Entering the Healthcare Field
For Rochelle Antoine, the journey to becoming a registered nurse has been a testament to the power of perseverance and determination. Her first experiences in healthcare were as a medical assistant. She worked in hospitals, clinics, and private practices for several years before deciding she wanted more responsibility. Her next goal was to become a nurse.
“I chose nursing because it’s a profession that allows me to make a positive impact on people's lives,” she explains. “Nursing offers a blend of science, compassion, and human connection, which resonates with my values and passions.”
Rochelle earned an associate degree in nursing (not at South University) in 2020. However, she struggled to pass the NCLEX, which is required to become a licensed registered nurse (RN). Despite several attempts over a two-year period, she remained unsuccessful.
“I used that opportunity to learn and grow, but each time I would retake the exam, I kept failing,” she recalls. “I took a step back and re-evaluated my life choices because I was tired of studying and tired of spending money on study material.”
A Fresh Start at South University
Rochelle decided it was time to start anew. She enrolled in the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program at South University, Virginia Beach. “I made a promise to myself that if I went to South University, I would do everything the right way,” she says. “I made sure to study when I needed to. I made sure to ask questions. I got a job working as a Patient Care Technician while in school just so I could practice my clinical skills.”
As a BSN student, Rochelle participated in the NSNA (National Student Nurses Association) and the Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing. She also received a DAISY Award while attending nursing school.
At the end of 2024, Rochelle completed her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from South University and set a date for her licensure exam. “This time, I felt more prepared for NCLEX,” she shares. “I created a study plan, focused on areas where I needed improvement and took daily exams that mocked the NCLEX to make sure I was ready.”
A Goal Turned Reality
This time, in February 2025, Rochelle passed the NCLEX and obtained her RN licensure. “South University created a supportive learning environment, safe space, and provided me with encouragement and motivation to accomplish my goal,” she says. “South University gave me the tools necessary to be successful as a new grad RN.”
Today, Rochelle is a registered nurse on a medical-surgical floor at a hospital in Virginia Beach. She performs patient assessments, administers medication, implements care plans, and educates patients. She also communicates with physicians, documents care, and provides emotional support for her patients and their families
“As I embark on my new nursing career, I am filled with a sense of pride, knowing that I overcame significant challenges to achieve my dream,” she says. “I feel like I'm on top of the world. I feel so accomplished and so blessed.”
Find out if South University could help you pursue your goals. Explore our nursing programs, or request information today.
Are you an alum? Tell us about your experience and accomplishments by logging in our Alumni Site and clicking Share Your Story in the Alumni Success section.
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Graduates are required to pass the national certification exam and obtain a state license in order to work in the field. (Exam names vary by program.) Please refer to the State Professional Licensure Determination and National Certification/Licensure section of the University catalog for additional information. South University cannot guarantee each graduate will pass the required licensure examinations. South University does not promise or guarantee licensure, employment, or salary amounts. Clinical/Medical programs have a required in-person clinical, practicum, or externship requirement. We cannot guarantee flexibility in these components of the program.
Testimonials have been provided by students/alumni in their own words and without coercion. This spotlight is based on information shared in 2025.
