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Success Spotlights

Advocating Through Care: Elham’s Concorde Nursing Journey

Concorde Staff

Concorde Staff

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Updated January 13, 2026. The information contained in this blog is current and accurate as of this date.
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Meet Elham D., a licensed registered nurse (RN) who provides compassionate care to veterans at the VA Medical Center in Aurora, CO. Her journey into nursing began with a powerful purpose—after witnessing her parents face discrimination in healthcare, Elham made the decision to shift from teaching English to advocating for patients as a nurse.

A graduate of both Practical Nursing (PN) program and Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program at Concorde Aurora, Elham’s story is a reminder that it’s never too late to change direction, pursue your passion, and make a meaningful impact. 

Finding Purpose Through Advocacy

Before entering the healthcare field, Elham was on a different course. Her original dream was to be an English teacher, and she pursued it wholeheartedly, earning her bachelor’s degree from the University of California-Riverside followed by a master’s degree from National University.

Though she loved teaching, her path began to shift during doctor’s visits with her parents. Elham witnessed firsthand the subtle but painful ways they were treated differently, facing discrimination rooted in their age, cultural background, and the fact that English wasn’t their first language.

Determined to advocate for them more effectively, Elham became a certified nursing assistant (CNA) to better understand the healthcare system from the inside. What started as a way to support her family quickly became a calling.

“I decided to become a nurse with the idea that I want to break those biases and show people that you can be from a different culture, know different languages, and still completely comprehend medical terminology," Elham says. “This way not only can I help my parents, but also anyone else that's going through the same thing of being discriminated against or is in a vulnerable population." 

A New Chapter Begins

Elham first learned about Concorde through her sister, a graduate of the San Diego campus who spoke highly of her experience. Elham knew a move to Colorado was on the horizon, but she met with the San Diego admissions team and was immediately impressed by their professionalism and helpfulness.

Discovering that Concorde had a campus in Aurora made her decision feel like fate. Once she moved and visited the Aurora campus, the welcoming environment mirrored San Diego, solidifying her choice to enroll.

Elham started the PN program in 2020, just as the COVID-19 pandemic was unfolding. From the classroom to clinicals, she gained knowledge that prepared her for what to expect in the field.

“The PN program set us up for success to know what to deal with, what's coming our way and what we could see in the future,” Elham says. “The instructors were very involved, and they helped you every step of the way.”

Elham was also honored to serve as a Lamplighter Student Ambassador, a role she fully devoted herself to. From tutoring fellow nursing students to organizing the campus food pantry and helping peers with gas money, she consistently supported her fellow students.

“I got to help others, and that's why I did it,” Elham says. “That's what it's all about—community, respecting each other, helping one another and cheering for each other's growth.” 

From PN to BSN

After graduating from the PN program, Elham obtained her license, and was working as an LPN when an unexpected message sparked her next move. In September 2022, she received a text about a new Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program launching at Concorde’s Aurora campus. 

She had already been thinking about getting her BSN, and the message felt like a clear sign to take the next step. Elham visited the Aurora campus to learn more. Just days later, she was back in class, officially beginning her BSN journey the following Monday.

For Elham, returning to Concorde was a natural choice. The support and guidance she had experienced during her PN program made it an easy decision to continue her education there. 

In February 2025, Elham became one of the first graduates of Concorde Aurora’s BSN program. Soon after, she passed her licensure exam and officially became a registered nurse (RN).

Elham found her decision to return for a BSN deeply rewarding—and she’s proud of how far she’s come. “The BSN program was tough in a good way,” Elham reflects. “I worked full-time, and the day that we took our final exam, I think I cried for an hour straight because that was the happiest day of my life. It felt good that I had accomplished something big.” 

Advancing Your Nursing Career: Tips for Going Back to School

Returning to school as a nurse is a great way to expand your skills and open doors to leadership roles. Whether you're moving from PN to BSN or exploring other nursing pathways, here are some practical tips to help you along the way: 

  1. Clarify Your Career Goals: Decide whether you're aiming for bedside leadership, public health, education, or advanced practice nursing.
  2. Choose the Right Program Format: Look for flexible options like hybrid or evening classes that fit your work schedule and lifestyle.
  3. Lean on Your Experience: Your time as a PN gives you a strong clinical foundation—use it to your advantage and apply it to your coursework.
  4. Build a Support Network: Connect with peers, mentors, and faculty who understand the unique challenges of returning to school.
  5. Stay Organized and Motivated: Use planners, apps, or study groups to stay on track and celebrate small wins along the way.
  6. Explore Financial Aid and Scholarships: Many programs offer funding specifically for working nurses or returning students. 

Continuing Her Mission

Today, Elham works at the VA Medical Center in Aurora, where she continues her mission of advocating for vulnerable populations—this time, for those who have served their country. She takes time to connect with each veteran and their families, honoring their stories and sacrifices through compassionate care.

“They're the people that fought for our rights,” Elham says. “In my eyes, they deserve the best care, and if I can be part of that and provide that care, you bet I'm going to do everything I can.”

For Elham, nursing isn’t just a career—it’s a calling to uplift, protect, and empower. From her early commitment to serving underserved communities to her current work with veterans, Elham embodies the values of a healthcare professional dedicated to making a meaningful difference in the lives of those who need it most.

Inspired by Elham's story of becoming a nurse to make a difference? Consider taking the next step by exploring our nursing programs at Concorde, where you'll learn from experienced faculty and gain hands-on career training. Contact our admissions team or schedule a tour to learn more and begin your journey.

Take The Next Step Towards a Brighter Future

Interested in learning more about our Nursing (Pre-Licensure) program?

We have a Concorde representative ready to talk about what matters most to you. Get answers about start dates, curriculum, financial aid, scholarships and more!

  1. Program length may be subject to change dependent on transfer credits and course load. Please refer to current course catalog for more information. Concorde does not guarantee admittance, graduation, subsequent employment or salary amount.

  2. Professional certification is not a requirement for graduation, may not be a requirement for employment nor does it guarantee employment.

  3. Financial aid is available to those who qualify but may not be available for all programs. Concorde does not guarantee financial aid or scholarship awards or amounts.

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  5. Registration and certification requirements for taking and passing these examinations are not controlled by Concorde, but by outside agencies, and are subject to change by the agency without notice. Therefore, Concorde cannot guarantee that graduates will be eligible to take these exams, at all or at any specific time, regardless of their eligibility status upon enrollment.

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