My CBU Story: Meet Vivian Nguyen

Originally drawn to Cape Breton University by its smaller class sizes and beautiful campus, CBU Nursing student, Vivian Nguyen, has had a whirlwind journey with the University. From living in residence for the first time to landing a job in a medical unit at the Cape Breton Regional Hospital, to meeting her now fiancé, Daniel, Vivian’s time at CBU has been nothing short of extraordinary.

Though her family is originally from Vietnam, Vivian moved to Cape Breton from Halifax to pursue nursing and seek personal growth. Now she’s just days away from graduation, and looking back on everything she has experienced at CBU. “Living in residence for the first time was a big part of the experience for me; I was excited to gain independence,” says Vivian. “By my last year, I became a Residence Assistant which greatly added to that feeling of connection with the CBU community. I’ll miss the friendships and experiences I had when living on campus.”

Throughout the Bachelor of Science, Nursing program, the hands-on clinical placements were a highlight for Vivian, as they allowed her to put everything she had learned into practice. “My time as a CBU nursing student gave me the practical skills and confidence I needed to step into my new role,” she says. “The clinical placements were key in helping me understand the realities of patient care by preparing me for the challenges of the job. My time at the University also taught me the value of both empathy and teamwork, which are essential elements to nursing.”

Vivian feels the smaller class sizes allowed for a more personalized learning experience which created a welcoming atmosphere and strong sense of community. When times got tough, Vivian always had her classmates and family to rely on, and their love, support and encouragement helped her overcome any challenges that presented themselves throughout her degree.

Although Vivian loved living in residence, her courses and the clinical placements she took part in, the true highlight of her CBU journey was meeting her now fiancé, Daniel. “We met at the CBU gym during my first year and by February 2024, we were engaged,” says Vivian. “It was such a special moment, I’ll never forget it. I’m so glad to have found my partner for life.”

Vivian is currently working at the Cape Breton Regional Hospital, focusing on building her skills as a nurse and considering plans to specialize in the future. For now, she wishes to share a message with her fellow graduates. “We made it! It’s been quite a journey, but we’ve come out stronger and more prepared for what’s ahead,” she begins. “I hope everyone takes the lessons we’ve learned and continues to grow in their careers and lives.”

Congratulations to Vivian and the entire Fall graduating class of 2024!