When most people think about earning a nursing degree, they don’t picture someone who is just 19 years old. But for Kemari Allen, becoming a nurse has been a goal she has pursued with determination and purpose from an early age.

Allen, who works at HCA North Florida when she is not in school, enrolled at Galen’s Gainesville campus in 2025 immediately after graduating from high school. While nursing was not always part of her plan, a deeply personal experience helped shape the path she is on today.

After watching her great-grandmother battle cancer, Allen found herself inspired by the care and compassion she witnessed from the nurses who supported both her family and their loved one during a difficult time.

“When she was on her deathbed and dying, I remember watching the nurses come in and seeing how they cared not only for her, but for our entire family,” Allen said. “The way they communicated with us, comforted us, and made sure she was receiving the best care really stuck with me. That’s when I realized this is something I want to do. I want to be that person for someone else one day.”

That experience motivated Allen to pursue nursing, but she says her role as a patient care technician has been equally important in preparing her for a future career at the bedside.

“Being a tech while I’m in nursing school has helped me so much,” Allen said. “I feel like it gives me a different perspective than just being a student. I get to see what nurses do every day, how they interact with patients, and how much critical thinking goes into the job. It’s shown me what nursing is really like, and it’s made me even more excited about my future.”

Balancing work and school can be challenging, but Allen says the experience has reinforced her passion for healthcare and strengthened her confidence as she continues her education.

“Some days are hard, but every day I learn something new,” Allen said. “Whether it’s communicating with patients, helping families, or watching nurses handle difficult situations, I know I’m gaining valuable experience that will help me become the nurse I want to be.”

Allen is one of many aspiring nurses pursuing their education while working in healthcare. Through educational assistance and professional development opportunities, HCA Healthcare supports colleagues who want to advance their careers in nursing and other healthcare professions. These programs help make higher education more accessible and create pathways for colleagues to grow within the organization.

Each year, HCA Healthcare professionals participate in a special program called Walk in Your World, where they spend a day shadowing HCA employees to learn more about their experiences and the journey toward becoming a nurse. This year, Allen was chosen to take part in the program.

Lacy Phillips, MSN, RN, with HCA Healthcare, spent the day alongside Allen and quickly saw firsthand the qualities that set her apart.

“Kemari brings so much kindness and compassion to her patients,” Phillips said. “She makes it a priority to keep patients informed, communicate what is happening, and most importantly, anticipate their needs. Those seemingly small moments can make a tremendous difference when someone is in the hospital. Her dedication to patient care is evident in every interaction.”

For Allen, being selected for Walk in Your World was both surprising and meaningful.

“It was honestly such an honor,” Allen said. “I never expected to be chosen. Knowing that someone recognized the work I’m doing and wanted to learn more about my experience was really encouraging. It reminded me why I started this journey in the first place.”

As she continues working toward her nursing degree, Allen remains focused on providing the same level of compassion and care that first inspired her years ago.

“At the end of the day, I just want patients to know that someone cares about them,” Allen said. “If I can make even one person feel more comfortable, more understood, or a little less scared, then I know I’m making a difference.”

For a 19-year-old already balancing nursing school and hands-on experience in a hospital setting, Allen is proving that age is just a number when it comes to making an impact in healthcare.

Like Allen, many healthcare professionals begin their nursing journey with a desire to make a difference. Whether you’re exploring nursing school for the first time or are already an HCA Healthcare colleague looking to advance your education, resources are available to help you achieve your goals. Learn more about Galen College of Nursing programs and HCA Healthcare’s education assistance opportunities today.