Carlos Howell is a veteran of the United States Army Reserve. At the age of 46, he is also a 2021 graduate of Hillsborough Community College’s nursing program.
His journey to becoming a college graduate was not an easy one.
At the age of nine, he made the move from Barbados to New York with his mother, where he would grow up and work as an emergency medical technician, paramedic and a firefighter, all for the New York City Fire Department.
Eventually, he would join the U.S. Army Reserve.
“April 6, 2008 is when I was first shipped out to Fort Sill in Oklahoma for my basic training. Then I was sent to Fort Sam Houston in Texas to complete my combat medic certification and start Stage 1 of the Army’s LPN [Licensed Practical Nurse] program. Stage 2 and 3 I completed at Fort Lewis in Washington state and I officially became an LPN in 2009.”
At the time, the demand for LPNs in New York was low and Carlos was making more income still working as a firefighter. He admits the only real hands-on experience he had as an LPN was when he was on active duty.
Before enrolling at HCC Dale Mabry in fall 2018, he was stationed at Fort Bliss in Texas, where he was finishing an active duty tour. When his tour was done, he made the decision not to return to New York, but instead settle in Ruskin, FL, where it would be more affordable and closer to his two adult children.
“Before I even made the move down, I knew I wanted to continue my education. I first applied to USF, but because I hadn’t been in school since the 90s, my GPA wasn’t what they were looking for. Thankfully, they pointed me in the direction of HCC.”
“I met with an HCC counselor who helped me figure out everything I needed to know as both a new student and as a student veteran. We came up with a plan that would first have me complete my AA degree while also completing my prerequisites for the nursing program.”
While working on his AA, Carlos enrolled in the HCC entrepreneurship program, where he met Professor Andy Gold, who would encourage him to continue his education despite difficult family matters.
In March 2020, Carlos’ mother was diagnosed with terminal breast cancer after already surviving the disease 19 years prior.
“Without Professor Gold I would have given up on school altogether. I was in the entrepreneurship program when I got the news about my mom. I spoke to him about my situation and he’s the one that told me ‘Look, I think you should continue with school, work on moving your mom down here and spend whatever time you have left with her.’
His advice was spot on; it’s what I needed to hear, and it's exactly what I did.
I flew back to New York to take care of her and unfortunately, we both came down with COVID-19. After a few months, I moved her down to Florida so I could continue the nursing program and take care of her.”
In May 2020, Carlos was accepted into the HCC Nursing program. Specifically, a transition program offered by HCC where Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) can pursue a Registered Nurse (RN) degree. The transition program, widely known as a Bridge program, is exclusively offered at the Dale Mabry Campus and can be completed in three semesters.
“I started the program during the peak of COVID-19 and for someone like myself who didn’t have much previous LPN experience, all the professors were incredibly patient and instructive.
The last time I was in a physical classroom was in the late 90s, so for me, being in an online program had its challenges. But the instructors made it work and always guided me in the right direction. They did a really great job at keeping everyone on track.”
During his time in the program, Carlos did extensive clinical hours at first AdventHealth and then Tampa General Hospital.
Unfortunately, in March 2021, just a few months before completing the program, his mother passed away.
“These last few months have been incredibly difficult, but Professor Kathrine McGill was my lifeline during the situation and without her there is no way I would have made it to the end of the program, no way.
Professor Gold was my guiding light in accepting my situation, but that role was passed on to Professor McGill because she’s the one that helped me through the worst of my mom's illness and eventual passing.
Both of them were instrumental in my journey and without them I wouldn't be here.”
On Monday, May 10, a pinning ceremony was held on the Dale Mabry Campus to celebrate the graduation of six cohorts from the HCC nursing program.
Up next for Carlos is taking the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX).
“After that I’m going to apply to the USF bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) program, which is all online. During that time, I’d like to also take advantage of a nursing residency program, specifically the StaRN [Specialty Training Apprenticeship for Registered Nurses] program, which is through HCA Healthcare.
Personally, I feel like I could benefit from more hands-on training, so through a residency program I know I'll receive more simulations, training, mentorship and clinical hours.
That’s where I’m hoping to start after HCC, but in the future, I’d love to do more to further my career as a registered nurse with the Army and for my unit.”
As a piece of advice to future nursing students, Carlos says, “Don’t wait, don’t give up, and if you know that you’re struggling, ask the faculty for help. Your professors are there because they are experts in the material. If you need a little extra help, they can provide you with the additional resources you need to be successful. Don’t be afraid to ask them what your weaknesses are as a student and as a future healthcare professional.”
Students wishing to inquire more about the HCC nursing program can visit our website or email healthsciences@hccfl.edu.