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 Valentine Abebe as she shares some of her journey to nursing:
AZCN has focused on expanding scholarships available to students, including giving out the Arizona College of Nursing Living Values Scholarship and other scholarships to more recipients. To see more scholarships available to students, see our AZCN scholarship page here.
Valentine’s Story: From CNA to AZCN Nursing Student with a Mission
Meet AZCN Values Scholarship Recipient, Valentine Abebe, a Nursing Student at the AZCN Las Vegas Campus. Valentine grew up in a refugee camp and worked as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) and Red Cross Volunteer.
In Her Own Words: Valentine Reflects on Her Nursing Journey
My journey through nursing school and beyond has been deeply influenced by the core values cherished by the Arizona College of Nursing: excellence, integrity, accountability, and inclusion. These values, which I hold, have guided my pursuits and professional endeavors, reinforcing my dedication to the nursing profession. Originating from a refugee camp, I have encountered obstacles that have only strengthened my determination to uphold these values and become the nurse I aim to be.
I have shown my dedication to doing in situations through my achievements and real-life experiences. Keeping a GPA of 3.6 demonstrates how determined I am to succeed in my nursing studies. Apart from studying, I have been fortunate enough to use what I have learned in situations during clinical rotations. These hands-on opportunities have helped me improve my skills and deepen my understanding of patient-centered care and the importance of providing high-quality services.
For years, integrity has been my core value, shaping my path as a CNA. In rehabilitation healthcare for over two years, I have consistently prioritized honesty, ethical behavior, and building trust with my patients. My time in a refugee camp underscored the significance of integrity in fostering connections and building trust in the healthcare sector. Volunteering with organizations like the Red Cross and my church has further reinforced the importance of openness, compassion, and demonstrating respect in all my interactions.
Taking responsibility involves accepting my actions and recognizing how they affect others. In my nursing school and professional life journey, I have shown accountability by being dependable, hardworking, and proactive in carrying out my responsibilities. Accountability is crucial for ensuring the well-being of patients and providing high-quality care.
Embracing inclusion means valuing diversity and fostering an environment where everyone feels accepted. As someone from a different culture and world, I bring a unique perspective to the nursing profession. Inclusivity is a value that resonates deeply with me. Growing up in a refugee camp exposed me to cultures. Taught me the significance of embracing diversity. I have always felt welcomed at Arizona College of Nursing, which actively works to prevent bullying, and I am grateful for the teachers who constantly care for the students. Additionally, interacting with groups has broadened my cultural understanding and heightened my sensitivity towards different backgrounds. My past experiences have prepared me to provide care that respects and acknowledges each patient’s perspectives and needs.
Furthermore, receiving this scholarship will enable me to increase my involvement in community service projects in underserved regions, where I aim to tackle healthcare inequalities and advocate for health education. The Arizona College of Nursing Values Scholarship goes beyond assistance; it represents my commitment to maintaining high standards of excellence, integrity, accountability, and inclusivity. This backing will support me in becoming a nurse who excels in environments and makes an impact on society. I am grateful for the opportunity to apply for this scholarship and am excited to continue pursuing my aspiration of delivering care to individuals from all backgrounds.
Q&A with Valentine
Q: Tell me about your experience with the AZCN Las Vegas Campus?
A: My school [AZCN], we have very good teachers. They’re just like a family, to be honest. Every teacher, they were so caring, supportive and they [are] there for us. They want us to succeed. They’re [more] like a family than teachers.
I’m in my 9th semester and I’m graduating this semester. Words cannot explain my happiness…I’m achieving this.
Q: Why did you choose Arizona College of Nursing?
A: [AZCN] is inclusive and…there’s a lot of students from different backgrounds… so you feel like you belong here. And I’m thankful for everybody here.
Q: How has AZCN prepared you for nursing?
A: The school really helps out so much. The Las Vegas campus has very good teachers. Like parents, they really care. They’ll text you to study, giving you information and what you need to succeed in the class. My background was a Bio Chem Major, so when I came to nursing school and started core, I’m not saying it was easy, but it’s not impossible. The teachers are very caring.
Q: What advice would you give to other nursing students?
A: My advice for new students is to have a purpose. When they say nursing is a calling, that is true. I really encourage you to have a purpose of serving others.
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.