---
title: How Tragedy Guided One Alumni’s Path to Nursing
url: "https://arizonacollege.edu/blog/how-tragedy-guided-one-alumnis-path-to-nursing/"
type: post
date_published: 2026-04-20
date_modified: 2026-04-20
schema:
  @type: Article
language: en-US
word_count: 768
reading_time: 4 min
canonical: "https://arizonacollege.edu/blog/how-tragedy-guided-one-alumnis-path-to-nursing/"
featured_image: "https://arizonacollege.edu/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Laura-Werner-with-fellow-nursing-students-during-nursing-program.webp"
categories:
  - Uncategorized
---

# How Tragedy Guided One Alumni’s Path to Nursing

![Laura Werner with fellow nursing students during nursing program](https://arizonacollege.edu/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Laura-Werner-with-fellow-nursing-students-during-nursing-program.webp)

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](https://arizonacollege.edu/accredited-bsn-program/why-azcn/)
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. 

![Laura Werner family photo](https://arizonacollege.edu/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Laura-Werner-family-photo.webp?w=743)

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](https://arizonacollege.edu/accredited-bsn-program/). 

It was Laura’s dad who connected with the Arizona College of Nursing,
encouraging her to [start immediately](https://arizonacollege.edu/admissions/).
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](https://arizonacollege.edu/student-services/)
. 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 Werner at nursing school](https://arizonacollege.edu/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Laura-Werner-at-nursing-school.webp)

Laura valued the opportunity to learn not just the how of nursing, but
[the why](https://arizonacollege.edu/accredited-bsn-program/why-azcn/). 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. 

![Family support during nursing program](https://arizonacollege.edu/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Family-support-during-nursing-program.webp)

“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.