Cherry’s Story: Advancing from LPN to BSN—Without Leaving the Hospital

For Cherry, nursing has always felt close to home. She comes from a Filipino family deeply rooted in healthcare. Many of her relatives—especially her mother and sister—work as nurses. Watching their careers unfold planted an early seed and inspired her to follow a similar path.

From LPN to BSN—While Continuing to Care for Patients

Cherry joined Carson Tahoe in June 2022. She started in the Behavioral Health department as a medication nurse after transferring her LPN license from California to Nevada. Within six to seven months, she transitioned to the main hospital as a Licensed Practical Nurse. This move further strengthened her confidence and commitment to nursing.

Determined to advance her career, Cherry decided to pursue her Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) at Unitek College in Reno. Unitek offered a bridge pathway that allowed her to move from LPN to BSN in two years. In addition, the program combined a few days of theory with clinical rotations. This structure fit seamlessly into her full-time work schedule.

Her excitement grew when she walked through the Carson Tahoe lobby and noticed a co-branded Unitek College | Carson Tahoe information booth. Cherry stopped to speak with the Unitek admissions team and joked, “Where was this program when I was in school?” She’s thrilled that the new partnership gives her colleagues access to these opportunities and allows them to pursue nursing education without leaving their workplace.

A Nursing Pathway Designed for Working Professionals

In direct response to employee feedback, Carson Tahoe launched a Nursing Pathway program  in partnership with Unitek College. Employees asked for greater flexibility and programs designed specifically for working adults—and this pathway delivers. The BSN program combines online coursework with simulation and clinical experiences, all delivered onsite at Carson Tahoe. For employees, the experience is self-contained. They learn and train where they already work each day.

Cherry encourages anyone considering nursing to explore this educational opportunity. She shared that balancing full-time work and school was manageable, thanks in large part to Carson Tahoe’s flexibility and support—something she sees as part of the organization’s culture. Across departments, nurses genuinely enjoy teaching and supporting students, and even as a smaller hospital, Carson Tahoe offers diverse clinical experiences ranging from Labor & Delivery to the ICU.

“Balancing full-time work and school was manageable, thanks in large part to Carson Tahoe’s flexibility and support—it’s part of the culture here.”

Unlike some of her other clinical rotations, where students were limited to observation, Carson Tahoe encouraged hands-on learning. Cherry recalls being welcomed into patient care especially in the ER where students are immersed, encouraged to ask questions, and trusted to learn by doing. She believes this combination of active participation and strong mentorship is the most effective way to learn nursing.

Today, Cherry sees Carson Tahoe not just as a workplace, but as an organization that actively invests in its people. From encouraging CNAs to pursue nursing degrees to motivating nurses to step into leadership roles, Carson Tahoe fosters growth at every level. Interested in learning more? Visit our website to explore available programs and learn how to enroll.