Da’Yona Johnson was born and raised in St. Louis, Missouri, and moved to Mason City with her family in 2016. Her interest in healthcare started early while attending North Technical High School, a vocational school where she spent half her day in traditional classes and the other half in a Health Sciences program. There, she began training as a Certified Nursing Assistant and discovered a lasting interest in anatomy, physiology, and medical terminology. When Da’Yona decided to continue her education at North Iowa Area Community College, she found a learning environment that helped her build on that foundation and take her first real step into a healthcare career.
Da’Yona earned her Nurse Aide Certificate from NIACC in November 2020, an achievement that marked the beginning of her nursing journey. “NIACC gave me a fresh start,” she said. “The class sizes were smaller, the instructors were approachable, and I had constant access to labs and resources.” Her success in the Nurse Aide program inspired her to keep going, earning her Associate in Arts in Pre-ADN Studies, Associate in Science in Pre-BSN Studies, and a certificate in Coaching in 2021. In December 2024, she reached her goal of graduating with her Associate in Applied Science, Associate Degree in Nursing.
Today, Da’Yona works the night shift at MercyOne North Iowa on the medical-surgical unit. She enjoys the challenges that come with caring for patients in a fast-paced environment. “Each day I come into work, I continue to learn and problem-solve,” she said. “Being able to advocate for my patients and see them improve is what keeps me going.” Like many new nurses, Da’Yona has faced moments of self-doubt. “Imposter syndrome was a real challenge at first,” she shared. “Adjusting from student to provider can be overwhelming, but leaning on mentors, supervisors, and coworkers helped me find my footing.”
Da’Yona credits NIACC’s nursing faculty, many of whom are graduates of the same program, with preparing her for the realities of the job. “They understand the challenges firsthand and bring real-world experience to the classroom,” she said. Her advice to others considering healthcare: “Don’t be afraid to try something new – whether you’re just out of high school or changing careers. Healthcare offers so many paths to explore. Stay determined, stay curious, and keep learning. The journey can be hard, but you’re capable of doing hard things.”
NIACC’s Nurse Aide Certificate, Practical Nursing Diploma, and Associate Degree in Nursing programs are here to help you start your journey in healthcare.
Your future can start with a simple conversation. Schedule a campus visit and meet with an Enrollment Specialist to explore your options.
