First Set of PUC’s North Coast Nursing Students Graduate

In June, Pacific Union College proudly celebrated all 20 students in the first set of North Coast graduates, of whom 17 began the associate degree in nursing (ADN) and three enrolled in the licensed vocational nurse (LVN) to registered nurse (RN) track. Among the graduates, five students were from Clearlake, two from Fort Bragg, and the remaining from Ukiah and Willits.

For the past two years, PUC has partnered with Adventist Health North Coast to create this unique nursing program for students to learn in facilities in Clearlake, Fort Bragg, and Willits, allowing them to complete the majority of their clinical hours at their local hospital, which reduces long commutes, minimizes the challenge of adapting to multiple clinical environments and electronic health record systems, and awards needed time to focus on developing critical thinking and clinical judgement skills. Since most of the students work full-time, planning the classroom portion on weekends gives them greater access to balance their professional and personal responsibilities. With resources from Adventist Health, nursing students received the support they needed to access facilities, technology, and mentorship to succeed.

In addition, this partnership moves to a seamless transition from education to employment, with opportunities for immediate placement after graduation. The model of this program supports students and the region by preparing a stable nursing workforce and shaping highly-trained, committed nurses who stay in their local communities to serve.

Most of these graduates applied multiple times in the local program before being accepted at PUC. They had long dreamed of becoming registered nurses but were delayed by limited program seats and a lottery-based admission process. Before entering the program, they were CNAs, medical assistants, paramedics, dietitians, monitor technicians, and emergency department technicians. Coming from different walks of life, many were also their families' primary providers and had to balance the demands of work, family, and school.

What makes this group exceptionally special is that throughout their time in the program, they faced significant challenges—they sadly lost loved ones, endured personal illness, and managed mental health. Yet, through it all, they conquered those battles and obstacles, persevered, and successfully made it to the finish line of graduation.

PUC Director of Off-Campus Ukiah Program and Assistant Director to the BRN, Helene Linzau, is most proud of this group's resilience as they balanced many priorities while remaining deeply committed to the program, serving their communities, and growing academically, professionally, and personally. “Each student had their own challenges, but as a group they allowed those situations to transcend into strength,” she said. “The beauty of this program is that it creates opportunities for students from rural communities, where pathways for professional growth are often limited.”

While Linzau felt comfortable in the classroom and clinical settings, she went beyond being this class's teacher and mentor. Being their director was a transformative experience for her, as it taught her flexibility, patience, and the importance of building a safe and supportive learning environment. Her endless support and encouragement created an atmosphere where the students felt seen, valued, and empowered. “My relationship with them was built on mutual respect, trust, and shared purpose,” said Linzau. “I am grateful for the opportunity to grow alongside them.”

Throughout PUC’s history, the nursing department has served various communities in central and northern California. Linzau is honored to have been allowed to carry on this legacy as director with this class, reflecting the footprint and reputation of PUC’s nursing program. “My role as director has been truly multifaceted,” she said. “On one hand, I serve as the constant presence for every class—their primary connection to PUC and a steward of its mission and values. This position has required balancing administrative leadership with personal connection, ensuring that each student feels supported throughout their journey.”

Throughout Linzau’s journey as director, she is deeply grateful for the unwavering support from Debra Wallace, PUC director of Med Tech/LVN to RN program and BRN assistant director, who encouraged and guided Linzau as she launched and managed this new nursing program. She is also appreciative of the Angwin campus faculty who offered their time and expertise, and who commuted to Ukiah or taught online to contribute to the program's success. “Their collaboration has been instrumental in fostering a strong learning community grounded in shared commitment and purpose,” Linzau said.

Additionally, the clinical instructors bridged the gap between classroom learning and real-world patient care by mentoring the students throughout their clinical experiences, strengthening the connection between education and professional practice.

The success of this program and of the students does not stem solely from within the nursing department, but also from the finance office, counseling center, teaching and learning center, and accessibility coordinator, records and media services—all of whom continue to make a significant difference in addressing students' needs and ensuring they are supported.

Linzau realized her role was not only administrative but relational. She understood the intellectual, physical, and spiritual needs of her students. Still, she was reminded of her favorite quote from Ellen G. White that says, “It was in private, often to one listener, that He gave His most precious instructions.” During her one-on-one sessions with her students, it was in those moments that Linzau came to understand the population she was serving and learned how to meet their specific needs.

“I was deeply honored by the trust my students placed in me,” she said. “Their willingness to be open and vulnerable in sharing their struggles and aspirations. Those moments of honesty became sacred opportunities for growth, both theirs and mine. I sought to transform their vulnerability into strength by affirming their resilience, guiding them toward confidence, and helping them recognize the power within their own stories.”

While this class went through several trials, they also experienced joyful moments. Two healthy babies were born during the program, one student got married, and all transformed personally and professionally as they became healthcare providers.

Today, 100% of these students passed the NCLEX, 95% are working RNs, 16 have completed progression forms and are enrolled in PUC’s BSN program, with nine already starting and four beginning the program during winter quarter.

This class is very grateful to PUC for the opportunity to achieve their academic and professional goals. Throughout the program, the many challenges they faced were opportunities to discover the power of prayer in a meaningful way, which helped them grow spiritually.

As these students navigate their careers, Linzau hopes they carry the courage to inspire excellence wherever they go. "I want them to feel empowered to question the status quo when necessary and to embody a healing presence within their communities," she said. "Beyond clinical competence, my hope is that they carry with them compassion, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to making a meaningful difference in the lives they touch."