16-year-old makes history as ‘youngest nurse in America’

California native Elliana Tenenbaum has achieved something unheard of in the health care industry. Only 16 years old, Tenenbaum has completed an accelerated nursing program and earned a bachelor of science in nursing – possibly becoming the youngest nurse in America. The program, which she completed at Arizona State University before getting her driver’s license, took 16 months to finish. It featured everything expected of a four-year degree nursing program, including clinical simulations and handson experience.

To make it all happen, Tenenbaum “breezed through high school” while doubling up on college courses, according to Arizona State University.

“Most of my peers know, and I have been unconditionally accepted,” Tenenbaum told local news outlet Arizona’s Family. “I’m incredibly excited. It’s a culmination of all the dedication put into this program and nursing.”

While Tenenbaum began taking college courses in high school, her focus was never on just graduating early. It was on becoming the youngest nurse in America.

“It wasn’t about what age I wanted to do something or what amount of time, but I knew this was the right pathway for me, and why hold myself back when I could get started,” she said.

Tenenbaum is now working to earn her driver’s license so she can begin looking for her first nursing job. After that, she wants to further her education by earning a doctorate of nursing practice.

“It’s incredible,” Edson College clinical assistant professor Natalie Bowen told Arizona State University. “I can’t even fathom accomplishing what she has accomplished at her age. It just speaks volumes to her maturity and drive because she’s up there with the top of her class.

“I would be her patient any day. I’m so excited for her future.”

I KNEW THIS WAS THE RIGHT PATHWAY FOR ME. Elliana Tenenbaum