Inas’s Remarkable Transformation: A Journey of Resilience and New Beginnings with the Granite State Partners Program

Meet Inas, a woman whose journey from refugee to Licensed Nursing Assistant (LNA) is a powerful testament to perseverance, adaptability, and a deep desire to serve others. Inas’s story is one of overcoming obstacles, embracing new opportunities, and following a passion for healthcare that was ignited through the challenges she faced.

Over 20 years ago, Inas and her family arrived in the United States as refugees from Iraq. In her home country, Inas had studied law, but upon arriving in the U.S., she quickly realized that her legal skills were not easily transferable due to the language barrier. Undeterred, Inas and her husband decided to start a new chapter by opening a restaurant and sharing their delicious native food with the community. For many years, their business thrived, but when the Covid-19 pandemic struck, the restaurant faced significant challenges. Finding reliable employees became increasingly difficult, and their business began to suffer.

During this tough period, Inas’s husband also experienced health issues, which meant Inas had to take on the role of healthcare support and Arabic translator. It was through this experience that Inas realized the severe shortage in the nursing field, and she knew she wanted to contribute. Motivated by her desire to help others in the healthcare system, Inas decided to enroll in a Licensed Nursing Assistant program.

However, Inas faced another hurdle: financial limitations. Without the means to pay for the clinical portion of her training, Inas applied to the Elliot Hospital’s Department of Labor Nursing Expansion Grant, also known as the Granite State Partners Program, for assistance. This initiative, designed to address the nursing shortage and support individuals from all backgrounds, became a lifeline for Inas. When she met with the program’s interview team, Inas made an incredible impression with her passion and determination. She was quickly accepted into the program, and without hesitation, she dove into her coursework. In a truly impressive display of dedication, Inas completed all her online coursework over one weekend so she could begin her clinical training the following Monday morning.

By January 2025, Inas had successfully completed all the requirements for the LNA program. She passed her exam and received her LNA license from the Board of Nursing. Within just two weeks, Inas secured a full-time position as an LNA at a wonderful healthcare facility. She was filled with pride and joy, knowing that her hard work and resilience had paid off.

Granite State Partners celebrates Inas’s incredible success. Her journey is a shining example of how determination, hard work, and the support of the right resources can help someone turn their life around. Inas’s new career in healthcare is not just a personal achievement; it’s a reflection of her unwavering commitment to helping others, a quality that will serve her well as she continues to make a meaningful impact in the nursing field.

We are proud to be part of Inas’s journey through the Granite State Partners Program and look forward to seeing her continue to thrive in not only healthcare but in all she sets her mind to!

To learn more and to apply, visit Department of Labor Nursing Expansion Grant :: Elliot Hospital