Danika Chavez

Nursing | Graduated May 2021

Employer: Davita Dialysis & J&J Home Care

Job Title: Registered Nurse

 
Why did you choose to go to San Juan College?
 
"I chose to go to San Juan College for a few reasons. Those reasons include affordability, convenience, and the nursing program in itself. I had to pay out-of-pocket for most of my schooling, so affordability, the SJC Foundation Scholarship, and the Financial Aid office handling student loans, made it to where I was able to complete my degree."

What did you do to prepare for your career?
 
"As everyone may know, Registered Nurses are very much needed at this point in time and well, pretty much always. I was able to study for and pass the NCLEX on the first try about a month and a half after I graduated from the program. I was able to start training as a Dialysis Nurse with Davita literally the day after I took my exam. I have been with Davita for around 7 years as a Patient Care Technician so it was an easy adjustment. To expand my nursing knowledge and help a family in need, I started with J & J private duty home care a couple months after I passed my NCLEX. I now work around 50 hours total between Davita and J&J Home Care."
 
What advice would you give to future graduates?
 
"Future graduates, it is NEVER too late to go back to school, or finish school! It is ok to take a few classes in different areas of profession and then change your mind. I started out taking engineering classes until I started with Davita and changed degree paths to nursing. Find out what you love and go for it!"
 
What was your fondest memory at San Juan College?
 
"My fondest memory would be my clinical experience at the hospital in general. The staff were amazing and I learned/experienced so much."