Meet the ABSN Community

Welcome to the Advanced 2^nd Bachelor's of Science in Nursing community at the University of New Mexico College of Nursing. Explore the testimonials below to learn what our program offers students and faculty.

Each ABSN student's journey is unique, but you will find that each testimonial shares a few common themes: passion for nursing, excitement for learning and gratitude for our program.

Look around! And find out why the UNM College of Nursing ABSN degree option is chosen by many as the path to becoming a BSN-prepared nurse.

Supphanida "Benz" Biggs

UNM College of Nursing ABSN student

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.

Sharia Betsoi

UNM College of Nursing ABSN student

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.

Sasha Poole, PhD, RN

Accelerated BSN Program Director and Clinician Educator, Assistant Professor

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.