From car living to cardiovascular nurse
In 2017, Kiri Rohne had a dream: to move out of her four-door home, a Toyota Cressida.
Five years later, she would be not only be out of her car but also working in a hospital after completing her entire nursing pathway — from certified nurse aide to Bachelor of Science in Nursing — at San Jacinto College.
Overcoming ‘late’ start
At 31, Rohne thought it was too late and costly to pursue college, despite wanting to help others as a nurse.
While working at Chick-fil-A, she learned San Jac offered scholarships and affordable tuition — plus flexible classes to fit around her job.
“It gave me hope that I would be able to go to school to become a nurse no matter how long it took me,” she said.
Rolling up sleeves
In 2018, Rohne finished San Jac’s certified nurse aide program, got her license, and started working with nursing home residents. This role deepened her desire to help patients of all ages.
When she transitioned to the College’s vocational nursing program, Rohne faced her biggest challenge yet — balancing full weekdays of classes and clinicals and almost 17hour shifts on Saturday and Sunday. She continued this schedule while going straight into the LVN to RN transition nursing program.
“There were a lot of tears through the process, and exhaustion was definitely a thing,” she said. “But to get where I wanted to be, I was going to have to push through it to make it happen.”
A registered nurse by 2021, Rohne still wasn’t done. She immediately enrolled in San Jac’s oneyear BSN program — training that would open nursing leadership roles.
Reaping rewards
Today, Rohne is a board-certified cardiovascular nurse at HCA Health Care Clear Lake Heart Hospital. No longer does she worry about a steady paycheck.
While her San Jac training prepared her for real-world nursing, she credits much of her success to her college support system.
“I remember the teachers and staff being so sympathetic and going out of their way to help me,” she said. “I always knew they wanted me to succeed. They didn’t just say it, but I could feel it.”
Now, as a nurse, Rohne fulfills her two core desires: helping and learning.
“Health is more than physical, and I strive every day — every shift — to help brighten the spirits of my patients,” she said. “I also always crave learning ... and the nursing field is quite literally packed with things to learn.”
Rohne embraces the journey she’s traveled, knowing that her difficulties led to sweeter success.
“I’m proud of my story and how hard I fought to get here,” she said.
“When people ask me where I graduated, I’m proud to say San Jacinto College.”