Called to Care
How Faith, Resilience, and Lived Experience Led Mabel Tufuoh ’26 to Nursing Through UJ’s MSN Program
Meet Mabel Tufuoh. Wife. Professional. Mom. Follower of Jesus. Master of Science in Nursing student. This coming August, after 20 months of rigorous curriculum and a lifetime of lived experiences, Mabel will graduate as part of the first cohort of the University of Jamestown’s Direct-Entry Master of Science in Nursing (DEMSN) program.
UNIVERSITY OF JAMESTOWN NURSING
Beginning last winter, the University of Jamestown launched the inaugural year of its direct-entry nursing program in Fargo, North Dakota. Utilizing a hybrid education model, the program blends online coursework with in-person clinical instruction, intentionally designed to maximize hands-on learning while honoring students’ real lives beyond the classroom.
At its core, the DEMSN program ensures students can continue their education while remaining present in their own lives.
Returning to school to pursue a passion is difficult on many levels—and, unfortunately, not always a reality for many who may dream of it. The DEMSN was designed for people seeking meaningful change and a deeper way to serve others. Admission requirements of the program includes official transcripts, a non-nursing bachelor’s degree (yes, non-nursing), a minimum GPA, and prerequisite coursework completed at UJ or another institution. As a result of this unique structure, the program has the power to truly transform individuals’ careers and lives.
This is the case for Mabel and many of her classmates.
“All 15 of us come from different backgrounds,” Mabel explains. “We have business professionals, moms, service members, and
mental health professionals—but none of us come from a nursing background.”
The DEMSN curriculum consists of 17 courses totaling 72 credit hours, including 120 hours of lab experience and 675 hours of clinical practice. Students train in UJ’s new, state-of-the-art learning center in Fargo, engaging in hands-on simulations guided by compassionate and experienced faculty.
Through partnerships with regional healthcare systems—including Sanford Health, Jamestown Regional Medical Center, Anne Carlsen Center, and
SMP Health – Ave Maria—students are well prepared to sit for the NCLEX-RN exam upon graduation.
LIFE HAPPENINGS
Mabel has a presence that makes people feel instantly seen. With a warm smile and subtle reminders of her faith, often displayed through Bible verses on the back of her phone case, she speaks openly about trusting God’s plan, even when life’s challenges both draw us closer to Him and redirect our paths in unexpected ways.
After moving from Ghana to Texas in her late teens, Mabel studied at the University of Texas, earning her degree and beginning a career as a mental health professional. Her work centered on holistic patient care, leading with empathy, compassion, and deep respect for everyone’s story.
In 2018, Mabel and her husband relocated to Fargo so he could pursue Pharmacy at North Dakota State University. Here, they began building their family while Mabel continued her work in mental health.
In late 2023, during her second pregnancy, Mabel’s water broke prematurely, resulting in prolonged hospital stays, bed rest, and the premature birth of
her son at just 26 weeks. During an extended NICU stay, she witnessed firsthand the critical role nurses play. This meant not only clinical excellence, but in advocacy, compassion, and emotional support for families in crisis. It was here when she felt the call to nursing.
Just months later, as life seems to surprise us, another challenge followed. In May 2024, Mabel experienced an ischemic stroke that caused right-sided weakness and led to a diagnosis of Moyamoya disease—a rare, progressive cerebrovascular disorder that restricts blood flow to the brain. To prevent further damage, she underwent cerebral bypass surgery, though she still experienced some loss in fine motor skills.
During her recovery, when days felt heavy and life-altering, Mabel relied deeply on her care team—particularly the nurses.
“They were instrumental in my recovery,” Mabel says, “restoring not only my physical strength, but also my confidence and sense of purpose.”
THE PERFECT FIT
The dream of continued education or career change often collides with real life. Loss and joy, setbacks and success—though these experiences shape us, they also challenge the plans we set for ourselves.
During her recovery and third pregnancy, Mabel questioned whether returning to school was realistic given the physical and cognitive demands of a nursing program. That uncertainty shifted when she discovered the University of Jamestown’s Direct-Entry MSN program.
UJ stood out for its commitment to student support, individualized accommodations, and a culture of genuine connection. The University’s strong NCLEX pass rates, academic rigor, and faith-based, collaborative values made it the perfect fit.
“What school can you go to and have a real conversation, an actual personal connection, with your instructor?” Mabel shares. “The instructors send weekly encouragement to all of us.”
One of the most impactful resources during her time in the program has been the Student Success Coordinator, who supports students in ways that extend far beyond academics, reinforcing the University’s commitment to the whole person.
TO THE PRESENT—AND THE FUTURE
One of the defining strengths of the DEMSN program is its flexibility. Mabel explains that the structure of the program allows students to pursue rigorous academic goals while still honoring their responsibilities at home and work.
In fact, over the 20 months of the program, Mabel shared that five new babies will be born within her cohort, a powerful testament to a learning environment that recognizes life does not pause for education.
Now just six months from graduation, Mabel and her classmates are preparing to transition from students to professional nurses ready to serve with skill, compassion, and purpose.
Equipped with knowledge, confidence, and lived experience, Mabel views nursing as both a calling and a way to give back—offering the same advocacy, care, and hope that once carried her through her most difficult days.
