Yorman Padilla
Mayo Clinic
Jacksonville, FL USA
"I do nursing with a passion. I’m in love with my career. I’m in love with my everyday life because I’m doing what I’m meant to do."
Career Roadmap
Yorman's work combines: Medicine, Science, and Helping People
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Day In The Life
Skills &
Education
Advice for getting started
If you think you have a passion for helping other, I recommend earning a Practical Nurse Certificate and becoming a licensed practical nurse before becoming a registered nurse. Taking those initial steps are a great way to get introduced to nursing, gain the tools to help people, and really see if it's right for you.
Here's the path I took:
High School
Associate's Degree
Forensic Science
Associate's Degree
Nursing
Florida State College at Jacksonville
Certification
Practical Nurse Certificate
Life & Career Milestones
My path in life has been direct
1.
I earned my associate degree in forensic science in Venezuela before immigrating to the U.S.
2.
I remember accompanying my grandmother who was a nurse for more than 60 years, but I didn’t think nursing was for me until I came to the U.S. and realized it was my calling.
3.
I became a CNA at 20 and fell in love with caring for elderly patients at Brooks Rehabilitation.
4.
Enrolling in an LPN program helped me grow step by step into a confident, hands-on nurse.
5.
While working full-time and attending school four days a week, I used my job to apply and deepen what I learned.
6.
My bilingual skills allowed me to connect deeply with Spanish-speaking patients who often felt isolated.
7.
I was named Exemplary Nurse of the Year and received a scholarship that paid for my LPN training.
8.
Now, as an LPN in oncology, I find fulfillment not just in procedures, but in holding space for people when they need it most.
Defining Moments
How I responded to discouragement
THE NOISE
Messages from Myself:
I won't be able to accomplish anything because of my language barrier.
How I responded:
When I first arrived from Venezuela, I didn’t know a word of English and doubted I’d succeed. But I took ESL and EAP classes step by step. Each small word I learned became a building block. Now, I use that same patience to care for others and remind myself I’m still learning, just like I always have.
Experiences and challenges that shaped me
I came to the U.S. without knowing any English but was determined to do well and help my family. My hardworking immigrant parents were my role models. I enrolled in ESL programs, which gave me the tools to be a good student and succeed in my career.