Inspired by Family, WCU-Miami BSN Student Balances Full-Time Work and Studies

Briana Y. always had a passion for the medical field, but it was a personal family crisis during her nursing journey that truly solidified her path. 

Having worked in a hospital environment for nearly six years, Briana was initially drawn to West Coast University by both personal connections and practical considerations. 

“I had a couple of friends who had applied to West Coast and went through the BSN program, and they loved it,” she explained. 

The flexible evening and weekend schedule at WCU was also a perfect fit for her, allowing her to balance full-time work as an administrative assistant at a surgery center with her studies. 

Although her administrative role at the center has shifted to a work-from-home setup, her past hands-on experiences in various settings there fueled her desire to transition from clerical tasks to direct patient care. 

“I loved helping people and wanted to be by their side, holding their hand through the hard times and cheering them on during the good times,” she said. 

Unfortunately, after enrolling at WCU, Briana learned her grandfather was battling stage four lung cancer and her grandmother was facing stage three colon cancer. During their cancer treatment, Briana found herself deeply moved by the nurses who went “above and beyond” in their care. 

“Seeing the nurses, how they treated (my grandfather) … really inspired me. It made me want to be the best person I could be for people, patients going through similar things, and their families as well,” she said. 

Currently, Briana is immersed in her Med-Surg 2 course and said she finds the material both challenging and captivating. She’s exploring her interests across different specialties but is particularly drawn to the dynamic environment of Med-Surg or the Emergency Room. 

“The issue with me is that I find interest in everything,” she said, highlighting her enthusiasm for diverse medical fields. 

Briana attributes her success to effective time management and the supportive resources at WCU, including the peer-assisted learning (PAL) tutoring program. As a PAL tutor herself, she enjoys helping her peers succeed, reinforcing her own knowledge in the process. 

“PAL tutors are amazing,” she said. “They really want to help the students and help them as best as they possibly can.” 

Looking ahead, Briana feels well-prepared for her future. Her journey at WCU has not only equipped her with essential medical knowledge but also nurtured her compassionate spirit, ensuring she’s ready to make a meaningful impact in the nursing profession. 

“I feel that once I finish this program, I will be able to take the NCLEX with no issue,” she said.  

WCU provides career guidance and assistance but cannot guarantee employment. The views and opinions expressed are those of the individuals and do not necessarily reflect the beliefs or position of the school or of any instructor or student.