Destany Heath has always enjoyed helping people, so a career in the medical field felt like a natural fit. In February of 2026, she graduated with an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) from Carrington College. This huge accomplishment was not without its challenges, but she persevered and learned to lean on those who were there to support her along the way.
Destany began her journey in the Practical Nursing (PN) program at Carrington College, where she graduated and passed her National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nurses (NCLEX-PN). Committed to advancing in the nursing profession, she then enrolled in the ADN program.
Candice Bethoney, Assistant Dean of Nursing, nominated Destany for the graduate spotlight, citing her excellent academic and clinical abilities in both programs. “Throughout her time at Carrington College, Destany was known for her positive attitude, willingness to learn, and strong work ethic,” Candice says. “Her professionalism made her an asset to her cohort and a standout student.”
Candice also mentions that, during the PN program, Destany served as the student council representative for her cohort, where she led, supported, and mentored her peers.
Heather Griesel, Destany’s Level 5 medical-surgical clinical nursing instructor, recalls Destany’s professionalism, humility, optimism, and perseverance during their clinical rotation. “She was a team player who was willing to help others, but she also admitted when she needed help,” Heather says. “On her final clinical evaluation, Destany wrote, ‘Thank you for being so positive and bringing the best energy even when we were struggling.’ I could’ve written very similar sentiments about her!”
It was a pleasure to speak with Destany, who shares more about her time at Carrington College, her new career, and the ‘why’ that kept her focused when the going got tough.
What did you do before you studied nursing?
I was a medical assistant for pediatric endocrinology for one year.
How did you know that you wanted to study nursing?
I have always enjoyed helping people, but when I gave birth to my son, the labor and delivery nurses helped me so much; that inspired me. After that experience, I knew I wanted to further my career and become a labor and delivery nurse.
What made you choose the program at Carrington College?
My son’s Godmother works for Carrington College, so she shared information about the program with me, which led me to the decision to enroll.
What was your favorite part of the program?
The instructors! They are so supportive. My husband was deployed while I was in the ADN program, and that was very difficult. I leaned on my instructors a lot; it was amazing to have them there for me.
That must have been so hard. How did you handle the other challenges at school?
The program is academically challenging, so I struggled a bit trying to balance everything with my husband away—but I leaned on my friends, family, and teachers to help get me through the challenges. When you’re working for something that you really want, you can make it through.
Where did you do your externship? How was that experience?
We went to Lovelace and Presbyterian hospitals. My favorite part was the OB part; that helped me gain more passion for OB and helped solidify my decision to enter that field.
You were a student council representative while at Carrington College, too. What was that like?
During PN, I was a student council rep for our cohort. I was there to help communicate the messages and needs of the group when we went to council meetings.
Where do you work now? Can you tell us about your job?
I just accepted a Labor and Delivery nursing position at Presbyterian hospital; I’m really excited about it.
Our department has a specialty unit for high-risk or difficult labor; we do OB triage and have an on-call schedule.
What do you think was the best part of the nursing programs at Carrington College?
This program truly prepares you for taking your NCLEX. When I took the NCLEX for both PN and ADN, I passed on the first try—I know that was due to them preparing us so well.
Do you have any words of advice or encouragement for someone just beginning the nursing program at Carrington College?
Remember that it’s okay—and it’s good—to ask questions. There are no dumb questions.
Something that has helped me through hard times is to always remember my “why,” as in, “Why am I doing this?”
Keep that “why” clear in your mind. My personal “why” is to provide my son and family with the life I never had when I was growing up; I also want to be someone who helps people at one of their most vulnerable times in life.
When you encounter stress, it’s so important to be able to recall your own “why;” pushing through will continue to help you grow. It’s not easy, but in the end, it’s worth it.
