National Park College (NPC) Nursing alumni Cody and Aubrie Hobby are two of six members
of their family to complete the Registered Nursing (RN) program at NPC.
Cody Hobby graduated in May 2011 and works as an intensive care unit (ICU) nurse.
His wife, Aubrie Hobby completed the Licensed Practical Nursing (LPN) to RN program
and currently works in labor and delivery. Aubrie’s sister, Callie Porterfield works
as a medical-surgical (Med-Surg) nurse. Cody’s two brothers, Dillon Hobby and Calvin
Hobby both work in an ICU, and Calvin’s wife, Morgan Hobby works in a neonatal intensive
care unit (NICU).
After high school, Cody explored his adventurous spirit as a white water rafting
guide in Colorado, attended bull riding school, and became a licensed appraiser. Cody
said he had always been drawn to the healthcare field and loved chemistry and biology.
He graduated from the RN program in May 2011 and spent one year working as an ICU
nurse at CHI St. Vincent Hot Springs. Cody was intrigued by the ICU setting and the
nature of the work. “When I did clinicals there, I knew that was where I wanted to
be.”
Cody said the nursing profession has given him the opportunity to fulfill his adventurous
side through a variety of career paths. He and Aubrie spent two years working across
the nation as travel and strike nurses. Soon after, Cody completed his Bachelor of
Science in Nursing (BSN). He is currently completing his master’s degree at Arkansas
State University to become a certified registered nurse anesthetist (CRNA).
Aubrie came to NPC after having a negative experience in another nursing program.
She decided to begin with the LPN program and said she believes it helped prepare
her for the next step. “I think I had an easier time than some of the students who
went the two full years of the RN program,” she said. “Working in the field, you just
get the hands-on [experience], so you are really comfortable with that already.”
After graduation, Aubrie began working in Med-Surg at CHI St. Vincent Hot Springs.
She said she doesn’t share her husband’s love of adventure. She describes herself
as a homebody, who is safe and not a risk-taker. After eight years of marriage, Cody
and Aubrie have balanced their opposite natures well.
Cody and Aubrie both said the Nursing program’s reputation is what led them to choose
NPC. “Once I decided what I wanted to do, this was the most efficient path,” said
Cody. “We got really good clinical experience and I just feel like they really put
a lot of emphasis on that and helping you and teaching. I felt very prepared when
I graduated,” he said.
Cody advised new graduates to keep the momentum going. “They always told us in school
that once you graduate, just go ahead and get your bachelor’s degree and keep going.
I wish I would have done that.”
Aubrie said, “It’s been a really good foundation for our life and for our goals,
and I think, for the most part, a really fulfilling career and I think it’s a good
choice.”
