A milestone moment at West Coast University marked a defining chapter in Nicole R.’s life — the day she officially became a nurse.
At her pinning ceremony, Nicole was chosen as class speaker during the event — an honor she didn’t expect but fully embraced.
“It’s really rewarding,” she said. “To represent my class and everything we’ve been through, it means a lot.”
Nicole’s journey to nursing wasn’t a straight path. Before enrolling at West Coast, she wasn’t sure what she wanted to do.
“I kind of followed in my cousin’s footsteps,” she said. “She’s a nurse, and now I’m a nurse. Second nurse in the family.” But her decision became clear after a personal loss. “After my dad passed, it was kind of more like, all right, I need to finish. I want to be a nurse, so let’s do it.”
That motivation carried her through even the most challenging moments. “When I was doing OB, that was probably my hardest course,” she admitted. “I was like, I can’t do this. It’s too hard. But I had a good group of friends that really pushed me and helped me.”
For Nicole, the best part of being a nurse is the opportunity to change lives. “Sometimes when people come to us, it’s at a low point. They’re looking for hope. To be able to give that is very rewarding,” she said. But she also acknowledged the emotional weight of the job. “The most challenging part is wanting to help everyone and realizing sometimes it’s not in our hands.”
Her compassion runs deep. For the past decade, she’s been part of a medical missionary group, a reflection of her lifelong desire to serve. “I’ve always wanted to give back to the community and help in any way I can,” she said.
Nicole chose West Coast University for its accelerated schedule and supportive environment. “If I had to do nursing school again, I’d probably choose West Coast again,” she said. “Everyone wants you to do well.”
Now, as she prepares to enter the field, Nicole’s advice to future students is simple: “Take advantage of every moment. Nursing school is not one you can do alone. Find your group early on and stick to it.”
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.
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