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WCU Alum Finds Confidence and Meaning in Nursing Career While Following in Mother’s Footsteps

�� — Wed, 26 Mar 2025 16:00:00 +0000

Bea M. always felt in her heart that her life purpose was to help people. However, initially, she stayed away from nursing, wanting to forge her own path. As a child, she observed her mother and aunts working as nurses after arriving in the U.S. from the Philippines. Bea went on to try acting, dancing, music, sports, and social work before realizing nursing was her true calling. In March 2024, she graduated with her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from ��’s Los Angeles campus.

Growing up in the suburbs of the Bay Area, Bea recalled the pressure to succeed. “As children of immigrants, there was a lot of competition with one another,” she said. “I was bullied a lot as a kid. I didn’t pick up things as fast as the others. I thought maybe I wasn’t smart enough to be a nurse.”

After working in social work, Bea determined it was not the career for her. She decided to study abroad in Seoul, South Korea. “I did some searching within myself,” she said. “With these new experiences and meeting people from all over the world, I gained a new perspective that I should give nursing a try.”

After returning, she began a vocational nursing program just as the world entered the pandemic. Afterward, Bea recognized that nursing had been her path all along. “That was the first time in my entire life that I finished something with academic honors, and I realized that maybe I was actually good at this,” she said. “I made it this far — I might as well continue.”

While working at an acute psych clinic, Bea applied to the LVN to BSN program at WCU. “I moved out here with just luggage and couch surfed until I finally got an apartment and job that I could balance with my schoolwork.”

Throughout the program, Bea said she faced imposter syndrome. “Because of my past being bullied, I struggled a lot with my mental health,” she shared. “But as soon as I started nursing, I felt like this was the way I could make a difference.”

Bea quickly bonded with her fellow classmates and faculty. She particularly appreciated her time with Professor Jennifer Uebe. “We still keep in touch to this day. She inspired me to be more confident in my clinical decision-making and to stand up for myself,” Bea said. “She always treated her classes as a team sport. I was used to doing things on my own, but knowing there is a team behind you helps so much.”

Today, Bea works as a critical care nurse in the intensive care unit at a Southern California hospital. She described being proud she has made it this far, noting that her mother worked in the same unit and specialty. During harder moments, Bea has been able to lean on her mom through their shared experience. “The first time I ever lost a patient, I remember going to my car and crying, and my first thought was to call my mom,” Bea said. “My mom told me, ‘Did you do everything you could? Did you give it your all?’ I said yes, and she said, ‘Then that is enough.’ It gave me a sense of peace. Especially in this career and unit, that is it. We do our best. We give it our all. At the end of the day, that is all we can do.”

Bea is proud of her status as a WCU alumni. “I’ve met a lot of coworkers and whatnot who were also WCU nurses or alumni, and they’ve always been the best people to work with in my experience,” Bea said. “To be one of them and to hopefully carry on that same care is to embody the pride and reputation I’ve been given.”

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Patient Safety Awareness Week: How WCU BSN Students Develop the Skills to Protect Patients

Courtney Eaves — Thu, 06 Mar 2025 00:40:51 +0000

Patient safety is the foundation of high-quality healthcare. Every year, Patient Safety Awareness Week, led by the , highlights the importance of preventing medical errors, improving communication, and fostering a culture of safety in healthcare settings.

WCU takes this commitment seriously by helping to equip our Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) students with the essential hard and soft skills needed to prioritize patient safety in every clinical encounter.

What is Patient Safety Awareness Week?

Patient Safety Awareness Week — an annual recognition event that occurs in March — is a dedicated time to focus on reducing preventable harm in healthcare. From medication safety to teamwork strategies, the week serves as a reminder that patient safety is a shared responsibility among healthcare professionals, educators, and students alike.

According to the , improving patient safety requires a combination of:

Strong communication and teamwork
Evidence-based clinical practices
A proactive approach to identifying and mitigating risks

WCU incorporates these principles into our BSN curriculum, helping to ensure students graduate with the confidence and expertise to provide safe, effective patient care.

How WCU’s BSN Program Enhances Patient Safety Skills

Communication & Teamwork: The Foundation of Safe Care

Clear, effective communication is essential in preventing errors and improving patient outcomes. Dr. Pamela Sandvig, Dean, Post-Licensure Nursing at WCU, emphasizes how communication and teamwork are integrated into our program:

“Patient safety is at the core of quality healthcare, and developing both interpersonal and technical competencies necessary to ensure it is a cornerstone of our BSN program. Through a focus on communication and teamwork, informed by evidence-based frameworks like , students learn how to collaborate effectively in complex clinical environments. These interpersonal skills are complemented by rigorous training in technical skills such as accurate assessment, safe medication administration, and the use of technology to reduce errors. Together, these competencies prepare our graduates to be leaders in fostering a culture of safety and excellence in patient care.”

Clinical Precision: Hard Skills That Save Lives

Beyond communication, technical competencies are critical in ensuring patient safety. WCU’s BSN students receive hands-on training in:

Safe medication administration
Patient assessments and early recognition of deterioration
Electronic health records and clinical decision support tools
Infection prevention and control measures

This training helps students develop clinical precision, reducing the risk of errors and enhancing patient outcomes.

Building a Culture of Safety

Patient safety is more than just following protocols — it’s about cultivating a mindset that prioritizes patient well-being at all times. Dr. Chiarina Piazza, Dean of the College of Nursing and California Program Director, shares:

“I hope our BSN students leave our program with a deep understanding that patient safety isn’t just about protocols — it’s about attitude and action. My goal is for them to develop the confidence to speak up in a team, the skill to catch potential errors, and the mindset to always prioritize safe, compassionate care. When communication and clinical precision come together, the impact on patient lives is extraordinary.”

Preparing Future Nurses to Lead in Patient Safety

Patient safety is an ongoing effort, and WCU is committed to preparing the next generation of nurses to meet this challenge. Through innovative training, evidence-based frameworks, and a strong emphasis on teamwork and communication, WCU’s BSN graduates can enter the workforce ready to make a difference in the lives of their patients.

In recognizing Patient Safety Awareness Week, WCU celebrates the dedication of our students, faculty, and healthcare professionals who work to create safer healthcare environments for all.

Interested in a career in nursing? Learn more about WCU’s BSN program — which is available in the Dallas area, Miami, and our three campuses in Southern California — and how WCU helps prepare students to become skilled, patient-focused nurses who prioritize safety and excellence in care.

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WCU-Ontario BSN Cohort Speaker Shares Inspiring ‘Why’ Behind Nursing

�� — Tue, 04 Mar 2025 17:00:00 +0000

At ��’s January 2025 nursing pinning, student speaker Valerie A. took the stage with a message that resonated deeply with her fellow graduates: Remember your why.

Reflecting on the challenges they faced — rigorous exams, sleepless nights, and the weight of clinical responsibilities — Valerie acknowledged the perseverance that brought each student to this moment. But beyond academic struggles, she urged her peers to look inward and recall the deeper reason they chose this path in the first place.

For Valerie, that moment of clarity came in January 2019 when she stepped into an overcrowded emergency room for the first time.

Then came the COVID-19 pandemic, where she performed CPR on 839 patients. What she saw — the patients sitting on floors with oxygen tanks, isolation tents overflowing, and nurses crying in supply rooms on their nonexistent breaks — left an indelible mark. These experiences, she said, put life’s everyday anxieties into perspective and ignited a calling that would change the trajectory of her life.

“I walked into that ER as a blank slate, unsure of how this experience was going to change me, but within a few months, I found myself applying to �� on a path that would change the trajectory of my life forever,” she said.

Now, as she and her classmates step into the next phase of their careers, Valerie acknowledged that new challenges await. Nursing is more than a job — it is a profound responsibility. They will witness both the fragility of life and the joy of bringing new life into the world.

“We’re going to experience a new form of anxiety that will challenge our innermost tenacity. You may have the unimaginable duty to hold somebody’s hand in their final moments. You may also witness the joy of bringing a new life into the world, but ultimately, you will share in the raw vulnerability that patients experience when they walk into those acute care settings,” Valerie said. “I want you all to remember we’ve been chosen for this honor, and I want you all to remember your ‘why.’ We’re about to have a profound impact on the people around us, and it is our insatiable appetite to help others that have shaped us into the nurses who sit here today.”

Valerie closed her address with gratitude — thanking her family, professors, and fellow students for their support throughout the journey. And as she looked ahead to the future, she left her peers with a powerful reminder:

“We all had a dream stepping through the doors of ��. Now, we’ve achieved the ultimate accomplishment. Congratulations, January 2025 cohort — I can’t wait to see you all in the clinical setting.”

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First-Generation WCU-Miami Graduate Achieves Dream of Becoming a Nurse

�� — Wed, 19 Feb 2025 14:00:07 +0000

From early high school, Lorelys A. knew she wanted a career centered on helping people. A certified nursing assistant program at 16 sparked her passion for nursing, setting her on a focused path that led her straight to �� — a choice she made because of its healthcare focus.

Now a proud graduate of ��’s accelerated nursing program and a pediatric registered nurse, Lorelys shared that what set WCU-Miami apart was its student-centered approach.

“If you had an issue, they would take their time to address it,” she recalled.

Throughout her journey, she leaned on university resources such as the virtual library, tutoring programs, and even a question bank to prepare for the rigorous NCLEX exam. After graduating in March and passing the exam in May, Lorelys stepped into her current role as a school-based pediatric nurse, where she supports two young patients with diabetes and seizure conditions. Managing an accelerated nursing program was no small feat. Time management and prioritization were key, but she also credits her family for their unwavering support.

“My parents made sure I had everything I needed, from meals to encouragement,” she shared

As the first in her family to graduate college, Lorelys feels a deep sense of pride and gratitude. She hopes her story inspires others to pursue their passions, no matter how challenging the path may seem.

For future nursing students, Lorelys offered simple but powerful advice: “Work really hard. Your dreams can come true. Even if it seems impossible, you can do it.”

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Moving From California to Texas Opened New Opportunities for WCU BSN Graduate

�� — Wed, 12 Feb 2025 17:00:00 +0000

For Courtney W., a move from California to Texas wasn’t just a change in scenery — it was a turning point for her career and future. Originally from Compton, California, Wilson decided to take a bold leap to pursue her Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) at ��-Texas.

“I gave up everything in California and came to Texas with my daughter,” Wilson said. The sacrifice quickly paid off: she not only completed the program but also secured a position at a Dallas hospital in its residency program, working in the transplant unit.

Already a licensed vocational nurse for over a decade, Wilson was driven to earn the registered nurse title to unlock better career prospects.

“I was making good money in California, but I didn’t have that RN title,” she explained. “More and more jobs are asking for RNs now.”

Texas offered Wilson more than just an education — it provided opportunity and affordability. “When I applied, I had a spot in a program, I had a job, I found an apartment — everything just worked out perfectly,” she shared.

Though the transition wasn’t without challenges, such as adjusting to RN-level test-taking and maintaining her focus, Wilson found unwavering support at ��.

“The teachers were right there, ready to help me,” she said, emphasizing the value of campus resources and mentorship.

Now, as a BSN graduate and registered nurse, Wilson is focused on gaining experience in Dallas. She also has entrepreneurial ambitions and wants to open a Board and Care home in the future.

“No matter how hard it is, it’s possible. Don’t limit yourself,” she advised. “You can do it.”

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Road to Nursing Took �� Student from San Diego to Texas

�� — Wed, 05 Feb 2025 15:00:00 +0000

For many, the path to nursing is more than just a career choice — it’s a calling shaped by personal experiences and a desire to make a difference. Evelyn Z., a nursing student at �� in Richardson, Texas, embodies this journey.

A Childhood Spark

Evelyn’s passion for nursing ignited at a young age. Her mother, a certified nursing assistant, often brought her along to visit patients in nursing homes. “I remember being 6 or 7, walking into those rooms and seeing patients who didn’t have family around, especially during the holidays,” Evelyn recalled. These early experiences planted the seed for her love of caregiving, inspiring her to pursue a career in nursing.

But nursing wasn’t just a childhood whim; it was a shared dream. Evelyn’s mother, who emigrated from Mexico City, had once aspired to be a nurse herself. Unfortunately, language barriers prevented her from achieving that goal. “She was always supportive,” Evelyn shared. “In a way, I feel like I’m fulfilling her dream as well.”

The Leap of Faith: Moving to Texas

Evelyn’s journey to WCU was far from linear. Originally from San Diego, California, she faced numerous obstacles while applying to nursing schools during the COVID-19 pandemic. Many programs in her area were either paused or not accepting new students. Determined not to let these setbacks deter her, Evelyn expanded her search to other states.

Texas stood out, not just because her sister was planning a move there, but because of WCU’s program. “I needed a flexible schedule to work while attending school,” Evelyn explained. “WCU offered that, and it was a game-changer.”

With the support of a helpful admissions advisor, Evelyn made the bold decision to move to Texas. Leaving behind her family, friends, and the familiar comfort of California, she embarked on a new chapter, driven by her goal of becoming a nurse.

Building a New Community

Transitioning to a new state wasn’t easy, but Evelyn found a sense of belonging at WCU. “The community here is incredible,” she said. “I’ve made close friends who share the same goals, and the school is so student-centric. They really listen to us and make adjustments based on our feedback.”

Though she misses her family and the beaches of San Diego, Evelyn has discovered new joys in Texas, including its vibrant coffee shop scene. Balancing school, work, and time with her church community has kept her grounded and focused.

A Passion for Patient Care

Evelyn’s clinical experiences have solidified her love for nursing. Guided by compassionate professors, she has honed her skills and gained confidence in her abilities. “One clinical professor, in particular, really changed my perspective,” she noted. “She explained procedures in a way that made everything click and emphasized the importance of patient-centered care.”

Initially drawn to labor and delivery, Evelyn is now exploring other specialties like emergency nursing. “I love the fast-paced environment,” she said. “But wherever I end up, I know I want to bring comfort and hope to my patients.”

Advice for Aspiring Nurses

For students considering a move for their education, Evelyn’s message is clear: “Don’t let fear hold you back. If nursing is your passion, take the leap. The experience will not only shape your career but also your confidence and resilience.”

Evelyn plans to return to California after graduation to be closer to her family, but she will carry the lessons and experiences from Texas with her. “This journey has been life-changing,” she reflected. “I’ve grown so much as a person and as a future nurse.”

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From Nursing to Public Health: How One Student Found Her True Calling in Medicine

�� — Wed, 29 Jan 2025 17:00:09 +0000

Maryam S. had always dreamed of becoming a physician. Like many aspiring doctors, she was motivated by the desire to help others, heal patients, and make a meaningful impact. But after high school, she realized she lacked a true understanding of what working in a high-stress hospital environment would entail.

Unsure of what it would be like to interact with patients, handle emergencies, or collaborate with healthcare teams, Maryam decided to gain firsthand experience by enrolling in ��’s Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program. This decision would not only give her the clarity she sought but also shape her career path in profound and unexpected ways.

“I thought nursing would be a good starting point to see if I could handle the medical field, especially the high-stress situations,” Maryam recalled.

Maryam’s time at WCU didn’t just prepare her for the technical side of medicine – it instilled in her the importance of empathy, responsibility, and transparency.

From hands-on experiences in the simulation lab to learning physical assessments, WCU gave her a solid foundation for medical school.

She recalled the confidence she gained through her training, “When I started my simulation lab in medical school, I felt so prepared. I already knew how to read an EKG, listen to heart sounds, and even interact with the manakins. Many of my peers were struggling, but thanks to WCU, I had the skills and the confidence.”

But perhaps the most impactful lesson she learned was the importance of prevention.

“I fell in love with public health during my term at West Coast,” she said. “I realized that preventing diseases from happening in the first place is far more effective than treating them. If we can educate people, empower them to take control of their health and provide them with the tools to prevent illness, we can create better health outcomes for everyone.”

This realization led Maryam to pursue public health initiatives beyond nursing. She is currently working with Dr. Michelle Metope, the Dean of Public Health at WCU, to publish research on health disparities in her community.

“Public health is about more than just treating individuals – it’s about addressing the root causes of disease and making a lasting impact on entire populations.”

Looking to the future, Maryam has her sights set on cardiology, but her primary goal is to give back to her community in Pakistan by opening clinics focused on screenings and preventative care.

She dreams of working alongside other physicians to volunteer her time and skills, offering life-saving treatments to those who can’t afford them.

“There’s a huge need for healthcare in underserved areas, and I want to help bridge that gap.”

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From Survivor to Advocate: How One Alumna Found Her Calling in Oncology

�� — Wed, 15 Jan 2025 17:00:00 +0000

Cynthia C., BSN ’24, never expected her life to look like it does today. After being diagnosed with stage III cancer, everything shifted in an instant. Yet, this challenging experience became the catalyst for a new, purposeful journey.

“Cancer gave me a second chance at life,” Cynthia reflected. “Now, I understand my purpose. If I wasn’t sure before, I am now.”

During her chemotherapy treatment, Cynthia was supported by a nurse-patient navigator who played a vital role in her recovery. At the time, Cynthia was also pregnant with her sixth child, a situation that deepened her appreciation for the healthcare professionals around her.

“After going through chemo and meeting other patients, I told my mom I wanted to work in oncology,” she shared. “My goal was to pay it forward.”

Cynthia started working in an administrative role in a hospital’s oncology unit, where an oncologist saw potential in her and encouraged her to pursue nursing.

“He kept telling me I would make a great nurse,” she recalled. “’You empathize with the patients,’ he said. ‘You genuinely care.’”

Her determination to help cancer patients soon became her life’s mission. Despite having no prior healthcare experience, Cynthia found the work to be instinctive.

“Having gone through cancer myself, I can truly empathize with all of them,” she said. “It’s incredibly fulfilling.”

Cynthia enrolled in the Bachelor of Science in Nursing program at ��’s Los Angeles campus, graduating with cum laude honors this past July. Balancing full-time work, her studies, and raising six children as a single mother was no small feat.

“I didn’t have a single day off,” she said. “Every day was either work, school, or clinical, and I still had to go home and be a mom.”

Despite the challenges, Cynthia is grateful for her experience at WCU and the supportive community of students and faculty.

“I’m so thankful for the experience and proud to be a part of West Coast,” she said. “The staff and students I met still stay in touch. It’s like a family.”

Armed with her BSN degree, Cynthia is more committed than ever to helping others navigate their cancer diagnoses. Having lost her aunt to cancer as a teenager, she understands the pain and uncertainty that comes with the disease.

Today, she has become a trusted resource in her community, offering support, advocacy, and encouragement to anyone who reaches out.

“Cancer isn’t something you can cover with a bandage. Many people don’t know where to turn,” Cynthia said.

Cynthia’s goal is to become a nurse practitioner and continue her work in oncology. The relationships she forms with her patients give her work profound meaning.

“I see myself in them,” she said. “We’re all afraid of the unknown, but having someone to hold your hand and guide you makes it a little easier. It lets them know they’re not alone.”

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Graduates Celebrate 2024 �� Commencement at Plano Events Center

�� — Mon, 23 Dec 2024 15:00:00 +0000

Graduates from ��’s Texas campus and Online Programs gathered in front of friends and families this December at the Plano Event Center to celebrate the 2024 Commencement.

Master of Physician Assistant graduate Anthony I. said he always wanted to be in medicine, either as a doctor or a PA but wanted flexibility. As a PA, he said, you can switch specialties whenever you desire — and that’s what really sold him on the profession.

“I never felt like a number at ��,” Anthony said. “I felt like they saw me as a person, and today, I’m most thankful to be completing my master’s program.”

Already a licensed vocational nurse for over a decade, WCU-Texas BSN graduate Courtney W. was driven to earn the registered nurse title to unlock better career prospects.

“I was making good money in California, but I didn’t have that RN title. I didn’t go straight to college right after high school, so it’s never too late,” she said.

A former Baylor University undergraduate with a degree in health science studies, Emma T. said she was drawn to the PA profession for its team-oriented approach and versatility.

“I never thought I’d be standing here. I think it’s just something I’ve dreamed about and worked so hard for,” Emma said. “I know that this program prepared me well I was surrounded by such great friends and classmates and faculty that they never let me doubt myself.”

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From California to Texas: BSN Graduate Reflects on Her Path to Nursing at ��

�� — Wed, 18 Dec 2024 15:00:00 +0000

Originally from California, Esther N. initially planned to attend the university’s campus in Anaheim until learning about the advantages of moving to the Lone Star State.

“I originally heard about �� from California because that’s where I was living previously,” she said. “But then I found out that Texas is actually a cheaper option, and I decided to move to Texas.”

The transition from California to Texas was made smoother by ��’s support, Esther explained. Despite never having visited the Texas campus before her move, she described her first impression as overwhelmingly positive.

“When I first stepped foot on the campus, I thought it was beautiful; it took my breath away,” she said.

Esther’s decision to pursue nursing stemmed from personal experiences.

“I picked nursing because when I was young, I often spent most of my time in the hospital, and the nurses made it such a wonderful place to be that I didn’t even want to leave,” Esther said.

She was determined to share that same compassion and care with her future patients.

Adjusting to life in Texas was a surprisingly smooth experience for Esther.

“I adjusted really well, actually. I’m very grateful that I moved because I got to have family here, and I’m not going back anytime soon,” she said.

She recommended Dallas as a vibrant place to live, adding, “The food is great, the culture is great, the people are good. It’s a wonderful place to live — not in the summer, though!”

Esther reflected on the strong relationships she built at ��.

“My relationship with my classmates was amazing; I found my forever family in nursing school,” she said. “Relationships with the professors and faculty were also really good because, at West Coast, they value student input, so communication was always flowing.”

As for her preparation for the nursing field, she credited the university’s rigorous support.

“West Coast prepared me amazingly for the NCLEX and for nursing as a whole,” she said.

At her pinning ceremony, Esther celebrated her achievements and offered advice to future students: “You can’t do nursing school alone, so find that family or friend that you can rely on because it is going to get tough. Use your resources early and remember why you started nursing school.”

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