Today we’d like to introduce you to Deaunte Watkins
Hi DeAunte, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
My journey truly began when I was accepted into nursing school. I’ve always believed in the importance of being an asset, as my mom would say—building a strong skill set that would make future employers seek me out. As part of the nursing program’s requirements, I became CPR certified, and it was during that class that I discovered a love for the environment and the depth of knowledge the instructors shared. At the end of the session, I asked if they were hiring, and they were. I started working PRN, which allowed me to focus on school while gaining valuable experience.
By my second semester, I noticed a growing need for CPR instructors. Many of my fellow nursing students didn’t know where to go for certification, so I often recommended my workplace. Around this time, I was promoted to a higher teaching position, which gave me the confidence to explore opportunities like earning my ACLS certification. It was also then that I realized I could become certified to teach independently.
This was where my faith and support system made all the difference. While I had a vision for my future, not everyone supported it. My then-boss tried to discourage me, expressing concerns about how teaching independently might affect my hours at work. But my mom and my girlfriend believed in me and pushed me to take a leap of faith. I saved up, purchased my own equipment, and prayed over every piece of it when it arrived. I knew I was stepping into something bigger than myself, and with that, D.WatkinsCPR was born.
Starting my business while balancing nursing school was no easy feat. I took my time to create something meaningful—an affordable, engaging, and inclusive learning environment. I wanted my classroom to be a place where everyone felt safe to ask questions, no matter how “silly” they might seem. Inclusiveness became my mantra, and I worked hard to meet the growing demand with a supply that was thoughtful and well-prepared.
Over the past year and a half, D.WatkinsCPR has grown alongside me. I’ve had the privilege of teaching many people who are ready to take the step to learn life-saving skills. It’s been a journey of constant learning, adapting, and perfecting my craft. The biggest lesson I’ve learned so far is that the hardest step is always the first one. The doubts and “what-ifs” can feel overwhelming, but I truly believe that God doesn’t place a vision on your heart without a purpose.
I owe everything to God, my incredible support system, and the drive and determination that pushed me through it all. I often remind my students that all it takes is faith the size of a mustard seed to move mountains. That faith—and the encouragement of those around me—helped turn my vision into a reality.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road, but every bump along the way has shaped me and strengthened my resolve. One of the biggest challenges was overcoming the doubt of others. Not everyone believed in my vision, and there were moments when I had to dig deep and believe in myself even when it felt like no one else did. Finding a good space to teach was another hurdle—it felt like an endless search to find somewhere affordable and accessible while still being professional and welcoming for my students. The financial strain was also significant. Purchasing equipment, materials, and supplies entirely on my own was overwhelming at times, especially while balancing the costs of nursing school. There were days I questioned if I’d ever see a return on my investment, and maintaining faith in the process required a mindset that was both determined and optimistic. Despite all of this, I stayed focused on my goals, leaned on my support system, and trusted that hard work and faith would carry me through. Each challenge was a lesson in perseverance, and I’m grateful for the journey because it taught me the value of resilience and believing in my vision, even when the path forward felt uncertain.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Currently, I am working at a hospital while teaching CPR and studying for my NCLEX . While I prepare to pursue my dream of becoming an operating room (OR) nurse. My work in the hospital allows me to gain hands-on experience and sharpen skills that directly enhance my CPR instruction. This unique intersection of roles sets me apart because my two journeys—working in healthcare and teaching life-saving skills—complement each other. I’m continuously learning and applying practical knowledge from the hospital to my teaching, which enriches the experience for my students.
Before we go, is there anything else you can share with us?
Nothing at all thank you for this opportunity
Pricing:
- BLS- $70
- Heartsaver CPR AED/First Aid – $55
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/d.watkinscpr
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100091372093854&mibextid=LQQJ4d
