Impact Stories
Nursing
A Nursing Dream Realized: Flor's Journey from Baker to Nurse Through AltaMed's Collaborative
AltaMed launched the Nursing Pathways Collaborative to grow its own nursing professionals. Flor Medina-Trejo, a proud graduate of the program, shares her inspiring journey from working as a baker to becoming a licensed nurse.
22
Nurses graduated in the first cohort of the AltaMed Nursing Collaborative in 2024
Earlier this month, we celebrated the remarkable achievement of the first cohort of graduates from the AltaMed Nursing Collaborative. These 22 new nurses are a testament to the program’s success, and their individual stories inspire others who wish to follow this path.
Flor Medina-Trejo, an AltaMed nurse and proud graduate, shared her personal journey during the graduation ceremony. Her story, filled with challenges and triumphs, resonated with the audience, reminding all in attendance that the path to success is not always straight or easy.
Growing up, Flor knew she wanted a career taking care of others. However, life’s responsibilities and financial need led Rosa to a job in the service industry, leaving her dream of a college education in the background.
When she reached her mid-thirties, working as a baker, Flor questioned if this was what she wanted to do for the rest of her life. She gained the courage to quit her job and returned to school to pursue a licensed vocational nursing (LVN) degree.
Getting into nursing was always in the back of my mind. I liked the nurturing part of it, and I’m not going to lie, I also liked the stability it would provide.
Flor Medina-Trejo
AltaMed R.N.
After graduating as an LVN, she began her nursing journey at the AltaMed El Monte clinic. When she learned about the opportunity to participate in the new Nursing Pathways program, she knew immediately that she would apply.
Last year, Flor joined the first cohort of students to enroll in the ACC program. Although she struggled along the way, she persevered with support from her daughter, her AltaMed supervisor, and her team.
The Nursing Collaborative provides students access to affordable, world-class nursing education, including clinical training in AltaMed’s community health setting.
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