Adult Students Redefine Their Careers Through Registered Nursing

For some students at Carroll Community College, Registered Nursing isn’t their first career—it’s their next calling. From paramedicine and holistic care to military and law enforcement, adult learners are returning to the classroom with one shared goal: to make a difference through compassionate, skilled healthcare.

Meet three Registered Nursing students who prove it’s never too late to follow your purpose.

Finding His Future as a CRNA: Abele Birru

For 28-year-old Abele Birru, Registered Nursing is the latest step in a lifelong journey of service, resilience, and hard work.

Abele and his parents immigrated to the United States through a visa lottery, and from a young age, he saw the power of determination. “I watched my parents work endless hours to provide opportunities for their children,” he said. “Their work ethic and perseverance spoke to me and instilled the belief that anything is attainable through hard work.”

That belief led him from the U.S. Marine Corps to electrical work, then firefighting, and eventually paramedicine. But it was during his time as a firefighter/EMT that Abele discovered his passion for healthcare.

“After being exposed to emergency medicine, I found myself drawn to it,” he said. During his enrollment in the Paramedic program, Abele had the opportunity to shadow a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) in the OR clinical portion of the program and realized that’s what he wanted to do.

Carroll Community College has an articulation agreement with Frederick County Fire Rescue that awarded Abele credits toward his degree in Paramedicine. “Carroll’s Registered Nursing program had been recommended to me by several nurses from Frederick County,” Abele shared, calling it a “stellar program with staff who care for their student’s educational success.”

He credits Assistant Professor of Nursing Jane Schroeder as a major influence in helping him transition from a paramedic mindset to nursing. “She has been diligent in providing information and explaining concepts, as well as providing resources to assist in my future goal of becoming a CRNA.”

For Abele, registered nursing offers the fulfillment and teamwork he once found in the military—plus the opportunity to help others in their most vulnerable moments. “The satisfaction of aiding your fellow human being in a time of peril is unlike any other,” he said.

From Law Enforcement to Lifesaving: Nicole Ensor

At 51, Nicole Ensor has already served her community in more ways than most. A U.S. Army veteran and retired law enforcement officer with 21 years of service, Nicole is now a Registered Nurse, continuing her lifelong commitment to helping others.

“I believe I was born to serve,” Nicole said. Each career she’s had—U.S. Army, law enforcement, nursing—has been about giving back. In fact, her mother, a great influence on Nicole, had chosen this same path as her years before.

When she felt the need for a career change, nursing offered Nicole the perfect balance of purpose and practicality. “Carroll’s Registered Nursing program has a very good reputation, and its proximity to home and clinical sites was more manageable with having a family,” she said.

While returning to school later in life came with challenges, Carroll’s supportive faculty made all the difference in conquering her anxiety. “Dr. Jennifer Fritzges and Professor Rebecca Barker inspired me not to give up when I had given up on myself,” she recalled. “Each of them would give me inspiring messages… little notes that said ‘keep going’ or ‘let’s go get it done.’ I keep those messages with now years later.”

Now a proud Carroll graduate, Nicole is pursuing her Bachelor’s degree while continuing to grow as a nurse. “Achieving this degree was a big accomplishment for me,” she said. “While others may view it as just an Associate’s degree, I view it as a Registered Nursing degree.” For Nicole, that means everything.

Blending East and West: Dr. Brittany Allen

At 38, Dr. Brittany Allen already had a full résumé: Bachelor’s degrees in Biology and Psychology, a Master’s in Acupuncture, and a Doctorate in Holistic Medicine. She also runs a successful holistic wellness practice in Westminster.

But she wanted to take her expertise further, believing the future of healthcare is a blend of traditional and holistic medicine. “I’m ready to incorporate both into my business plans,” she said.

Raised by a mother from Seoul, South Korea, Brittany grew up surrounded by Eastern medicine traditions like herbal supplements and manual therapy. Those roots inspired her to pursue acupuncture and holistic health—and now, nursing.

“I chose Carroll because of the highly rated Registered Nursing program and high passing rate for the NCLEX exam,” she shared. “I love the environment here and am excited to have found a space that encourages growth, innovation, and development.” In particular, Carroll’s program has strengthened her knowledge of pathophysiology and pharmacology.

Brittany plans to become a Nurse Practitioner and eventually open a women’s wellness and holistic oncology center, realizing her dream of combining Eastern and Western approaches to patient care.

A Shared Passion for Care

Driven by purpose, perseverance, and a desire to help others, Abele, Nicole, and Brittany represent the heart of Carroll’s Registered Nursing program.

Whether one is looking for a fresh start or a deeper sense of fulfillment, Carroll Community College offers the training, support, and community to help them succeed in healthcare at any stage of life.