Vienna Simar, a student in Grand Canyon University’s Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) program, spoke at the opening ceremony for a new ABSN site in Lake Mary, Florida. Simar described her journey to nursing as one marked by challenges and self-doubt but ultimately guided by faith and support from her family and the university community.
“For me, I struggle a lot with self-doubt,” said Simar, who moved from California to Florida via Arizona. “When I started this program, I said that I cannot be a wife, I cannot be a mother, and I don’t think I can be a student.”
Simar credited fellow students and staff with helping her overcome these doubts. The new Lake Mary location is one of 10 ABSN sites GCU has established across states including Arizona, Florida, Idaho, Missouri, Nevada, New Mexico, and Utah. The university plans to expand its network to about 40 sites nationwide in response to the ongoing nursing shortage.
During her remarks at the event attended by local officials such as Rebekah Arthur of the Seminole County Chamber, Simar emphasized how she uses her experience as an example for her four sons. “I had to rewire my brain for these 16 months,” she said. “(I tell my boys) that if it isn’t hard, then everyone would do it. I say that the hard things are worth it.”
Simar also noted the involvement of her children in her studies: “I’m really grateful that my kids are on this journey with me,” she said. “They want to help. They’ll say, ‘Can I help you study, Mom?’ So these are sweet moments with them.”
The ABSN program offers a hybrid curriculum where students complete didactic coursework online while attending on-site simulations and lab sessions. It is designed for those who already have college credits and want to pursue nursing as a new career or return to school quickly.
“I’m hoping to encourage people who want to be a nurse,” Simar said. “I think the ABSN program is great for people who want to return to school or for students in my cohort or those younger than me. I also think it’s a great avenue to get into the nursing field and get that experience as I have had so far.”
She praised GCU’s staff: “They want us to succeed,” she said. “And they’re genuine when they express, ‘Hey, I’m here to help.’ When they say, ‘We’re here to be your cheerleader,’ I really feel like they’ve offered a lot of encouragement.”
The ribbon-cutting ceremony included Dr. Lisa Smith, dean of GCU’s College of Nursing and Health Care Professions; Dr. Randy Gibb, university provost; and other university representatives.
Reflecting on personal setbacks—including dropping out of school and facing unexpected life events—Simar shared how faith played an important role in moving forward: “God doesn’t waste anything,” she said. “He is a much better author of my story than I would ever be.” She added: “All those struggles; the times of feeling low, He’s always been there,” noting that faith continues to guide her through difficult times.
Asked about advice for others facing challenges during their education or careers in nursing, Simar concluded: “No matter how low or feeling like ‘How am I going to get through this?’ I know there is one person who’s going to be by my side no matter what.”
GCU aims for continued growth in its accelerated nursing programs nationwide as part of broader efforts addressing workforce shortages within healthcare.
