After 14 years spent in higher education, Jennifer Dahmani is set to graduate in May with a post-graduate certificate in the psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner program.
Over the years, Dahmani has earned a bachelor of arts degree with a concentration on interdisciplinary studies in natural sciences, a master of science in health administration and a master of science in nursing.
Nursing student Jennifer Dahmani is set to graduate in May with a post-graduate certificate in the psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner program.
With her successes, though, have come multiple struggles.
“The start of my journey was anything but easy,” Dahmani said. “A life-changing event deeply affected my family and set the stage for many personal adversities throughout my life. However, despite these challenges, I never allowed any one of them to dictate the direction I set for myself.”
Dahmani said her goal was to pursue an education that would allow her to provide a better life for her daughter.
“I began my studies in Arizona in 2004 but could not continue due to a hardship I had encountered,” she said. “In 2008, I returned to Toledo, where I continued my education with the support of my parents. I am forever grateful to my mother, father and stepmother, whose unwavering support has been instrumental in my success.
“My mother and stepmother had inspired me to become a nurse,” Dahmani added. “My mother had always worked in healthcare. She was the kind of nurse who went above and beyond her duties. She was empathetic, compassionate and caring. After she retired, she still cared for others when needed.”
After performing her psychiatric rotation in nursing school, Dahmani said she was inspired by a particular patient to pursue a career in the mental health field, specifically a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner.
“One of the most memorable moments during nursing school at UToledo occurred during my psychiatric rotation at Flower Hospital. I encountered a patient whose story captivated me and ignited my passion for mental healthcare. It was during this experience that I knew my purpose: to help those struggling with mental illness.”
Dr. Holly Myers, instructor in the UToledo College of Nursing, said Dahmani’s journey as a nurse can be described as one of profound resilience and dedication.
“Jennifer has faced and conquered numerous life challenges, each one shaping her path toward becoming not only a nurse but also now a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner,” Myers said. “Through every obstacle, Jennifer found the drive to push forward, turning hardships into lessons that fuel her passion for mental healthcare. Now, as a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner, she brings not only clinical expertise but a personal understanding of the power of healing, advocating for those facing mental health challenges with compassion and insight born from her own experiences.”
Nursing is not Dahmani’s only future goal, though.
“I hope to finish writing and eventually publish several books I have been working on over the years,” she said. “I started writing as a way to cope with my mental struggles. I have a couple other books that I am working on, including one I hope to finish by the end of the year. I have always had a great imagination and love the fact that I can piece together a story worth sharing.”
Now, with her long educational journey nearing its end, Dahmani said she looks forward to pursuing her future ambitions.
“One of my long-term goals is to build strong therapeutic relationships with patients, make a meaningful impact on their lives, and ultimately open my own practice,” she said. “I look forward to becoming a provider as it allows me to make a meaningful impact on people’s lives, to be more active within the community dealing with mental health and to be independent.”
