Meet Zuri Barksdale!
For some people, the road to a nursing career begins the moment they step out of high school. For others, like United Career Institute (UCI) graduate Zuri Barksdale, the journey starts later, shaped by life experiences, personal growth, and the courage to chase a long-held dream. Zuri’s path wasn’t linear, but it was rooted in resilience, purpose, and a fierce love for her family.
Continue reading this blog to learn more about Zuri’s journey toward a rewarding career as a Practical Nurse*.
Choosing UCI
Before enrolling at UCI, Zuri had dipped her toes into college courses but hadn’t officially committed to a full program. Life had other plans at the time. Raising children while trying to navigate school demands made it difficult to stay focused, and she knew she wasn’t in the right headspace yet. That early experience turned out to be a crucial lesson. It taught her that success isn’t just about enrolling, it’s about having the mental clarity and stability to fully commit. When she eventually stepped into nursing school, she did so with intention and determination, ready to finish what she had once started.
Before beginning the Practical Nursing program at UCI, Zuri’s world revolved around caring for her five children and building a stable environment for them. Healthcare had always been a passion lingering in the background, but it wasn’t until she decided to take a leap of faith that she finally allowed herself to chase it. This wasn’t just a career decision; it was a step toward creating a stronger future for her family.
When choosing where to begin her nursing education, UCI stood out for many reasons. Zuri was searching for a program that treated students like real people, not just names on a roster, and understood the realities they carry with them. The online/hybrid learning model offered some flexibility that she needed to balance personal and professional responsibilities while continuing her education. From her very first visit, she felt that UCI wasn’t just offering an education, it was offering a community. For a working parent determined to change her life, that sense of genuine support mattered.
Inspired by Her Mom’s Legacy
Zuri’s dream of becoming a nurse traces back to her childhood and her mother, Antoinette, a dedicated LPN with more than 25 years of service. One day, as a young girl, she accompanied her mom on a home health visit. She watched her mother care for a patient with such compassion that even the patient’s family felt comforted. That moment imprinted itself on her heart. Seeing the difference her mother made sparked a calling that stayed with her for years.
Throughout her time at UCI, Zuri found that same sense of compassion reflected in her instructors and classmates. Her favorite part of the program was the family-like atmosphere: students leaning on each other during late-night study sessions, calming each other’s nerves before clinicals, and balancing school and home life together. Nursing school isn’t easy, but with the right people by your side, it becomes a powerful shared journey.
One of the classes that left a lasting impact on Zuri was Mental Health Nursing. The course opened her eyes to the emotional depth of healthcare, showing her that caring for patients goes far beyond physical symptoms. Her instructor encouraged empathy and understanding, helping Zuri develop a holistic approach to patient care.
Looking Ahead to Life as a Nurse
Now that she has graduated, Zuri is preparing to take her NCLEX-PN* exam and is exploring opportunities in both hospital and clinical settings. She feels drawn to high-acuity environments such as the intensive care unit (ICU), where the pace is fast, the stakes are high, and the patient interactions are meaningful. Her clinical experiences strengthened that interest, giving her a glimpse of the impactful career she’s building toward.
Looking ahead five years, Zuri imagines herself working as a Registered Nurse** in the ICU while pursuing her Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). Beyond her professional goals, she hopes for a life filled with peace and stability, one where her children can feel the rewards of every sacrifice she made to get here.
Zuri would recommend UCI without hesitation. To her, it’s more than a nursing program. It’s a place that molds future nurses with compassion, accountability, and unwavering support from faculty and staff. The instructors don’t just teach; they push, encourage, and walk with students until they reach the finish line.
Her favorite memory from her time at UCI was pinning day. Standing alongside classmates who had weathered every challenge together was deeply emotional. But what made the moment unforgettable was seeing her children and her mother in the crowd. Knowing she was carrying on her mother’s legacy made every late night and every sacrifice worthwhile.
Join UCI’s Community
Zuri Barksdale’s story is one of strength, perseverance, and heart, proof that timing, mindset, and determination can turn dreams into reality. Her future is bright, and she’s only just getting started.
If you’re inspired by Zuri’s journey and are ready to get started, too, request information to learn more about everything United Career Institute has to offer!
*Passing the NCLEX-PN exam is required to become a Practical Nurse.
**Passing the NCLEX-RN exam is required to become a Registered Nurse.
Certifying entities are independent and not affiliated with or connected to United Career Institute in any manner.