Prepared to Care: How Anya Jiminez Found Her Calling in St. John’s Nursing Program

In 2024, St. John’s University ushered in a brand-new era for health sciences education when the state-of-the-art St. Vincent Health Sciences Center opened, housing the Department of Nursing and other programs in the College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences.

Since then, scores of new and existing students have benefited from this unparalleled facility. Its features ensure they possess the competitive edge required to succeed in an ever-evolving field that requires precision and mastery over new technology while still emphasizing the empathy and service inherent in a St. John’s education.

Those are the reasons Long Island, NY, native Anya Jiminez chose to pursue her nursing degree at St. John’s. “I decided to attend St. John’s because of its strong academic reputation, its closeness to home, and its values, which are deeply rooted in compassion and leadership,” she stressed. 

Being part of the first nursing cohort gave her a sense of purpose and belonging, connecting her to a supportive community that helped her through the most challenging moments.

The center’s opening represented a significant shift in her academic experience. “The privilege of having access to such a modern, well-equipped facility enhanced both my learning and confidence,” she explained. “The facility elevated our learning by allowing us to bridge theory and practice in a hands-on, immersive way.”

Anya especially enjoys the facility’s state-of-the-art simulation labs, which enable students to practice real-life hospital situations in a safe setting and apply academic principles to real world simulations. “It makes learning feel intentional and builds my confidence as a future nurse, inspiring me to pursue my career with enthusiasm,” she said.

Faculty member Catherine R. Bell, DNP, R.N., Assistant Professor/Industry Professional, Nursing, has been a particular influence on Anya. “She takes the time to connect with her students on a personal level and genuinely touches their hearts,” Anya said. “Dr. Bell went beyond teaching course material—she created a learning environment where we felt seen, supported, and encouraged to grow not only as nursing students, but as nurses-to-be. Her passion for nursing and for her specialty was evident in every lecture, discussion, and interaction.”

Anya added, “Dr. Bell played a significant role in shaping my confidence and building my personal identity. Her influence will continue to stay with me as I begin my professional career.”

Throughout her time at St. John’s, Anya has received several awards, grants, and scholarships that have helped defray  tuition costs. “That support has played a meaningful role in helping me complete my degree, and I am deeply grateful for the support that made my education at St. John’s University not only possible, but also sustainable,” she noted.

Anya is excited for what the future holds and is grateful for the preparation she received at St. John’s. “What reassures me the most is knowing that my education at St. John’s emphasized resilience, reflection, and compassion, preparing me not just clinically but also personally.”

To anyone considering the nursing program at St. John’s, Anya is direct and steadfast in her assessment. “St. John’s offers far more than a nursing education. It provides a true sense of community. The program is rigorous, but you won’t go through it alone. From the outset, there was an emphasis on support, collaboration, and personal growth.” 

“The faculty is one of the program’s greatest strengths,” she continued. “They are deeply invested in their students, building meaningful relationships and providing mentorship and encouragement throughout the program. You are treated as a future professional, not just a student, and your growth and development truly matter.”

The camaraderie among her student colleagues has also been a great boon to her time at St. John’s, Anya emphasized, noting that the friendships she formed within the program created a support system that makes even the most challenging moments manageable.

Eventually, Anya hopes to enter the field of obstetrics. “Supporting women and families during pregnancy and childbirth and advocating for safe and compassionate care has been incredibly meaningful to me,” she explained. “Obstetrics offers a unique balance of clinical skills, emotional support, and patient advocacy, and I am drawn to the opportunity to care for patients during this pivotal time in their lives.”

“While the transition from student nurse to registered nurse may be daunting, I am motivated by my belief that growth stems from experience, reflection, and continued learning,” she said. “I am entering the profession ready to work hard and give my absolute best to my patients, the health-care team, and myself.”

She concluded, “St. John’s is a place where you will be challenged, supported, and shaped into a compassionate and confident nurse.”