Jasmine Hobbs is set to graduate from The University of New Mexico College of Nursing with a Doctor of Nursing Practice in Adult-Gerontology Acute Care, according to a May 12 announcement. She plans to return to her hometown of Grants, New Mexico, as an advanced provider.
Hobbs said her inspiration came from spending time with her grandfather in the hospital and witnessing nurses’ compassion during difficult times. “I’ve always wanted to be a nurse and go into the health care community, just seeing the amazing work they do and how kind they are to people on the worst day of their life,” Hobbs said. “That really is what drew me to become a nurse.”
After earning her Bachelor of Science in Nursing at UNM in 2022, Hobbs continued her education focusing on acute care for adults and elderly patients. Her experience includes four years working in Emergency Departments and Intensive Care Units. She said she wants “to take my skills to the next level” so she can offer more advanced care for her rural community.
Balancing coursework with clinical rotations and full-time work at Cibola General Hospital, Hobbs remained committed to serving Grants—a small mining town surrounded by Native communities—and its needs amid ongoing provider shortages. “As an ER nurse there, and as a patient in the community, I really see how much rural communities struggle in New Mexico with the provider shortage,” she said. “Being able to come back in this capacity really means a lot to me personally because I see both sides.”
Rosario Medina, Ph.D., Dean of UNM College of Nursing, praised Hobbs’s dedication: “Jasmine is rooted in her community, and she never lost sight of that. She is exactly the kind of nurse our state needs.” Medina added: “That is what this work is really about. Improving access, improving outcomes, and making sure that people in every corner of New Mexico get the care they deserve.”
The University of New Mexico has been ranked among top public schools nationally for primary care medical programs while enrolling over 24,000 students across its campuses; it also serves as a cultural resource through libraries and museums according to the official website.
Looking ahead after graduation, Hobbs intends to remain working locally at Cibola General Hospital as an advanced provider role. To current students pursuing nursing degrees she advised: “I know it feels overwhelming and like it’s never going to end but before you know it—in a blink—it’s over,” Hobbs said. “Nursing is so hard but it’s so fulfilling.”
