Against the Odds: Amber Jones’ Inspiring Journey

Gainesville, FL — Amber Jones has made history as the first paraplegic student in a wheelchair to graduate from Galen College of Nursing in Florida. Her journey, marked by resilience and determination, began after a life-altering car accident in 2016 that left her paralyzed from the waist down. Jones could have allowed this tragedy to shatter her career ambitions. Still, she found the strength to pursue her dream of becoming a nurse instead.   

Jones’ accident occurred one evening in Lake City, Florida, when she was involved in a texting-while-driving crash. The impact broke her back, leaving her paralyzed from the waist down. This life-altering injury inspired Jones to face the hard road ahead with her head held high. “I was determined not to be sad or depressed, to not lay in a bed and waste my life,” Jones shared in an interview with WCJB.   

She was determined to follow her heart. Jones enrolled at Galen College, where she found a welcoming environment that enabled her to develop her skills despite her physical challenges.  As the first paraplegic student to graduate from Galen College in Florida, Jones’ achievement is a testament to the power of an inclusive learning environment.  Through adaptive resources and supportive faculty, Galen helped Jones find ways to meet the demands of her clinical training, allowing her to build confidence and competence. “Anything is possible. You just have to put in the work,” she said.   

Not only does Jones’ graduation mark a personal milestone for her, but it also paves the way for future nurses with disabilities. Physical limitations don’t have to limit one’s career potential in healthcare, and Jones is sending a powerful message to aspiring nurses everywhere. She is also challenging the status quo of the nursing profession. We are proud to be part of Jones’ personal success story and to provide a learning environment where future healthcare professionals with unique abilities can develop training to provide patients valuable empathy and support in providing comprehensive care.   

In addition to her academic achievements, Jones is also a dedicated mother to six children. Balancing her studies with the demands of parenthood was no small feat, and her degree confirmation was the ultimate proof that anyone could overcome any obstacle. As she graduates, Jones is also preparing for her first job as an emergency room nurse at an HCA Healthcare Florida hospital.   

In her new position with HCA Healthcare, she’ll be able to connect with patients in the ER in ways only someone who has faced significant personal challenges can. Her experience provides her with an important foundational understanding of vulnerability, which will help her offer medical care and emotional support to her patients.   

With her degree in hand and a new career beginning, Amber Jones embodies the power of perseverance and the belief that dreams are attainable, no matter the obstacles. Her words capture her journey perfectly: “Despite whatever happens to you, it’s possible to be something still and follow your dreams.” 

If Jones’ story inspires you and you want to learn more about our approach to nursing education, check out this guide on how to get started.