Workforce Development: Jayme's Journey to a Career in Nursing

The mission of the Workforce Development Department at Adventist Health is to provide hope to the communities we serve by changing generational health and wealth through access to education and healthcare careers. Jayme's journey is a powerful example of that mission coming to life.

A sixth-generation Tuolumne County resident, Jayme spent more than two decades serving patients at Adventist Health Sonora in the clinical laboratory. Even after all this time, she knew she had more to give.

At 44 years old, while working full-time, raising three daughters, supporting her family, and serving as a community 4-H leader, she made a bold decision: grow her career and return to school through the Pacific Union College Associate of Science in Nursing Program in partnership with Adventist Health to pursue her dream of becoming a nurse.

It wasn't easy.

There were moments of exhaustion, self-doubt, and uncertainty. Like many adult learners, she questioned whether she was too old to start over and whether she could successfully balance the demands of nursing school, work, family, and life.

But throughout the journey, she carried with her a piece of advice from her father that had guided her since childhood: "When you feel like you have nothing more to give, dig a little deeper." Those words became a source of strength during long nights of studying, challenging clinical rotations, and the stress of preparing for the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX).

One day at a time

One week at a time, one milestone at a time, she kept going.

Today, she is proud to call herself an ICU Nurse Resident at Adventist Health Sonora, bringing together more than 20 years of healthcare experience with a passion for caring for patients and families during some of life's most difficult moments.

Inspiration and advice

Perhaps one of the greatest accomplishments of this journey is the example she set for her daughters: that it is never too late to pursue a dream, embrace a new challenge, or believe in yourself when something truly matters.

Her message to anyone considering a new path is simple: "Don't let your age convince you that you've missed your opportunity. It's never too late to choose a new direction for your life. If I can do it, you can do it."

Congratulations, Jayme, on this incredible achievement. Your story reminds us all that growth doesn't have an expiration date.

And when the journey feels impossible?

Dig a little deeper.