How Tragedy Guided One Alumni’s Path to Nursing
Laura Werner graduated from Arizona College of Nursing in December 2024, but her path to nursing was set before she ever stepped foot on campus. For Laura, this calling to nursing was born from family memories.
“I actually have a great aunt who was a nurse in the First World War. I have her diaries,” Laura shared. Reading her diaries as a child, Laura was able to visualize the adventure and dedication involved with caring for patients on the battlefield. From there, she craved that same sense of adventure and purposefor her life.
A Detour on the Path to Nursing
While Laura always believed nursing was her path, she found herself growing up, settling in Southern California, and building a life as a mom and esthetician. Nursing was “kind of always in the background,” but the timing never seemed right.
During her time as an esthetician, she briefly tried community classes to test the waters. She enjoyed the interaction with patients and the aspect of skincare, but she still wasn’t sure the calling was “deep enough” to change her life.
However, Laura’s life was put on hold when tragedy struck in 2022: her husband suddenly passed away after suffering a brain injury.
For 10 days, Laura stayed by his side in the ICU. During that intense, chaotic, and heartbreaking period, nurses stood by her side and became her rock. They were there to support her with kind words and care that helped her navigate what she described as a ‘crazy whirlwind.’
“If it wasn’t for the nurses just with support or kind words or being there, I don’t think I would have had such a positive experience,” she said. It was in that ICU that Laura found her true, deep-rooted why.
“I want to do that for other people. [I want to] be that kind of light for them when they’re having their darkest times.”
The Move to AZCN
Following the passing of her husband, Laura’s family stepped in, urging her to take the necessary steps to secure a stable future for herself and her children. She needed a dedicated career path.
It was Laura’s dad who connected with the Arizona College of Nursing, encouraging her to start immediately. The shift was fast: “My husband passed in May, and I was in school by August,” she explained.
With that, she packed up her life. Laura and her family moved over to Arizona allowing her to commit herself fully to a new career.
Having completed prerequisites at a large community college in California prior to the move, Laura immediately noticed the difference and sense of community at Arizona College of Nursing. AZCN offers a tight-knit, supportive environment, filled with classmates willing to take part in study sessions and professors willing to help at any time.
“I had the best experience with support, with availability, and with professors. I felt privileged to be able to work with our professors that are all seasoned nurses and be able to ask them questions,” she said.
Laura valued the opportunity to learn not just the how of nursing, but the why. She wanted to dig into the goals and motivations behind the faculty at AZCN who had stayed in the field for so long.
“I definitely think there was a bigger picture that I couldn’t see at the moment but see now that it all worked out.”
Laura’s Advice to Future Nurses
Now a graduate, Laura has powerful advice for students in nursing school.
“Be open-minded. Look at the glass half full, know you’re going to do it and stick with it,” she said.
But Laura’s biggest piece of advice: Ask for help.
“If you don’t feel 100% confident in the skill that you’re doing, ask for help,” she said. Don’t let your pride or fear get in the way. There are always people at The College who can help and are willing to support you.
Laura’s story serves as a reminder that sometimes, the greatest clarity and purpose are found in overcoming life’s most difficult moments.
Start Your Future in Nursing Today
If you’re considering a career as a registered nurse (RN), Arizona College of Nursing is here to help you pursue your dream. Our BSN program enables you to earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing in just 3 years or less with qualifying transfer credits. We’ve helped hundreds of students to earn a BSN degree and enter the nursing profession – and we’re ready to support you on your path to becoming an RN.
Why Choose Arizona College of Nursing?
- Earn a BSN degree in 3 years or less with eligible transfer credits
- Campus locations throughout the US
- Night classes for general education courses
- Hybrid Online/In-Person format for general education classes
- Nursing education is all we do
- CCNE-Accredited Program*
- NCLEX-RN success coaches and exam preparation class
- Financial aid available to those who qualify
Discover Your Path to a Career in Nursing
Information in this post is accurate as of April 20, 2026.
*The Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree program at Arizona College of Nursing is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (https://www.aacnnursing.org/). All Arizona College of Nursing and Arizona College campuses are institutionally accredited by the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (https://www.abhes.org/), a U.S. Department of Education-recognized accrediting agency.