For Barry, being named Valedictorian of his nursing cohort was no small feat. It was the result of discipline, long nights of studying, and a commitment to never settle for “good enough.” Add the Nursing Leadership Award and a first-time pass on the NCLEX, and it becomes clear: Barry didn’t just complete Plaza College’s Nursing program — he distinguished himself within it.

Barry knew he wanted a program that would challenge him while supporting his growth. What confirmed he had made the right choice was the sense of personal connection from day one.

“I was drawn to Plaza College because of its accelerated structure and the close-knit community environment. Unlike other colleges, you are not just an ID number. Everyone makes an effort to get to know you and remember your name.”

From faculty guidance on his first day to consistent mentorship throughout the program, Barry found more than academic instruction—he found a community invested in his success. He credits the faculty as being “instrumental” in his success; their support, paired with high expectations, pushed him to excel. Professors challenged him in simulations, clinicals, and leadership opportunities, reinforcing a standard of excellence that extended beyond grades.

“Faculty emphasized how we should never settle for mediocrity and instead aim to set the standard and promote exceptional quality in everything we do.”

Some of Barry’s most defining growth happened in the Simulation Lab, where he credits being given “the opportunity to practice high-pressure scenarios in a safe, controlled environment.” He recalls running a Code for the first time with his group—an experience filled with miscommunication and missed priorities. With faculty feedback and a second attempt, improvement followed. By the time he encountered similar emergencies during clinical rotations, he felt prepared to respond with clarity and confidence.

Clinical rotations across medical-surgical, telemetry, maternal-child, mental health, and community health settings deepened his skills and strengthened his commitment to patient-centered care. During his telemetry preceptorship, Barry began managing care for five patients with increasing independence. The experience was demanding but affirming, especially when even his most reserved patient expressed gratitude.

“By the end of [my] preceptorship, I felt what it would actually feel like to work independently as an RN. Experiences like that reinforced my decision to go into the field of nursing.”

Barry also passed the NCLEX on his first attempt, crediting the program’s emphasis on clinical reasoning and test-taking strategy.

“By the time I sat for the NCLEX, I felt confident and well-prepared because the program had already trained me to think critically like a nurse.”

Through mock exams, targeted review sessions, and constant reinforcement of prioritization skills, Plaza ensured students were prepared not just to pass an exam, but to practice safely and competently.

For prospective nursing students, Barry offers clear advice: he encourages students to stay organized, lean on faculty support, build strong peer partnerships, and most importantly, stay grounded in their purpose.

“Nursing school requires dedication, sacrifice, and resilience. Remember your ‘why’ — keeping your long-term goals in mind will help you stay motivated during challenging moments.”

As he begins his career in an acute care hospital setting, Barry looks forward to continuing to sharpen his clinical skills. His long-term goal is to work in the Emergency Department, where critical thinking and teamwork are essential. In the future, he hopes to become a Nurse Practitioner and contribute to nursing education—giving back to the next generation of nurses just as his professors did for him.

“I am eager to continue learning and growing as a clinician while also making a meaningful impact in the next generation of nursing.”

Barry’s journey is a reflection of what happens when ambition meets opportunity. Through rigor, mentorship, and a culture of excellence, Plaza College’s Nursing program prepares graduates not only to succeed—but to lead.

“Plaza provided the foundation, support system, and empathy that helped shape me into the person I am today.”