She is pursuing an ABSN because she knows nursing will help her fulfill her passion for helping others. Her favorite thing about nursing so far is being an intrinsic part of patients' understanding of their treatments and conditions. She loves the personal, human element.
"When I see that a patient understands their diagnosis, it is an awesome feeling. I love the ability to bring understanding to patients in a difficult time,” says Benz.
From the Navajo Nation in Arizona, she is interested in becoming a compassionate health care professional prepared to advance nursing in rural and underserved areas. As a former public health professional, she has always loved caring for the health of her communities, but she noticed nursing was hands-on health care! She enrolled in the ABSN program and hasn't looked back.
“When I was growing up, I would visit the hospital in my rural community on the Navajo Nation reservation, and I saw there weren’t a lot of health care workers. I want to be a part of increasing and improving the health care in my community," says Sharia.
Her specialty areas include family-centered care, health care policy, maternal and child health and underserved populations. Her clinical experience includes working for the New Mexico Department of Health as a public health nurse and as a school nurse for the Belen Consolidated School District. Her acute care expertise is in postpartum and newborn nursing.
"I can tell these accelerated 2nd degree BSN students will have an impact on caring for the citizens of New Mexico, not just at the bedside, but in primary care, as well," says Poole.
Going back to school for your ABSN is a big decision. Learn why UNM is the right place for you.
Learn more about your education, curriculum, academic calendar, clinical and simulation experiences.
Office of Admissions & Recruitment
College of Nursing
Building 235, Suite 255
505-272-4721
Pre-Licensure Program Director
Sara Daykin, DNP, RN, CPEN, TCRN