For Paris Morgan, legacy intertwines with personal aspirations as she peruses her nursing degree. Enrolled in the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), Freshman Direct-Entry program from The University of New Mexico College of Nursing, she is excited to learn the skills necessary to join the modern nursing workforce while also following in the footsteps of her grandfather: a Navajo medicine man.
My grandfather played a huge role in my decision be a part of the health care field …We need Native American providers who understand rural reservation life.
“My grandfather played a huge role in my decision be a part of the health care field. Also, growing up with the Navajo and Acoma Pueblo reservations, I saw how our community requires certain care. When you’re on the Mesa, you are rural. You’re hauling wood and water. Injuries happen. We need Native American providers who understand rural reservation life.”
She continues, “and we're not necessarily one huge group. We're made up of different cultures. Different tribes. Each little tribe has very different cultural beliefs. And oftentimes, we get rounded up into one big group. I want to be a nurse that understands we are nuanced groups.”
Although she has the long-term goal of returning to Gallup, New Mexico and being a provider for her community on the Navajo reservation, she also loves being a scribe for the emergency department at a local hospital and hopes to travel during her nursing career, as well. The experience and knowledge she is gaining from the College’s pre-licensure program go hand-in-hand with the collaborative nature of emergency nursing.
I’m excited to be learning more and more every day, alongside my peers. This program is going to help me get to where I want to be quicker, and I’m grateful for that.
Morgan says, “the emergency department keeps me on my toes. I’ve grown to love it. I love that we are a team who works at a fast-pace and there is something new every day. My cohort at UNM has been very collaborative, as well. Being a Freshman Direct-Entry BSN student while scribing for an emergency department is a great combination.”
The Freshman Direct-Entry BSN allows nursing students to begin nursing curriculum their first semester at UNM, rather than applying to enter two years into their college studies. In doing so, they develop collaborative bonds with their cohort, fellow freshman eager to learn the skills necessary to become the next generation of New Mexico’s nurses.
“I’m excited to be learning more and more every day, alongside my peers. This program is going to help me get to where I want to be quicker, and I’m grateful for that,” Morgan says.