Today we’d like to introduce you to Dr. Jonathan V. Llamas.
Dr. Llamas, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
Ten years ago, a university advisor said to me “You’re not good enough to be in the nursing program. You don’t have the grades, the skillset, or the academic pedigree to become a successful nurse and you should consider switching your major.”
Growing up, I was never the smartest nor the most successful individual in my class. I was considered to be an average student by most of my teachers and was never particularly gifted in science or math.
When I graduated high school, I had an extremely difficult time getting accepted into a nursing program. I was constantly rejected from various nursing schools due to my poor academic performance and I began to feel hopeless, lost, and uncertain about my future.
Despite the enormous obstacles and adversities that I had to endure, my family refused to give up on me. They taught me the power of prayer and encouraged me to pray daily and often and to ultimately trust in God’s divine plan for me.
Because of prayer, I not only developed a newfound confidence in myself but also a heightened appreciation for God and the inner strength that He has continued to provide me till this very day.
Now, as a doctorate prepared Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, I use my story to inspire and motivate others to rise above adversity while encouraging them to be the authors of their own story of greatness.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
When I first began nursing school, I was completely unprepared for the academic expectations that were required of me.
Due to my immaturity, my grades suffered immensely during the early stages of my academic career and I was humiliated and rejected from numerous nursing schools prior to attending West Coast University.
Despite the enormous obstacles and adversities that I had to endure, WCU provided me the opportunity to redeem myself and to achieve my dream of becoming a registered nurse.
Because of the university and the unyielding support of my family, I learned the importance of developing a resilient mindset which is crucial to success.
Therefore, I am a strong supporter of positive thinking and learning from the mistakes you made.
Only by developing resilience can we truly set specific and achievable personal goals that not only match our values but also build on our self-confidence.
We’d love to hear more about your work and what you are currently focused on. What else should we know?
After successfully completing my BSN program at West Coast University in 2013, I had the unique privilege to work as a registered nurse in various specialties including the ER, ICU, and inpatient psychiatric settings.
After working as a nurse for two years, I later enrolled in the BSN-DNP program at Loma Linda University where I recently received my Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Degree with a concentration as a Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner in 2019.
Currently I function as a Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner at an outpatient private practice in Beverly Hills where I mainly treat adult patients suffering from various psychiatric illnesses and conditions.
In addition to this, I also serve as the Chapter President for the WCU Alumni Association as well as a freelance writer for Minority Nurse Magazine (Springer Publishing Group) and NP Student Magazine.
My favorite part about nursing is that is one of the very few professions that truly provide tangible satisfaction in helping others achieve goals, whether through mental health promotion or nursing education.
Having an influence on patients, students, and the community is the greatest reward and I am extremely fortunate and blessed to have the opportunity to make a difference in the world one patient at a time.
Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
Growing up in a predominately Filipino culture, I was exposed early on to Filipino values and beliefs that delivered a unique introduction to the field of Nursing.
After I graduated high school in 2008, I was extremely fortunate to take part in a medical mission trip overseas serving the underserved populations in the Philippines.
During my time abroad, I was inspired by the amount of compassion the nurses and medical staff exemplified in the clinical setting.
As a volunteer, I was also astonished not only by the sheer magnitude of homelessness that has stricken the country but also by the positive impact that I was making on a daily basis.
By allowing myself to be immersed in the service of others, I developed an unyielding compassion toward others that ultimately compelled me to pursue my degree in Nursing.
Also, I wouldn’t be in the position that I’m in today without the unyielding prayers and support of my family. I truly believe that God had a plan and purpose for me and I’m extremely fortunate and blessed that my family remained supportive of me especially during the early stages of my academic career.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathanvllamas/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jonvraphael/
- Other: https://www.communitypsychiatry.com/providers/jonathan-v-llamas-dnp-pmhnp-bc/
Image Credit:
Matt Paragas Photography (@mattp.photos)
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