UA College of Nursing Class of 2018: Sobia Fatima Zehri

UA College of Nursing Class of 2018: Sobia Fatima Zehri

BSN program; Arizona Nursing Inclusive Excellence (ANIE) student

Why did you decide to pursue a career in nursing?

I’ve always known that I want a career in the healthcare field. When I was young, I was diagnosed with epilepsy, and my family and I really appreciated the healthcare professionals who took their time to educate us and guide us. This motivated me to be a healthcare professional who provides family- and patient-centered care. I specifically chose nursing because I like the holistic approach to patient care, and I like how every day is exciting and different and there are many different career opportunities for nurses. 

What drew you to the UA College of Nursing?

I saw that it was one of the top nursing programs in the country. I attended the nursing workshops for pre-nursing students, and I liked the program.

What features of your program/specialty are you especially passionate about?

I like getting to know my patients and making connections with them. I love that in nursing there’s not just an emphasis on treating the patient physically, but there’s also importance in addressing the patient’s psychological and spiritual needs. 

“I like the different opportunities provided by the ANIE program. I especially appreciated the summer program because I was able to get extra experience in clinical and practice my skills throughout the summer." ~ Sobia Fatima Zehri, NSN program, Arizona Nursing Inclusive Excellence (ANIE) student

How did being part of the ANIE program help you with your academic journey?

I like the different opportunities provided by the ANIE program. I especially appreciated the summer program because I was able to get extra experience in clinical and practice my skills throughout the summer. I think this really helped me become more confident and more prepared for fourth semester. 

Share your favorite memory from your time at the CON

I don’t have a specific memory. One of my favorite parts of being part of the CON is making friends that I was able to share this journey with and who I know will be part of my life even after we graduate. 

What are your goals/plans for the future?

I accepted a job at Wake Forest High Point Medical Center in North Carolina on a neurovascular unit that I will start in February. I am excited to start this job and move to NC to be closer to family. My goals for the future are to become a clinical instructor and nurse practitioner after getting experience working as an RN. I also really enjoy public health nursing, and would like to get involved in that in the future, too.

Where are you from originally?

I was born and raised in Arizona, but my parents are from Pakistan. 

Do you hold any other degrees?

I will also graduate with a bachelors in physiology in December. 

As you prepare to graduate, do you have any words of advice for incoming nursing students?

I would tell incoming nursing students to take time out for self-care and to spend time with family and friends. Nursing school can definitely get stressful and you want to take time to relieve your stress so you can be a better student and not go insane.