Faith, Grit, and a Heart for Healing: Meet the Instructor Behind DOZ’s Life-Changing CNA Classes
By Shelby County Observer Community Service Staff on June 16, 2025 – Memphis, TN
At Daughters of Zion (DOZ), education is not just about earning credentials—it’s about rewriting life stories. For students in their Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) training program, each day in the classroom is a step away from poverty, hopelessness, and instability—and a step toward purpose, confidence, and financial freedom. Leading that charge is Nurse Barbara Jones, a woman whose career and calling have become inseparable.
Born and raised in Memphis, Nurse Barbara has spent 45 years in the nursing profession, touching lives in trauma centers, transplant units, HIV clinics, ICUs, recovery rooms, and more. Her expertise is unmatched, but it’s her compassion, faith, and tenacity that make her a transformational force in the classroom.
“I’ve always wanted to be a nurse. There’s no dramatic story—it was just in me,” she shares. “And teaching? That’s just a part of nursing. Whether it’s families, patients, new nurses, or even doctors—education is part of the care.”
Now serving as DOZ’s lead CNA instructor, Nurse Barbara brings her extensive knowledge and deep commitment to every student she meets. But for her, this isn’t just about job training—it’s about healing a community.
“I love people. I’m a people person. And I love watching them grow,” she says. “When I see someone healing—emotionally, mentally, or physically—it heals something in me, too.”
The DOZ CNA program, offered completely tuition-free, has become a beacon for low-income, unemployed, and under-employed adults looking for a new beginning. With CNA salaries reaching up to $49,000 annually according to ZipRecruiter, the opportunity offers more than just a paycheck—it’s a path to self-worth, upward mobility, and long-term stability.
For many students, however, the road is not easy. Trauma, financial pressure, low self-esteem, and family burdens weigh heavily on them. That’s where Nurse Barbara steps in—not just as a teacher, but as a mentor, counselor, and fierce advocate.
“Some students walk in feeling broken,” she says. “But I help them build themselves up. I remind them that just because they’ve been kicked down by life doesn’t mean they have to stay there.”
She holds her students to high standards. Her classes are structured, demanding, and grounded in real-world application. Yet her evaluations consistently highlight her warmth, patience, and encouragement. One student wrote, “She makes sure we understand everything. She doesn’t let us give up.” Another said, “She pushes you because she sees your potential—even when you can’t.”
Her results speak volumes. The DOZ CNA program boasts a state-exceeding pass rate on both written and skills exams, and many graduates pass on their first attempt. Students leave not just with a certificate, but with a new vision for their lives—and a support system that doesn’t end when class does.
“When you uplift the parent, you uplift the children. That’s how we fight poverty,” Nurse Barbara explains. “This program gives hope. And hope is contagious.”
She’s especially passionate about DOZ’s mission to serve without expecting anything in return. “What DOZ is doing—it’s powerful,” she says. “They’re not just talking about change; they’re creating it. They’re serving—not selling. And that makes all the difference.”
The next five-week CNA sessions begin in June and August, and Nurse Barbara and her team are already preparing. From collecting supplies to supporting students through personal struggles, everyone at DOZ plays a vital role, reinforcing the belief that teamwork truly makes the dream work.
“Just five weeks of focus can change your life,” she says. “Don’t let anyone turn you around—even when it feels hopeless. Remove the ‘less,’ and you’ll find hope.”
To enroll in the free CNA program, call 901-570-3220 or email info@daughtersofzion.org.
Whether you’re seeking purpose, stability, or a chance to heal—Nurse Barbara and Daughters of Zion are ready to help you take that first step.
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