When Jenna Reyes, EdD, RN, PHN, CHSE, gave birth to her first child, she was amazed by the loving care the labor and delivery nurse gave her. “He was an excellent example of what nurses could and should be,” she said. Inspired by the nurse’s gentleness and compassion, Reyes decided to enter the nursing field in order to share Christ’s love with others through her vocation. As the department chair of the MSN in Nursing Education, Reyes lives out her calling by sharing that same love to set students up for success.
From San Diego, Reyes pursued nursing school while she and her husband navigated parenthood with their two daughters. “It was hard to find balance between school and parenting, but my husband, his family, and my parents were tremendous help through it all,” she said. Reyes set a scholarly example for her children, as they witnessed their mom practicing good study habits.
While earning her MSN, Reyes went to different schools around Southern California teaching for Kaplan Test Prep. When she stepped foot on APU’s San Diego campus, the atmosphere felt different than any other university. “I instantly loved the students and community,” she said. The director approached Reyes, asking if she’d be interested in a clinical instructor position. Reyes had received other job offers, but chose APU because of the faith-based culture and commitment to supporting students to be the best nurses possible. She started working as an adjunct professor at APU in 2015, before becoming a full-time professor in 2019.
For the past nine years, Reyes has shared the love that her labor and delivery nurse showed her, and has made a profound impact in students’ lives.“God moves in mysterious ways,” Reyes said. “I’ve always advocated for the students who struggle most.” She recalled a pivotal moment in her academic journey, when a counselor discouraged her from pursuing nursing because of how difficult the subject is. “It is not up to anyone to decide what you are capable of. If you feel that God is calling you to a vocation, you cannot go wrong.” Reyes teaches through a lens that seeks to encourage students to persevere through the challenges they face.
She approaches students with understanding and the hope to help them see their potential. In 2020, Renee Pozza, PhD, RN, CNS, FNP-BC, dean of the College of Nursing and Health Sciences, worked alongside Reyes as she developed the current virtual simulation process. Simulations allow nursing students to practice hands-on application in a setting that mimics a real life hospital. “It’s so rewarding to see something you’ve spent a long time working toward come to fruition, and make a difference in students’ education.” Reyes loves running into students after they graduate and hearing about the ways their careers are flourishing. “Knowing my study tools helped them believe in themselves makes everything worthwhile.”
Faith plays a vital role in Reyes’ pedagogy. “We’re all created in the image of God, so meeting others where they’re at and recognizing their God-given talents is essential,” she said. Reyes often reminds her students that their lives are in God’s hands. “Let God guide you and you will be on the right path.”
Reflecting on her career and calling, Reyes attributes her joy and success to God. “Life can be hard, but it’s always worth it to trust God’s plan,” she said. “Even when you make mistakes, He finds a way.”