Ontario Campus Archives | ��

Alumna and Veteran Talks Teaching, Serving and Working With Kids

�� — Mon, 11 Nov 2024 17:00:00 +0000

Kelly W., a �� alumna, veteran, and scholarship recipient, recently shared her inspiring journey.

At 17, Kelly made the decision to enlist in the military and had begun boot camp by the time she turned 18. Over the course of the next 12 years and two military tours, she developed invaluable skills and values that she later applied to her civilian career in healthcare.

In 2009, Kelly began her nursing education as part of WCU’s first graduating class in the LPN to ADN pathway program. She went on to earn her bachelor of science in nursing from WCU-Ontario in 2013, eventually becoming a nurse practitioner and clinical instructor at her alma mater.

For the past five and a half years, Kelly has worked in a pediatric emergency room while teaching clinical pediatrics students at WCU. She is deeply committed to supporting students and advocating for children. Recently, she embarked on a new academic journey, pursuing an MBA with a focus on healthcare. In recognition of her contributions to the community, WCU awarded her a scholarship to support her continued education.

What led you to join the Army?

My childhood was not easy, and I didn’t think I could support myself financially to get an education. While in high school, I joined the ROTC (Reserve Officers’ Training Corps) and learned about the military. I joined the U.S. Army Reserves in 2002 in a medical unit. I reenlisted and did two tours overseas. Overall, I stayed for 12 years, so I enjoyed it.

How did the Army lead you to nursing?

I was working with a lot of medics, nurses and people in the healthcare field. I wanted to continue on and do more than just screening and triaging. I deployed in 2004 and was in the field. I came back and worked as an LVN but wanted to return to get my RN.

Why did you choose to attend WCU?

I saw they had the LVN to RN bridge program, and they were a GI school. Coming from the military, I wanted to use my benefits. I was happy the university was supporting veterans and was accredited. Given my background, I was able to grow in my career.

How do the skills you gained in the military impact your work as a nurse?

I live by Army values every day: selfless service, integrity, honor. I love it. I’m disciplined now because of my time in the military. I don’t take the little things for granted. I’m also reliable and responsible – I’ve stayed in most of my jobs for a long time because I feel devoted.

What made you want to return to teach at WCU?

When I graduated as a pediatric nurse practitioner, I got a job working in the pediatric emergency department. I also applied to teach at WCU. I love what I do and I wanted the students to realize what it is to take care of kids. Being in the emergency department, I felt I could bring a new perspective.

How did you run your clinical sessions as an instructor?

The feedback I often got was that they loved that I was so hands-on. I would take them to the emergency department and if there were baby catheters or IVs, I always volunteered to do it with my students so I could teach them the skills. They were grateful and excited to accomplish something with a patient. We would huddle at the end of the clinical and they would discuss their cases and feel proud of what they did.

Why are you #WCUProud?

I feel proud that I am recognized as an alumnus. I think it’s great that there’s unity within the university. I remember being there, and we had a veteran group. There was a lot of camaraderie. I also want to say thank you to WCU for continuing to support my career progression. I feel a family connection with the university, given the longevity I’ve had with them as both a student and a professor. I feel honored to be a recipient of this scholarship.

Editor’s Note: This interview was edited for length and clarity.

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��-Ontario Celebrates Diploma Day with June 2024 Cohort

�� — Thu, 29 Aug 2024 16:00:05 +0000

This August, ��-Ontario was filled with excitement as the June 2024 cohort returned to campus for Diploma Pick-up Day.

This event marked a significant milestone for the recent graduates of the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program, as they reunited with their peers to celebrate their hard-earned achievements.

Since launching the Diploma Day event, WCU-Ontario Career Services has continually evolved to better support graduates. Recently, the team began inviting employers to assist graduates who may still be seeking employment. Representatives from prominent healthcare organizations including San Gabriel Valley Medical Center, Kaiser Permanente, Corona Regional Medical Center, and Arrowhead Regional Medical Center were present to discuss career opportunities and offer insights into the industry.

“It was wonderful to see our recent graduates back on campus,” WCU-Ontario Career Services Director Mercedes Garner said. “The enthusiasm from graduates, students, and employers was amazing. Events like this not only provide a crucial networking opportunity for our graduates but also serve to motivate upcoming students. We often hear from students nearing the end of their program asking when they will have their own Diploma Day!”

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Summer 2024 Commencement Grand Marshal Takes Pride in Building Solid Nursing Foundations

�� — Tue, 09 Jul 2024 17:28:30 +0000

With over a decade of experience at ��, Professor and Science Department Chair Dr. Tashea Hilliard has found both fulfillment and impact in her role as an educator.

“I love being in a classroom,” she shared. “I love the atmosphere, being with students, and engaging. I always want to keep that piece of student engagement.”

Dr. Hilliard currently teaches pathophysiology to WCU-Ontario nursing students taking general education courses. She transitioned from teaching basic biological sciences to delving into the complexities of disease processes.

“Pathophysiology is a course that I always wanted to teach. It’s more of an upper-level course where I can focus on disease topics and get students prepared for their nursing core classes,” she said.

Dr. Hilliard’s teaching methods aim to simplify the complex content of pathophysiology, making it memorable for her students.

“Patho is a very tough course, there’s a lot of content,” she emphasized. “It’s the foundation for their nursing core courses, and I feel like I am making an impact because I’m giving them the foundation they need.”

Due to her commitment to education, service to the university, and student-centric values, Dr. Hillard has been announced as the faculty grand marshal for the Summer 2024 �� California Commencement ceremony.

“The values that are instilled from the beginning at WCU is to make sure that we are student-centric and always focusing on what our students need,” she said. “So that has always been one of my foundational pieces from the beginning.”

The faculty grand marshal has the honor of leading the university platform party into the ceremony.

“Being recognized as the faculty grand marshal is truly an honor,” Dr. Hillard expressed. “Myself and my colleagues, we love what we do. We love education, and we love coming to work and just making a difference.”

Dr. Hilliard’s advice to the graduates who will be crossing the stage at the Honda Center in Anaheim on July 12, is to find that same passion as future healthcare professionals.

“Make sure whatever you do, you do it from your heart. If you love what you do, you never work a day in your life,” she shared.

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Behind the Scrubs: Alumna’s Efforts Have Ripple Effects in Healthcare

�� — Mon, 06 May 2024 15:00:00 +0000

Michelle S. (BSN ’17, DNP ’21, PMHNP ’24) first heard the calling to help others when she was only 6 years old. She witnessed a hit-and-run incident involving her 3-year-old brother, a harrowing experience that instilled in her an awareness of the importance of emergency care, as well as a deep respect for the wonderful individuals dedicating their lives to the profession. The experience was the first step to igniting a deep-seated desire within her to aid those in need.

However, her journey into nursing wasn’t always a straight path. Michelle, whose creative talents shone brightly from a young age, initially earned a scholarship to pursue design. Nevertheless, when the time came to choose a career, her aunt encouraged her to join the nursing field, and Michelle embraced the opportunity wholeheartedly.

When it comes to choosing nursing over design, Michelle says she knows she made the right choice: “People often wonder if I regret my choice, but I’ve always been drawn to healthcare,” she said. “Witnessing the esteem of the profession and considering my role as a young mother, plus the assurance of job stability, I’ve never looked back. It’s been an honor and one of the best decisions I’ve made in my life.”

After years of service as a licensed vocational nurse (LVN) in acute care case management, Michelle decided to take the next step in her nursing career. She pursued a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) at ��-Ontario, earning her degree in 2017 and becoming a registered nurse in an oncology/stroke unit. During her time at WCU, her academic performance earned her a spot on the prestigious dean’s list, a testament to the efforts she put into excelling in her courses and clinical practices.

Since graduating, Michelle has taken on roles that allow her impact to extend even beyond her patients. In her career so far, Michelle has:

Become a concurrent review nurse and was recognized as her department’s first employee of the month
Pioneered the first onsite hospital nursing role for the utilization management department in her managed healthcare organization
Mentored and trained fellow nurses in their new onsite nursing roles
Initiated a voluntary mindfulness program for nursing staff, which was linked to boosted productivity and reduced stress
Developed a local resource guide to help minimize gaps in access to healthcare for female veterans at a local university

Through her different roles, Michelle’s efforts have had a ripple effect through the community. She has not just taken care of her patients, but championed projects and practices that empower her fellow nurses to provide better care.

“I’m not your typical bedside nurse, and that’s the beauty of nursing — its versatility,” Michelle said.

Now, Michelle validates nursing practices within the Integrated Transitional Care department, primarily focusing on quality assurance and optimizing patient care. Though initially apprehensive about this new role, she now considers it one of her favorites, blending her case management background with clinical insights.

Recently, she decided to take on another important role, this time as a clinical instructor, serving as an internal preceptor for colleagues who wish to pursue their graduate degree. She took special pride in witnessing her first Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) student graduate last year.

As to what’s next, Michelle is on the verge of becoming a triple WCU alumna, on track to finish her post-master’s Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) certificate in 2024. “I never imagined myself in mental health, but after completing my Doctor of Nursing Practice in 2019, I sought a specialty — a niche,” she said.

The mental health specialty is perfectly in line with Michelle’s experience and interest in wellness and mindfulness. About her career so far, she has said, “I find fulfillment in roles prioritizing self-care, personal growth, teamwork collaboration, and fostering a positive culture. Most importantly, encouraging innovation to achieve quality and safe patient outcomes.”

We can’t wait to see what Michelle does next!

Ready to start or advance your own nursing career? We offer programs both on campus and online, ranging from bachelor’s to doctorates. Explore all our programs and find the path that’s right for you!

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Finding Purpose in Heart Transplants

�� — Tue, 16 Apr 2024 22:37:47 +0000

After his grandfather had a massive stroke and heart attack, Jeremiah B. got to experience, firsthand, the care the nurses provided. The traumatic event inspired Jeremiah’s love for healthcare.

“The nurses were open, honest, and authentic,” he said. “I saw a lot that I appreciated in those individuals. It opened my eyes to the profession.”

Today, Jeremiah works as an assistant nurse manager for the Float Pool and Rapid Response Team. He also teaches at his alma mater, �� in Ontario.

During his college years, Jeremiah studied to become a physician. His plans changed when he learned his partner was pregnant with their first son, leading him to start working in advertising. When the economy slowed, however, Jeremiah reconsidered a career in medicine.

With a growing family, Jeremiah believed that nursing aligned better with his lifelong aspirations.

“I knew nursing would be a great path with a flexible schedule,” he said. “That sense of purpose brought me back into healthcare.”

At the time, Jeremiah’s wife had a full-time job while he worked part-time and attended nursing school. The evening classes at WCU allowed them to take turns watching their young children. Jeremiah also appreciated the focus on providing an exceptional student experience.

“Every nurse knows how stressful nursing school is, but I felt the faculty and associates were emotionally supportive,” Jeremiah said. “I would reach out and say, ‘I am having a bad day,’ and the staff would always be there to listen and offer that therapeutic ear saying, ‘Today is a rough day, but tomorrow will be better.'”

Jeremiah completed his clinical rotations at St. Bernadine’s Medical Center, where he worked with patients dealing with heart vessel damage and coronary artery diseases. During his time there, he gained valuable experience in advanced therapies and procedures, including coronary artery bypass surgery.

“The patient population was amazing to me,” Jeremiah said. “These people had their entire chests opened up 24 hours ago, and a day or two later, we were getting them up and walking them around the whole hospital.”

Working with cardiac patients reminded Jeremiah of his grandfather’s experience with heart failure.

“I was fascinated by this opportunity to learn about this patient population,” he said. “I wanted to know what their quality of life was, and how we can improve those outcomes. When you talk about a transplant, it’s a bittersweet process because someone has to die, so another has life.”

Jeremiah recalled a time he delivered the news to a patient that he would be receiving a heart transplant. The patient was so happy, as he could now attend his daughter’s wedding.

“I sat and cried with him,” Jeremiah said. “To give him that news, you feel like you’ve made a difference in your community.”

After many years in nursing, Jeremiah values the guidance he received along the way. He tries to offer new nurses what he experienced early in his career.

“I always appreciated that gift of mentorship, and I still use what they taught me as I develop in my career,” he said. “Having someone advocate for you, give you safe advice when you need it, and be that sounding board offers the continuous learning we need in nursing and helps build relationships and advance careers.”

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WCU-Ontario Career Services Director is a Guiding Light in Healthcare Education

Anisa Lewis — Thu, 28 Sep 2023 01:30:00 +0000

A guiding influence and example for �� students, Mercedes G. is passionate about both education and healthcare. 

“I’ve always had a huge appreciation for healthcare. I wanted to work in healthcare, but at first, I didn’t know how,” said the WCU-Ontario career services director. “In this role, I get a chance to contribute. What keeps me here is knowing that we’re changing lives little by little, and those lives get a chance to change other people’s lives.” 

Mercedes began her career in staffing, but quickly realized her desire to delve deeper into the motivations and credentials behind career choices. So, she began working as an externship coordinator at a vocational school. She was later promoted to associate director before making a move in 2013 to American Career College-Orange County as a career services specialist. 

“I worked for the (vocational nursing) program, I just loved being able to get a chance to learn about nurses” she said. 

In 2014, Mercedes joined ��-Ontario as a career services specialist. Almost ten years later, she now serves as Ontario’s director of career services, and has also obtained her master’s in business administration from WCU Online Programs. 

“I started in 2020,” she said. “West Coast had just launched their MBA program and one of my goals is to eventually become a faculty member.” 

As a full-time professional, student, and mother, Mercedes was able to balance it all and still graduated with a 4.0. 

“It was hard, I’m not going to lie and say it was easy,” she said. “But I utilized all the services West Coast had to offer. I was on tutor.com, I always reached out to professors, I utilized the library. All the things we tell our students to do to be successful, I did.” 

Now a proud WCU alumni, Mercedes advises her students to take their journey one step at a time. 

“I just took it term by term without dwelling on the past or worrying about the future. My only focus was on the now,” she shared. “I asked myself, ‘How am I going to be successful today?’ And each day I was more successful because I had this tunnel vision.”

As a leader in career development, Mercedes takes great pride in the role she has played for over a decade helping healthcare students succeed after graduation. 

“I stay connected with a lot of my students that have now graduated,” she said. “I’ve seen them grow up. I’ve seen them get married, have babies, buy houses. I was able to help them get a job to provide for themselves and their families and build a life.”

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Q&A With WCU-Ontario Public Health Nursing Instructor Dr. Leticia Esau

Anisa Lewis — Tue, 29 Aug 2023 00:05:00 +0000

Dr. Leticia Esau is the lead public health nursing faculty at ��-Ontario. Beginning her public health journey as a school nurse, she decided to become an educator to share her expertise while emphasizing the importance of advocating for vulnerable populations.

Due to her passion and leadership, Dr. Esau was selected as the inaugural faculty grand marshal for the WCU Summer 2023 California commencement, kicking off a new tradition where a faculty member leads the university platform party onto the stage.

Learn more about Dr. Esau’s story in this Q&A:

WCU: Congratulations on being selected as WCU’s first Grand Marshal. What was that experience like for you?

Dr. Esau: The overall experience was exhilarating and beyond exciting. To be the faculty member leading the platform party, and to be the first person that the graduates and their loved ones see, is going to be an experience that I will never forget. I am so excited for future faculty members who will be selected to experience this honorary role.

WCU: I want to talk a bit about you and your story. You have your master’s in nursing and doctorate in public health. What brought you to where you are today?

Dr. Esau: Both of my parents are immigrants, and my father had a short timeframe being a migrant farm worker. He would tell me some of the horrific stories that he had encountered, and unfortunately, some of the negative experiences that he had with healthcare professionals. As a child I knew that I wanted to work with vulnerable groups, because I wanted to take the path where I could be the voice and advocate for those that are underserved.

I started off as a school nurse. I worked with students that were from migrant families out in the Coachella Valley, and there I was able to advocate and help them navigate the complex healthcare system. Then, I thought, I want more people to know about this field. So, I began looking at some community health instructor positions from a nursing standpoint. Luckily, I was able to secure the job at ��, and I’ve been here for seven years doing what I absolutely love.

WCU: Can you tell me a bit more about the impact public health nurses have on the community?

Dr. Esau: We try to eliminate some of the barriers that will prevent an individual from living their life to its fullest potential. These barriers are not just geared towards health, that’s just one component. It’s also about people being able to afford where they live, addressing poverty, homelessness, and other vulnerabilities that people are faced with. We are in the business of addressing inequities to eliminate health disparities. Essentially, that’s the goal of public health — improving the well-being of others and eliminating health disparities.

WCU: As faculty, how do you involve your students in the community?

Dr. Esau: I like to provide one or two volunteer opportunities for students every term. Students will interact with vulnerable groups who may be timid and may have distrust with the healthcare system. The students are able to work on their relationship-building and communication skills in an attempt to establish trust and rapport. As their instructor they’ll have me there to help guide them with the appropriate communication skills. I think it’s important for us, as theory instructors, to get involved in the community so that we’re able to bring those real-life experiences into the classroom.

WCU: Can you describe your involvement in public health outside of teaching?

Dr. Esau: I’m involved now in a school-based health center committee which essentially focuses on the Inland Empire. What we really are seeking to do is bring health care services to the K-12 school setting. We know that there’s a lot of barriers for students and families to obtain healthcare, so our goal is to bring school-based health clinics to high schools so that students and families can access health care services.

There’s also another organization that I am involved with called Vision to Learn. They bring mobile units to schools where students are screened for vision and are prescribed glasses free of charge. We targeted Riverside County the last two years, and we were able to prescribe over 8,000 glasses to K-12 students.

WCU: How important is it to have community partnerships as a public health leader?

Dr. Esau: One of the objectives in public health nursing is for students to understand the importance of collaborating with community agencies, and to understand how to obtain some of those resources that we don’t traditionally encounter. We’re always lacking in funding as it pertains to public health, so we need community partnerships, whether it’s the church that’s providing the food bank, an agency that provides the clothing drives, or a school that’s providing free vision screening. We need to identify those resources and form partnerships.

WCU: What advice do you have for the next generation of public health professionals?

Dr. Esau: You have the ability to impact somebody’s life. Honing in on your skills, your empathy, communication skills, being passionate about what you do – that’s all going to translate in the type of care that you’re providing to these groups. And, for my future public health nurses, I need for you to understand that what you’re doing is so important for the community.

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WCU-Ontario Student Spotlight: Mark R.

�� — Wed, 21 Dec 2022 10:00:00 +0000

On the night of October 1, 2017, Mark R. received a phone call that changed the course of his life.

An electrician in Los Angeles, Mark was horrified to learn that his then-girlfriend, now wife, had been shot at the Route 91 Harvest music festival in Las Vegas.

“It didn’t seem real,” he said. “I had my bag packed, threw it in my truck and jammed out there.”

Mark stayed at the hospital with his girlfriend for 18 days before she was transferred to the Loma Linda Rehab Center in California.

“She was shot in the back,” Mark shared. “It hit her kidney, liver, spleen, stomach and nicked her aorta, and somehow, she survived.”

After a few weeks, Mark’s now-wife was sent home and he helped to tend to her wounds, including a 10-inch incision on her stomach.

“That site became infected, so I was doing wound changes twice a day,” he said.

While caring for his girlfriend, Mark was reminded just how meaningful working in healthcare was to him. Prior to being an electrician, Mark worked as an emergency medical technician for four years, and an emergency medical services operations manager for another four years.

“I loved the people and the problem solving,” he said. “I really enjoy helping people.”

Pursuing a New Career Path

After talking with his family, Mark made the decision to return to school and pursue his Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree. While researching nursing programs, Mark remembered having heard about �� when he worked in emergency services.

“I had a few of my employees that went there,” he said. “It’s like a whole starting over, and this school offered everything.”

Returning to school after years of being away can be a tough transition, but the WCU-Ontario student says he made the choice at a time that was right for him.

“I don’t know if I would have been mature enough to accomplish school at this level as a younger kid. I have children, I have responsibilities, I have stuff going on where it’s like there is no option to mess around,” he shared. “But I’ve never been happier because I’m moving towards a goal.”

Mark says he’s able to balance everything on his plate with the support of his wife.

“My wife is wonderful. She helps me with my schedule, and that’s the biggest thing,” Mark said. “Balancing time has been really nice; my wife has really helped me.”

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Three-Time WCU Alum and Current Faculty Member Is a Life-Long Learner

�� — Fri, 16 Dec 2022 09:52:00 +0000

You may call Erin J. a triple threat since she’s completed three degrees at ��.

Erin began her career in vocational nursing before attending WCU for her Bachelor of Science in Nursing at the Ontario campus in 2011. In 2017, Erin returned for a master’s program and in 2021 she completed WCU’s doctoral program.

“I’m currently pursuing the post-master’s PMH-NP, psychiatric-mental health program,” Erin said. “I will be done with that at the beginning of 2023.”

Initially, Erin studied computer programming but soon found that she craved more action.

“I’m not a behind-the-desk type person,” Erin said. “I like to be on my feet interacting with other people and felt nursing was much more tailored to that.”

Finding the Right School

Erin recalled that nursing was becoming very competitive during that time and said it was hard to find a school that fit her needs.

“From scheduling the classes to the availability of the instructors and online courses, �� was perfect for me. I wanted a school that understood my experience so I didn’t have to start from scratch but could utilize the education I already had to further develop my nursing role.”
Erin J., WCU alumna and faculty member

It was ��, Erin said, that taught her what it meant to be a registered nurse, and what her clinical position would entail along with her role in healthcare at the macro level.

“One thing I enjoyed about �� was that the instructors were always available. I could interact face-to-face as well as online because a lot of the classes were hybrid,” Erin said, who also mentioned how the flexibility helped as she managed a growing family and full-time job.

Finding Balance and Support

Erin continues to maintain professional relationships with her instructors, emphasizing the close network built between students and professors at WCU.

“Nursing is a core of individuals who try to look out for each other,” Erin said. “�� has always emphasized that positive attitude of nursing as a profession and network.”

At one point in her educational journey, Erin struggled to balance her school, work, and home life. She recalled that her advanced med surg professor asked what it was Erin needed to stay focused and on point.

“Having that kind of backbone of support was absolutely instrumental to my success,” she said. “It gave me that second hand and I was able to succeed. I got tired and she pushed me along saying, ‘You can do this.’”

Exploring the Path of Mental Healthcare

Today, Erin’s goal is to work as a mental health professional.

“Within the general healthcare field there is an extreme need for mental health professionals,” she said. “In my interaction with patients in the family practice setting, I found mental health was probably a good 60% of my patient visits.”

When she found out WCU was opening a mental health-focused program, Erin said she signed up immediately.

“I’ve had great success in all the �� programs I’ve been in and always felt supported,” she said. “I wanted to jump on the opportunity so I could be more help to my patients and have a greater role in the mental health arena.”

Giving Back Through Teaching

After being a three-time student at WCU, Erin has now assumed an academic role at her alma mater. Last year, she became an adjunct clinical instructor at the WCU-Ontario campus. She said it is a privilege to work on the academic side after her time as a student.

“Having been a student with �� gives me a unique perspective,” she said. “I can relate to their own struggles because nursing is one of the most intense careers you can ever do.”

For Erin, being #WCUProud means reaching back and helping others achieve their own goals.

“To be a student and now be an instructor is to pay it forward. Whatever you can imagine, do it. There is only one person stopping you and it is you. I’ve been in your situations. I’ve had to work a full-time job while going to school and raising four children. I understand the struggle. Stick with your goals and understand there is never a right time. Have confidence in yourself and the drive to do it.”
Erin J., WCU alumna and faculty member

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Double Alumna Finds Family in WCU Cohort

�� — Tue, 15 Nov 2022 09:30:00 +0000

Sally V. has never worked in a hospital setting. Instead, for the past seven years, she worked at a community clinic, calling public health her “true calling.”

“My passion is community health,” Sally said. “I love establishing relationships with patients and their families.”

Sally might be the first medical professional in her family, but she said she wanted to be a nurse from the time she was young. She was drawn to the expansive nature of nursing, which was also a major draw for her to come to ��. She chose WCU after discovering its cohort-styled learning.

“I chose �� because everyone was geared towards the same goal. I loved that it was a family. It’s the same group of people you stick with the whole journey. You develop bonds and help each other go through it.”
Sally V.

Sally graduated from WCU-Ontario with her Bachelor of Science in Nursing in 2014. Now, she encourages others, telling them that they can pursue a nursing degree no matter what obstacles stand in their way.

“I didn’t know anyone in healthcare. I was a single mom also working almost full-time, over 30 hours a week,” Sally said. “If you want it and you’re motivated and believe in yourself… you’ll make it happen.”

Sally leaned on her mother, who she said supported and cheered her on. At the same time, she balanced life as a single mom to her son, Anthony. She recalled that the flexible class schedules meant she was not on campus every day of the week. She also found her professors were experiencing similar responsibilities.

“You did get to develop a relationship with your professor, who was also a nurse and most of the time also a parent,” she said. “They were always available to provide more assistance.”

After completing an online Master of Public Health program in 2018, Sally began her Master of Science in Nursing program at ��.

“I submitted my final project on Sunday, and I started the Master of Science in Nursing program on Monday,” she said. “It just happened the terms lined up like that. Everyone was like, ‘You’re crazy,’ but once I get my mind set on something, I go for it.”

Sally was inspired to continue in her education after working alongside a practicing physician at the community care clinic. She said the experience made her realize that she wanted to provide that level of care to her own patients.

“I wanted to be the provider where the patients say, ‘Sally takes care of me and wants me to be healthy and is always there when I have questions,’” she said. “In community health, there are so many barriers: homelessness, poverty, drug use, lack of transportation. I decided I wanted to be a provider, so I enrolled and just finished the Family Nurse Practitioner program in May of 2021.”

Sally said her cohort was there for each other, whether through Zoom study sessions, quizzing one another, or sharing flashcards. After finishing the program and passing their boards, Sally remembered how everyone celebrated getting through that challenging final year together.

“I felt so proud of these people I have only seen once,” she said. “Even though we’re hundreds, if not thousands, of miles apart, it was important to make it through together, to get to this point as a cohort, not just as individuals.”

The close, family-oriented cohort is a major reason why Sally advocates for others to consider attending ��.

“I’ve heard from other people that their nursing experience wasn’t as good. They didn’t develop those relationships like I did,” Sally said. “Not every school is the perfect fit for everyone, but this is why I chose West Coast and why I support and advocate for it.”

Now, Sally helps to foster that same bond with her own students. She became a nursing instructor at American Career College in January 2022.

As the president of the Ontario Alumni Chapter, Sally remains highly involved in her alma mater. Her best advice to anyone interested in nursing is to start today.

“Life never stops. It is always full of surprises,” she said. “You can’t wait. When people finally do the program they say, ‘I should have done this earlier and shouldn’t have made so many excuses for myself.’”

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