NMC highlights AHEC Scholar Kimberly Babauta Hofschneider

Northern Marianas College proudly presents Kimberly Babauta Hofschneider, a second-year Nursing student, as the featured Area Health Education Center Scholar for 2024 National AHEC Week.

Through the AHEC Scholars Program, Hofschneider has broadened her skillset and gained a deeper understanding of rural healthcare. On top of immersing herself in 80 hours of clinical rotations, she has strengthened her theoretical knowledge through 80 hours of engaging coursework centered on AHEC Scholars core topic areas. These topics encompass Interprofessional Education, Behavioral Health Integration, the Social Determinants of Health, Cultural Competency, Practice Transformation, Virtual Learning and Telehealth, Connecting Communities and Supporting Health Professionals, and keeping abreast of the latest health concerns.

With an expected graduation in May 2024, Hofschneider’s remarkable journey at NMC is characterized by her unwavering dedication to healthcare and her profound commitment to serving the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands.

Hofschneider’s transformative experience at NMC has been instrumental in shaping her passion for nursing. Originally an Accounting major at the University of Portland, Hofschneider’s career trajectory took a pivotal turn when she had the opportunity to work at Kaiser Permanente. Her subsequent roles as a cardiology scheduler and imaging assistant at Kaiser Westside Hospital exposed her to the intricacies of healthcare and ignited her passion for serving others.

Reflecting on her time at NMC, Hofschneider said, “Northern Marianas College has been the cornerstone of my journey into nursing. The supportive environment and quality education provided by NMC have equipped me with the knowledge and skills necessary to pursue my passion for healthcare.”

Hofschneider’s commitment to nursing extends beyond the classroom as she envisions making significant contributions to healthcare in the CNMI. With a particular interest in dermatology, she aims to provide specialized care focusing on integumentary health and treatments, addressing a critical aspect of healthcare often overlooked in the region. Despite the rigorous demands of the nursing program, Hofschneider has demonstrated resilience and determination in managing her workload while maintaining a healthy work-life balance. From planning childcare arrangements to prioritizing her physical and mental well-being, Hofschneider’s dedication to self-care serves as a testament to her unwavering commitment to excellence.

“My journey at Northern Marianas College has prepared me to provide the best quality nursing care for the people of the CNMI,” Hofschneider said. “I am grateful for the support and guidance I have received throughout my time at NMC.”

When asked about the importance of supporting our nursing workforce, Hoschneider said, “Our islands are isolated and our medical services are very limited. It’s crucial that we have a strong, knowledgeable, and professional group of nurses who will be caring for the people of the CNMI. Nurses are usually the first point of care. The initial encounter with a client is crucial in building rapport and trust. Building a trusting relationship between healthcare professionals and clients is so important when it comes to providing medical treatments, health education, and client adherence to new healthcare regimes.”

As Hofschneider continues her journey toward becoming a registered nurse, her exemplary dedication and passion for healthcare exemplify the values of NMC and that of the AHEC Scholars Program. Her story serves as an inspiration to her peers and underscores the transformative impact of education in shaping the future of healthcare in the CNMI.

For more information about AHEC or the AHEC Scholars Program, contact (670) 237-6802/6810 or email at ahec@marianas.edu.

Editor’s Note

The week of March 25-29, 2024, marks National Area Health Education Center week, during which Northern Marianas College will highlight its AHEC scholars. These scholars are currently pursuing studies to become registered nurses, aiming to bolster the local healthcare workforce and contribute to the community of CNMI.