In the dynamic world of healthcare, every day brings new challenges and every patient tells a unique story. For Devin Jackson, this unpredictability isn't just part of the job—it's the catalyst that fueled his remarkable journey to becoming a nurse.
Since his high school days, Devin has immersed himself in the medical field, building an impressive foundation as a phlebotomist, EMT, and medical assistant. Each role has been more than just a job; it's been a stepping stone toward his true calling.
“The way you treat patients or a situation is very different, you learn more from your previous situations and you learn things on the spot that will help you in the future," he says.
This wealth of hands-on experience has now culminated in Devin earning his BS in Nursing from the prestigious University of Colorado College of Nursing through the Integrated Nursing Pathway (INP).
"Becoming a nurse is something I’ve always wanted to do,” he shares with conviction. “I’m able to become a nurse now because of the experience I’ve had from other jobs.”
The Blueprint for Nursing Excellence
Drawn to CU Nursing's reputation as one of the nation's premier nursing programs, Devin's path began at the Community College of Aurora, where he built the academic foundation for his future success.
"The hardest part is getting into the program, and once you’re in, you can kind of take a breather and relax,” he says. “I realized I didn’t need perfect grades, and that helped take away some stress. But you have to make sure you continue learning and understand the materials because everything builds on itself.”
He credits his smooth transition to the program's collaborative environment and exceptional faculty support. The built-in community becomes a lifeline—peers who understand exactly what you're experiencing.
"Mentors like Emily Wang, Tammy Spencer, Patrick Luna, and Theresa Nino helped me so much. They were able to break down lessons for me or offer more resources to understand the material outside the classroom.”
The college's cutting-edge simulation lab proved invaluable in building his clinical confidence.
"What I’ve really enjoyed so far is using that experience and practice and putting what I’ve learned in the simulation lab in a real healthcare environment,” he says.
According to Devin, collaborating with healthcare teams and connecting with patients, applying your education in meaningful ways, really makes a difference in one’s comprehension.
“There are so many resources and opportunities available to students, and you have to make sure you utilize all of them to help you succeed.”
Devin already has a job after graduation—he will start a new grad position at Craig Hospital in August. His journey exemplifies how passion, perseverance, and the right educational environment can transform healthcare experience into nursing excellence—one patient at a time.
