Anne-Marie C.’s path to becoming a registered nurse has been one of resilience, determination, and a relentless pursuit of education. As a current student in the LPN to BSN program at West Coast University’s Miami campus, her story is not only inspiring, but also provides real-world insights into how nursing school works and what it takes to succeed.
A Passion for Nursing Born Through Experience
Anne-Marie’s journey into nursing wasn’t a straight line — it was a winding road filled with diverse experiences that solidified her passion for the profession. “I ended up as an LPN because I was working too many jobs. I’ve always been inspired to become a registered nurse, but you know, your journey takes you in different avenues,” she explained. “I started out as a phlebotomist, then I became a CNA, then a medical assistant, and then an LPN because I really wanted to know if nursing was for me.”
Her story exemplifies the importance of critical thinking in nursing. West Coast University’s curriculum is designed to nurture these essential clinical skills, empowering students to make evidence-based decisions in fast-paced healthcare environments.
Charting the Path: From LPN to BSN
After her children grew older, Anne-Marie recognized it was time to elevate her career. “After my kids were all grown and older, I decided I wanted to finish my schooling. I wanted to do the LPN to RN-BSN because I didn’t want to do the associate’s and then go back for the BSN — I wanted to just go straight through. So much time had elapsed that I just wanted to get it done. West Coast offered it, and I said, ‘This is the school I have to go to,’ because there are rarely any schools out there with an LPN to RN-BSN program.”
Hands-On Learning: The Sim Lab Experience
One of the aspects that truly influenced Anne-Marie on her program was the Sim Lab. “Everything was very informative. On Zoom, I was even able to see the Sim Lab, and that’s what I fell in love with. I’m a hands-on person. As an LPN, we do a lot of skills — I like theory, but I like theory and [simulations] together. It helps me learn better.”
The lab environment mirrors real-world clinical settings, reinforcing the program’s focus on getting the necessary clinical hours for a BSN degree and ensuring that students are well-prepared for the realities of patient care. As Anne-Marie explained, “Everything is step by step— exactly how you would do it in the real world. So, when you get to clinicals or the real world, you have no excuse not to perfect your skills.”
Balancing Work and Education
Anne-Marie’s experience is a great example for those wondering if you can work full-time and go to nursing school. Despite cutting her hours to 36 per week, she manages her time meticulously, working Friday through Sunday and dedicating the rest of her week to her studies.
When discussing how West Coast contributed to her success, Anne-Marie said, “There are so many resources here. If you fail, it’s because you’re not putting in the work. Things happen, of course, but they give you so much support that you really have no excuse not to do your part. You have to apply yourself.”
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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