Nursing and Certified Nursing Assistant students at Western Nevada College gained valuable career connections and professional insight during the college’s Annual Nursing Job Fair and Professional Development Event on Tuesday in the Bristlecone Building on the Carson City campus.

Hosted by the National Student Nurses Association (WNC Chapter), the three-hour event flipped the traditional job search model by bringing employers directly to students. Representatives from regional hospitals, healthcare organizations, senior care facilities and universities filled the main corridor of the “Spine” to meet one-on-one with aspiring nurses and CNAs.

“This event reflects the strength of our partnerships and the confidence the healthcare community has in Western Nevada College students,” said WNC President Dr. J. Kyle Dalpe. “By connecting our future nurses directly with employers and university partners, we are creating clear pathways from education to career while helping address critical workforce needs across our region.”

The event created an energizing atmosphere as students submitted résumés, explored employment pathways and discussed opportunities ranging from CNA positions to registered nursing roles after graduation.

“I think this is fantastic! I had my eye on this place for a long time for a lot of reasons, and it’s a pretty important program for the area,” said WNC first-year nursing student Nani Kukonu.

The annual Nursing Job Fair is a really exciting opportunity to have one-on-one conversations with possible employers. It’s even more motivating to know these nurses and CNAs could be working with some of these professionals soon.

“Events like this give our students the confidence to step into their professional roles,” said WNC Professor of Nursing and event organizer Kathryn Cocking. “They’re not just learning about job openings — they’re building relationships, practicing professional communication and beginning to see themselves as colleagues within the healthcare community. The event also allows students to become aware of which schools offer RN to BSN opportunities."

Participating employers included Carson Tahoe Regional Medical Center, Carson Valley Health, CenterWell Home Health, Sierra Basin Post Acute Care and the NV Nurses Association

In addition to employment opportunities, representatives from universities such as Orvis School of Nursing at UNR, Western Governors University, Chamberlain University, Walden University, American Sentinel College of Nursing and Health Sciences (Post University) and the University of Phoenix were present to discuss Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) pathways and continued education options.

“It’s really nice that they brought them all here to us and we can see them, rather than having to go about and do it. All in one space between classes is convenient,” Kukonu said. “My interest after graduation is bridging over to BSN, and I figured this would be good to see all of the options in the area.”

Students also connected with WNC’s Financial Aid Office and WNC Foundation staff provided information about scholarships and financial support.

For many students, the event revealed career options they hadn’t previously considered, including apprenticeship-style roles and early employment opportunities while completing their Associate of Science in Nursing degree. In past years, industry partners have offered positions on the spot or invited students to work as Certified Nursing Assistants until graduation — a testament to the strong demand for WNC-trained healthcare professionals.

“Our Nursing program takes great pride in preparing compassionate, highly skilled nurses who are ready to serve the healthcare needs of Northern Nevada,” said WNC Director of Nursing and Allied Health Dr. Audrey Auer. “Events like our Job Fair highlight not only the strong demand for our graduates, but also our commitment to educating professionals who will provide quality care and make a meaningful difference in the communities they call home.”

The annual Nursing Job Fair reinforces Western Nevada College’s commitment to supporting its students beyond the classroom — connecting them directly with career pathways, advanced education opportunities and community engagement that strengthen Northern Nevada’s healthcare workforce.

For more information about WNC’s Nursing program, visit wnc.edu/nursing, call 775-445-4425 or email nursing.alliedhealth@wnc.edu.