Jennifer Swomley (top) and Joseph McIntire (bottom) at the CCC Nurses Pinning Ceremony held on May 9, 2024. Courtesy photos.
FLAGSTAFF — Coconino Community College’s nursing program recently celebrated the achievements of two of its graduates, Jennifer Swomley and Joseph McIntire. Each brings a unique background and a personal story of dedication to the nursing field, reflecting both the diversity and the challenges of modern healthcare education.
Jennifer Swomley, 27, moved from Colorado to Flagstaff in 2021, drawn not only by personal relationships but also by the strong reputation of Coconino’s nursing program. Initially interested in becoming a firefighter, influenced by her friends in the emergency services, Swomley’s career path took a pivotal turn after her experiences on an ambulance crew. These experiences exposed her to the realities and complexities of medical care, sparking a new passion for nursing. “I was drawn to the depth of patient interaction and the broader scope of care I could provide as a nurse,” Swomley explained.
While pursuing her degree, Swomley worked as a pediatric tech at a local hospital, a job that not only helped finance her education but also deepened her understanding of pediatric care. Nursing, for Swomley, became a link to her family’s history—she discovered during her studies that her great grandmother and an aunt were both nurses, adding a layer of personal significance to her chosen career.
Joseph McIntire, 36, brings a diverse range of experiences to his nursing career. His first job out of high school was building jumps for the X Games, followed by various culinary positions. He later transitioned into healthcare, working as an EMT and a medical assistant. McIntire’s journey into nursing was driven by a desire to enhance his ability to care for others beyond the limitations of his previous roles. “Each role taught me the importance of immediate and effective care, and advancing to nursing felt like the natural next step,” said McIntire.
Balancing his family life with education, McIntire faced the challenges of nursing school while being a stay-at-home dad. His wife, Jyll, played a crucial supportive role, helping him manage his time between studies, family obligations, and his part-time job as a DJ, which provided some financial relief during his schooling.
The nursing program itself was described by both Swomley and McIntire as rigorous and demanding, yet deeply rewarding. Swomley appreciated the structure of the coursework, which built upon previous knowledge systematically, while McIntire highlighted the support from faculty and the real-world applicability of the clinical experiences. Both faced personal and academic challenges that tested their resilience and commitment to their future professions.
As they look to the future, both graduates have clear but distinct paths. Swomley has a conditional offer to join the pediatric ICU unit at Flagstaff Medical Center, dependent on her passing the NCLEX. Her aim is to specialize in pediatric care, a field she is passionate about due to her experiences at the hospital. McIntire, on the other hand, looks forward to a new graduate program that offers rotations through different units, allowing him to gain a broad spectrum of experiences. He hopes to secure a position where he can leverage his extensive background and newly acquired skills to make a significant impact.
About Coconino Community College — Coconino Community College has served residents across 18,000 square miles of Coconino County since 1991. The College has the goal of improving the lives of our residents through workforce development and higher education.
CCC provides affordable tuition and offers certificate programs and two-year associate degrees in academic and career fields. CCC also has programs that ease student transition to any of the three state universities, including the award-winning CCC2NAU.
CCC reaches out to the more rural portions of the County and Tribal Lands. Instructional sites offer classes through online, in-person and Zoom video conferencing classes to meet the needs of students in rural and remote areas. Nearly 20 percent of CCC’s students are Native American learners.
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Jessica Laessig
Communication and Events Coordinator
Coconino Community College