Since he was little, Jhordan knew he wanted to help people. Today, he is fulfilling that dream—on a journey to help millions through healthcare.
“Helping my family with various health issues was my entire world as a child,” Jhordan said. His desire to see his family healthy sparked his interest in healthcare at a young age. He knew he wanted to leave a lasting impression on people—to be the first person someone interacts with, offer compassion and help them feel better.
While taking prerequisite classes for the healthcare field, he was also working as a student ambassador and volunteering at Opportunity Junction’s food bank – always working to give back to his community.
During his volunteer hours, Jhordan learned about OJ’s CNA program and applied.
While in the program, the hot lunches and other resources available to him made a real difference. He felt like he always had someone to turn to—for interview preparation, writing a cover letter for the first time, finding a job and even coming back for advice as an alum.
After graduating from OJ’s CNA program and earning his certificate, Jhordan began working as a CNA through one of OJ’s externship site partners. OJ’s alumni coach encouraged him as he continued his advanced education through nursing school on an expedited track.
“Carmela has helped me a lot. It is really good to have someone on your side uplifting you when you have doubts.”
During his time as a CNA, Jhordan had an experience that reaffirmed his career path. His patient was alone in a dimly lit, quiet room. She had just been diagnosed with cancer.
“I just sat with her, offered compassion and let her know I was there if she wanted to talk. We sat in silence for quite a while, but she eventually shared how grateful she was for spending time with her.”
That moment reminded Jhordan that he plays a critical role in healthcare.
He is excited about advances such as AI-assisted charting, which could eventually give nurses more time to spend with patients. But, he says, there will always be a need for human connection.
“During the low moments of your life, you need empathy, compassion, someone to listen to your feelings, or simply sit with you in silence and offer their presence as support.”
Becoming a nurse has meant sacrifice, sleepless nights and doubling down on his hours to finish school as quickly as possible. At times, Jhordan wondered if he could do it, but he kept persevering and gave it his all.
He admits nursing is challenging, but it is also fulfilling work that has helped eliminate financial barriers in his life.
“Nursing has opened the door to the healthcare field,” Jhordan said.
For him, nursing is both a career and a stepping stone toward an even bigger goal. He is interested in becoming a nurse practitioner or exploring biomedical engineering, including 3D printing human organs.
Whatever path he chooses, Jhordan’s goal remains the same: to help people. Hopefully, millions!
