Nightingale College

09/03/2026

“Every time I sat in that chair, I could hear my heartbeat. I’m sweating and getting so confused. I calmed myself down because I didn’t want to have any problems with my anxiety and I started taking my NCLEX and told myself, Eunice, you got this.”

Chimezie (Eunice) Opara had faced the stress and anxiety of taking the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) three times before. The 44-year-old mother of three got close to passing, but the culmination of her nursing journey kept feeling out of reach.

Opara was diligent in her studies using different training modules to best prepare for the exam. But after three attempts she realized she needed to take advantage of Nightingale College’s NCLEX coaching program.

In addition to the mental stress of taking the NCLEX repeatedly, the financial cost can quickly become burdensome as well. UWorld Nursing estimated that each repeated NCLEX can cost up to $600 depending on specific state requirements.

Fighting through anxiety and some early registration complications took their toll, and Opara failed in her first attempt as her test cut off at 85 questions. The test can have a maximum of 150 questions, but if a candidate is trending under a passing threshold, they are likely unable to overcome; the test cuts off at 85 questions.

“Still, I was not discouraged, and I continued to study,” said Opara, who like many aspiring RNs juggled her studies with her part-time role working as a licensed vocational nurse.

Utilizing study tools like UWorld, Simple Nursing and Archer, Opara did make it to the end with 150 questions but was unsuccessful in passing it on her second attempt.

After Opara’s third unsuccessful attempt in fall 2025 where her exam cut off at 85 questions, she started working with Faye Fairchild, DNP, RN, CNE, one of the three Nightingale coaches who work with graduates on their NCLEX journey.

One coach provides aid immediately after graduation while another works with graduates who have not taken the exam after graduation. Fairchild assists graduates who have failed the test. Nightingale has a licensure reimbursement policy where graduates can get their NCLEX exam fees (not including state fees) reimbursed provided they show proof of passing and submit a reimbursement form.

“I’ve never heard of another college working this diligently with graduates and it’s a real neat thing,” Fairchild said.

Fairchild met with Opara in November 2025 and said Opara’s challenge was an interesting one.

Continue reading the full story here →

An inspiring reflection by a California nurse on overcoming the grueling hurdles of the NCLEX journey to finally claim a hard-earned nursing career.

09/02/2026

At this year’s Flame Forward!, Kasey Shakespear, executive director of the Rural Health Association of Utah, shared why rural healthcare is unlike anything else: delivering a child, treating their strep throat, setting their broken bones, watching them win state championships... and one day delivering their children too.

It’s a full-circle relationship most healthcare providers in urban settings never get to experience, and it’s exactly why rural nursing matters so much to our communities and Nightingale’s mission.

Curious what a nursing career path with a rural health focus could look like? Explore Nightingale’s nursing programs at nightingale.edu/programs.

09/01/2026

"More than a decade in the making, and now it’s official. I graduated with my Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Nightingale College. 🎓

My nursing journey has not been a straight or easy path, which makes this moment even more meaningful. I began my career as an LVN in 2020, and since then, I have cared for patients in long-term care, skilled nursing, post-acute care, school health, and community-based settings.

Every experience has helped shape the nurse I am today. I have learned the importance of advocating for patients, providing education, working as a team, and being a steady source of support during vulnerable moments.

This degree represents years of persistence, growth, sacrifice, and many moments when I had to remind myself why I started. I am proud that I kept going.

As I begin this next chapter, I’m excited to keep learning and growing as a nurse. I’m hoping to find the right opportunity here in the Bay Area, but I’m also keeping an open mind about what comes next. Wherever I land, I’m ready to build on my experience and give my patients the best care I can.

I am incredibly grateful to my family, instructors, classmates, colleagues, and everyone who supported and encouraged me along the way. Thank you to Nightingale College for being part of such an important milestone.

Here’s to what comes next. 💛

"

📸 Manina Baquero - LVN | Recent BSN Graduate

08/30/2026

Answering Your Most Common Questions

Quick update first: on Aug. 28, the judge denied Nightingale's request for a TRO in our case against the California BRN. That decision didn't rule on the merits of the case — it only addressed our request for immediate court action. We intend to file for a preliminary injunction as early as next week.

Here are answers to what we're hearing most:

"What exactly is the BRN saying we're deficient in?" The BRN has publicly raised concerns about direct patient care hours and the concurrent completion of theory/clinical coursework (including OB and pediatrics) — but has not issued official written notice of deficiencies, despite our requests for clarity.

"What does the July 2027 court date mean — is everything on hold until then?" No. That date is a routine Initial Case Management Conference, not a sign the case is paused until then. The date is subject to change, based on legal actions. Other court activity can happen before that date.

"What about my loans?" Contact your loan servicer directly — they can walk you through options like deferment or forbearance based on your specific situation. Not sure who your servicer is? Look it up at studentaid.gov. If you need additional support, our Default Prevention team is also available at [email protected].

"Will I have to pay for anything if the BRN finds deficiencies?" No. If the BRN identifies deficiencies and it is needed, the College will provide a supplemental course free of charge.

We remain fully committed to pursuing every available legal option and to supporting our California graduates through to licensure. Full FAQ and ongoing updates: nightingale.edu/landing/california-grads.html

08/28/2026

Nightingale College has filed a lawsuit against the California Board of Registered Nursing and requested temporary relief from the court related to the processing of California RN licensure applications.

For months, Nightingale has worked with the BRN to address these concerns and provide information about our curriculum. With many graduate applications still on hold and the BRN's refusal to compromise, the College determined that legal action was necessary.

Our priority remains supporting our graduates as they pursue licensure and keeping learners and graduates informed as the process moves forward. Nothing is required from you at this time.

Because litigation is ongoing, we encourage you to rely on verified communications from Nightingale and the BRN for updates.

Read the full update and follow future developments at the California Graduate Information here: https://nightingale.edu/landing/california-grads.html

08/26/2026

"It’s been a roller coaster ride to say the least. Nonetheless, I can officially add “BSN” behind my name! Thank you Nightingale College for allowing me the flexibility to further my education while still working full time and being a full time parent. Nursing school was never easy, but with dedication, determination, and at times tears from stress, I continued to flame forward.
NCLEX, here I come!"

📸 Elizabeth Gonzalez, BSN

08/24/2026

We loved seeing everyone in person at this year’s commencement! ❤️ Fall 2025 Valedictorian Mylene Celeste Hunter delivered these powerful closing words.

“Go forward with confidence. Serve with excellence. Lead with humility. Care with compassion.”

From first-day nerves to nurses ready to make a real difference.

This is how Nightingale College creates a relevantly skilled, readily available nursing workforce with our learners.

08/21/2026

Best. Day. Ever. 🎓🎉

08/21/2026

It’s go time! Congratulations graduates!! Make sure you tag us in all of your celebratory photos and videos today!