community. With the support of this scholarship, I am confident in my ability to make a lasting impact on mental health care accessibility and awareness, contributing to the broader mission of the Arizona College of Nursing in addressing the healthcare needs of communities. This scholarship is not only an acknowledgment of my potential but a testament to the transformative power of education in shaping the future of healthcare.
Q&A with Hannah
Q: How did you find Arizona College of Nursing?
A: I’m at Arizona College of Nursing at the Las Vegas campus. I was looking and I went to Arizona College of Nursing first and I did a tour, and I was like, this one’s great. So, I never went and looked at any other ones, it was so nice. There were people keeping in touch with me, texting me, following up with me, answering all my questions, and I was able to start within 3 or 4 weeks. It was really nice just to be able to go and just start.
Q: What were you looking for in a college?
A: I think I thrive better in a smaller environment. Smaller classes, more one-on-one hands-on kind of work. And when I went to go visit Arizona College of Nursing, there were skills labs, and they looked like they were smaller classes. Teachers looked like they were helping more one-on-one and being able to help if you needed more assistance. And you’re not in huge lecture rooms with like 100 people, and it was just nice walking through the halls even just on a tour and people saying “hi” and asking questions if I’m starting or that kind of stuff. It was really refreshing to have people interested in what I’m doing.
Q: Tell me about your experience with the AZCN Las Vegas Campus and community?
A: I’m really, really close with a lot of people. We text each other, “Hey, like, what are you doing for this assignment? I’m confused.” And everyone’s always just willing to help. There’s no one trying to do better than anyone. Everyone is trying to raise each other up.
Teachers as well, they’re always responding to emails, trying to help you as much as they can in a timely manner. It’s just nice to have people lifting you up and get you to do better work.
All the professors know your name, you create really close friends. Because it’s hard, when you go home and you’re talking to family about school, and nobody really understands what you’re going through besides either your professors or your classmates. So, it’s nice to be able to have those people to vent to a little bit.
Q: Would you recommend AZCN?
A: I would recommend Arizona College of Nursing because it’s nice being in a small community. Everyone’s there lifting you up. Everyone knows your name. Everyone knows what you want to do. Everyone is there to help. It’s nice having that kind of close-knit community where you’re not just another face in the crowd. They say “hi” to you in the hallways.
It’s also a lot easier to kind of live life because it’s not four years plus maybe another year waiting to get into programs. It’s nice being able to get it done in three years. I’ve watched a lot of my other friends at other universities apply to these nursing programs, and they would have to wait a year, almost two years, to get into these programs because they would only accept 13 people per year.
Q: What are other ways AZCN supports you?
A: Arizona College of Nursing has definitely prioritized mental health. I believe they send out emails throughout the month, saying don’t forget about mental health. Take a break. Here are some fun things you can do besides homework. On campus, they also have a nice room with a comfortable chair. You can turn the light off and just kind of relax. There’s also a really nice balcony you can kind of go chill out on. They make it a big priority, just because they know it’s overwhelming and they don’t want people to get burnt out or get too stressed.
They have a peer mentorship program where I think six, seven, eight, and the ninth semester students can help those coming into fifth semester. So, we email them a few times during their first semester and core, check in on them and help them. I really like the program because I remember someone did that for me, and I had so many questions.
Start Your Future in Nursing Today
If you’re considering a career as a registered nurse (RN), Arizona College of Nursing is here to help you pursue your dream. Our BSN program enables you to earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing in just 3 years or less with qualifying transfer credits. We’ve helped hundreds of students to earn a BSN degree and enter the nursing profession – and we’re ready to support you on your path to becoming an RN.
Why Choose Arizona College of Nursing?
- Earn a BSN degree in 3 years or less with eligible transfer credits
- Campus locations throughout the US
- Night classes for general education courses
- Hybrid Online/In-Person format for general education classes
- Nursing education is all we do
- CCNE-Accredited Program*
- NCLEX-RN success coaches and exam preparation class
- Financial aid available to those who qualify
Discover Your Path to a Career in Nursing
Information in this post is accurate as of .
*The Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree program at Arizona College of Nursing is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (https://www.aacnnursing.org/). All Arizona College of Nursing and Arizona College campuses are institutionally accredited by the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (https://www.abhes.org/), a U.S. Department of Education-recognized accrediting agency.