Priyanka’s medical career journey

Couple overcomes obstacles to pursue nursing careers

November 21, 2024 | Priyanka and her husband, Sarban, moved to Minnesota from Nepal with dreams for their young daughter. When they won the visa lottery in 2017, their dream came true.

Their story, like many immigrants, is one of ongoing sacrifice and never-ending hard work to move their lives forward and contribute to their new community.

“I wanted a better life for my daughter,” Priyanka said.

Though she earned a bachelor’s degree in microbiology Nepal, her degree did not transfer to the U.S. She and Sarban both needed to start their education over, all while practicing to improve their English, learning a new culture, finding work and raising their daughter.

They knew, however, that education was a key part of advancing their careers and lives. The determined couple got to work right away. Both Priyanka and Sarban enrolled in the Institute’s Nursing Assistant Training and immediately passed their certification exams.

“(Health care) was totally new and different than microbiology, but I was interested,” Priyanka said. “I enjoy helping people feel better.”

Starting Over: Education and Career Challenges

While working as a certified nursing assistant (CNA) taking care of transitional care patients at Regions Hospital, she also enrolled in the Institute’s College Readiness Academy with the goal of enrolling in full-time nursing school. College Readiness propelled her English forward, teaching her grammar, and improving her reading comprehension and test-taking ability. She also learned practical skills like eye-contact, which is considered rude in many other countries.

“In Nepal, eye contact is considered disrespectful,” Priyanka said. During College Readiness, she practiced her bravery, learning that it’s okay to ask questions and maintain eye contact.

“I’m comfortable now. I’m comfortable asking questions. I’m feeling like everybody is a friend,” she said, adding that she tells all her Nepali friends about the Institute. “It’s a good place where you can learn a lot.”

Balancing Family, Work and Education

Priyanka and Sarban worked out a plan: she would complete her nursing degree and he would work full-time as a grocery store supervisor to pay the bills. Then they would switch, with her working full-time to support the family so he, too, could go back to school for nursing.

By the time Priyanka was accepted to full-time nursing school, however, she and Sarban had happily welcomed a second baby girl. It was then that the couple had to make the ultimate decision and sacrifice: would Priyanka continue her schooling to further her career and long-term ability to care for the family?

She found it impossible to attend classes each morning and clinicals twice a week, to study, and to care for an infant and her school-aged daughter. The couple decided together that their youngest child would go back to Nepal and live with Priyanka’s mother until Priyanka could finish school to become a licensed practical nurse (LPN).

Priyanka called every day so her daughter could hear her voice.

Meanwhile, the Institute’s Medical Career Advancement program helped with a scholarship and guidance for Priyanka.

“One of the most inspiring things about working with Priyanka is that she and Sarban are such a close-knit team. They clearly supported each other every step of the way,” said Sarah Corrigan, Priyanka’s Medical Career Advancement navigator. “It’s been a pleasure to see them both working toward their goals and helping each other to be successful”.

One year later, Priyanka and Sarban brought their daughter home. The family of four are now reunited and Priyanka works as an LPN at a long-term care facility.

Next, it was Sarban’s turn. He also went back to school as an Institute Medical Career Advancement client, receiving support and guidance to become a LPN. Both Priyanka and Sarban plan to pursue their Bachelor of Science in Nursing next so they can become registered nurses and increase their income.

Perseverance Pays Off

The couple continues juggling their school, work and family time, passing each other each afternoon when he comes home from school and she leaves for her 3-11 p.m. hospital shift.

“When I get home my daughters are already in the bed,” Priyanka said. Though she misses their bedtimes, she devotes every day off to them, playing outside and making art.

After years of sacrifice and hard work, Priyanka and Sarban’s perseverance has paid off. With the couple both working as LPNs, they’re one step closer to their goals of becoming registered nurses. As they juggle their studies, careers and raising two daughters, the family remains determined to achieve financial stability and fulfilling nursing careers.

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