Sarah Kwok, an alumna of Golden West College’s nursing program, began her healthcare journey at age 18 when she worked as an EMT and discovered a passion for patient care.
For Sarah, choosing Golden West College was both a practical and personal decision. “I heard a lot of great things about the program. It had high NCLEX pass rates and was very affordable compared to other nearby nursing schools,” she explains. Beyond cost, what truly stood out to her were the program’s clinical placements and the support she received from faculty. During her studies, she completed rotations at some of Orange County’s top hospitals, where she gained meaningful hands-on experience. “I really valued patient experiences where I got to genuinely connect with people and hear their stories,” Sarah says. “Those conversations shaped how I view nursing to this day.”
One of the most pivotal experiences during her training was her critical care rotation, which took place at the hospital where she ultimately hoped to work. With encouragement from a nursing faculty member, Sarah attended the hospital’s open house and made a connection that eventually led to a position in the ICU. “My education at GWC gave me the clinical and professional skills I needed to secure my first nursing job,” she says. “One resource I really appreciated was the open lab. It gave me extra time to practice clinical skills with help from the faculty, which really boosted my confidence.”
Her leadership skills also grew during her time at Golden West. Sarah served as President of the California Nursing Student Association (CNSA) for two semesters, helping to build a sense of community among students while expanding her professional network. She also received several scholarships which reduced the financial burden of nursing school and allowed her to focus more on her education.
Despite her success, Sarah is candid about the difficulty of the program. “It was one of the most challenging experiences of my life,” she admits. “The workload, long clinical hours, and steep learning curves were incredibly demanding.” Rather than giving up, she leaned into the challenge and used it as an opportunity to grow. “The program taught me time-management, resilience, and how to handle high-pressure situations. I still use those skills every day in the ICU.” She also emphasizes the importance of mental health, a strong support system, and taking time to recharge outside of school.
When it came time to begin her career after nursing school, Sarah felt well prepared. The program offered NCLEX review sessions, test preparation tools, and clear guidance through the licensure process. “GWC gave us everything we needed to pass the NCLEX and get licensed,” she says.
Today, Sarah works as a bedside ICU nurse for patients with conditions such as heart failure, sepsis, and respiratory failure at her dream hospital. Her passion for nursing continues to grow, and she now plans on becoming a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist so she can care for patients in the operating room.
Looking back, Sarah sees Golden West College as a key factor of her professional journey. “GWC gave me invaluable opportunities for growth, mentorship, and career advancement. I hope others get the chance to benefit from the same exceptional experience.”
