Nigus’s Journey to Becoming a Registered Nurse
Nigus, a father of two young children aged 4 and 16 months, has been a resident of Cambridge since he arrived in the United States from Ethiopia in 2018. With a bachelor’s degree from his home country, Nigus was determined to pursue a career in healthcare, specifically in direct patient care.
Here’s his story, in his own words:
In 2018, I began looking for ways to start a healthcare career in the US. After some research, I discovered that the Community Learning Center (CLC) offered a free Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) program that would help me transition into healthcare. I enrolled in the program and graduated in June 2022, earning both my CNA certification and a CPR certification. Soon after, I began my job search and was fortunate enough to secure a position at Mass General Hospital (MGH), where I worked as a CNA for six months.
During this time, I honed my communication and patient care skills, all while improving my English. This experience was crucial in preparing me for the next step: becoming a Registered Nurse (RN).
With support from MGH, I enrolled in the Institute of Health Professions to pursue my RN degree. However, one of my biggest challenges was paying for the $89,000 tuition. Thankfully, MGH offered me a generous discount, the Institute awarded me a scholarship, and I also received two scholarships from the Friends of the CLC, which eased the financial burden.
In September 2024, I passed the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX), a nationwide exam for nurse licensure, and officially began working as a Registered Nurse at MGH.
The CLC played a pivotal role in my journey. They helped me obtain my CNA license and CPR certification, both of which were essential for landing a job. The CLC team supported me in countless ways, from assisting with my resume to offering job-search resources. Their encouragement was unwavering—they motivated me to get my CNA certification quickly and continued to support me throughout my career path. What stood out most was the sense of family. The staff was welcoming, and I always felt genuinely cared for.
When I applied to nursing school, the CLC's support continued. They were there every step of the way, offering guidance and even helping me secure two crucial recommendation letters for my application.
One of the highlights of my time at the CLC was the hands-on learning experience. The staff was incredibly friendly and supportive, and I felt like part of a family. At Laboure College for Healthcare, I received top-notch instruction and had the opportunity to work with state-of-the-art equipment. The practical skills I gained in the labs have been invaluable in my nursing career. The classes weren’t just about theory; they provided the real-world training I rely on every day as a nurse.
If you’re interested in healthcare and want to improve your English, I highly recommend the CLC. The staff is exceptional, and they create a supportive environment that allows you to thrive. It’s never too late to start, and the CLC will guide you every step of the way to help you reach your goals.
My wife often tells me that without the CLC’s support, I may not have been able to achieve my dream of becoming a Registered Nurse.
I’ve always had a passion for helping others, and nursing was the perfect way for me to make a meaningful impact on people’s lives. I wanted to provide compassionate care to those who need it most.
The most challenging part of my journey was managing my time and finances. Between working part-time, studying, and balancing family responsibilities, my social life took a hit. Financially, it was also a strain, but I knew that becoming a nurse would be worth it in the end.
My advice to others is: It’s never too late to follow your dreams. With determination and focus, you can overcome any obstacle. And remember, you don’t have to do it alone. A strong support system is essential—my wife and my network were crucial in helping me succeed.
For now, my priority is to spend more time with my children and stabilize our family’s finances. In the long term, I aim to become a nurse practitioner and continue investing in my family’s future.
