Stephanie Gualotuna’s Journey from Wiseburn to Da Vinci to Nursing
Figuring out life after high school is rarely straightforward. Many students graduate with a plan, only to find life takes unexpected turns. That was especially true for the Class of 2020, who faced the uncertainties of the COVID-19 pandemic. For Wiseburn and Da Vinci alumna Stephanie Gualotuna, those challenges became stepping stones—leading her toward a career in nursing.
Inspired by Her Wiseburn Roots
Stephanie’s Wiseburn story began at Cabrillo Elementary (now Hollyglen Elementary) in 2nd grade before she transferred to Peter Burnett Elementary (now Aviation Elementary).
“I was new to the area and remember how kind everyone was at Cabrillo—it helped me feel at home right away,” she recalled. “At Burnett, I continued to grow socially and academically, which gave me a strong foundation moving forward.”
By middle school, her academic strengths were clear. “I gravitated toward science and math. They gave me confidence, and I also knew early on I wanted a career where I could help people. That combination of interests and values set the stage for healthcare later on.”
Da Vinci: A Launchpad for Healthcare Dreams
After hearing about Da Vinci’s hands-on, real-world learning approach, Stephanie knew it was the perfect fit.
“in addition to common core standards, college preparatory work, and the standard high school offerings, we also have career pathways, such as our biomedical pathway, that students can choose to take that allows them to receive career exposure while completing their standard high school coursework
At Da Vinci Science, Stephanie took college prep coursework as well as career-based learning. “The Medical Interventions class in the Biomedical pathway was a turning point for me—we not only learned the material but also heard directly from healthcare professionals about their careers. That exposure made me realize how well healthcare aligned with both my academic strengths and desire to help people.”
Beyond academics, Da Vinci gave her essential life skills. “The workload was rigorous, and we constantly presented in front of groups. That taught me time management, communication, and professionalism. When I got to college, nothing felt overwhelming because I had already practiced those habits in high school.”
Entering Healthcare: CNA Program at Da Vinci
In 2022, while studying at Cal State Northridge, Stephanie received an email from Da Vinci about a new opportunity open to all graduates—the pilot Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) Program. Seeking a more hands-on experience and a quicker path into the workforce without accumulating student loan debt, she made the bold choice to leave CSUN and enroll in Da Vinci’s eight-week CNA program, becoming one of just 13 alumni to complete it during winter break—a milestone she takes great pride in. At the same time, she enrolled in El Camino College’s Nursing Program, staying on track toward her ultimate goal to earn her RN license.
“It was exciting to be part of the pilot. Balancing work, college, and CNA training was tough—I would go to work at 3 a.m., go to class from 9 to 2, then go to my night classes at El Camino—but the experience solidified my passion for healthcare and gave me momentum heading into the El Camino Nursing Program,” she said.
The training itself was structured and immersive. “The first half of our day focused on lectures and classroom learning, while the second half shifted to hands-on practice. We trained with a mannequin, hospital bed, and supplies to rehearse skills. Then came clinicals, where we rotated into a skilled nursing facility and worked directly with patients alongside experienced CNAs and LVNs. Da Vinci prepared us thoroughly with regular testing, study guides, and review sessions before the certification exam. What stood out most was how confident I felt going into patient care. Da Vinci really emphasized practical skills, which made the transition from classroom to clinical setting smooth.”
Life as a CNA at Torrance Memorial
Since completing her CNA training, Stephanie has worked at Torrance Memorial Hospital for two years.
“It has been such an important part of my journey. Torrance Memorial has a great reputation for teamwork, and I’ve definitely felt that—it really does feel like a family. The workload can be heavy, but it’s taught me responsibility, time management, and resilience. The most rewarding part has been talking with patients, supporting families, and working alongside nurses. It has only strengthened my commitment to nursing.”
Nursing Program & Future Goals
Stephanie is now in her final semester at El Camino College’s Nursing Program and is on track to graduate in December 2025 with her RN license.
“The best part is applying what we learn in class directly with patients and seeing the impact. I’m looking forward to starting my career officially and hopefully working in critical care—ideally in the Emergency Department. Long-term, I’d like to continue my education, maybe as a nurse practitioner or even teaching nursing. Nursing is a lifelong journey of learning, and I’m excited to keep growing in the profession.”
Southern California offers some of the highest RN salaries in the nation. In Los Angeles, entry-level RNs can expect to earn between $91,627 and $129,333 annually, with top earners making up to $151,219. Experienced RNs typically reach an average salary of $125,350 by their eighth or ninth year of practice. For Emergency Room nurses, salaries generally range from $77,580 to $161,880, depending on experience and specialization. There are also traveling nurse opportunities, which can be even more lucrative and offer the chance to gain diverse clinical experience while exploring new cities and healthcare settings.
Advice for Future Healthcare Students
Reflecting on her path, Stephanie encourages younger students to seek out opportunities early:
“If you’re interested in healthcare, get involved—volunteer, explore programs, or earn an entry-level certification like CNA or EMT. These experiences build confidence and real skills. Da Vinci provides amazing opportunities, but you have to take initiative. The earlier you get your foot in the door, the more prepared you’ll be for the path ahead.”
LifeLaunch: Healthcare
Da Vinci recently launched LifeLaunch, a free, full-time hybrid program designed for graduating seniors interested in high-demand careers in healthcare, aviation, and more. Students can earn certifications as a Pharmacy Technician, EMT, or Certified Medical Assistant. LifeLaunch is an exciting step forward in Da Vinci’s mission to expand career-connected learning opportunities that lead directly to well paying, in-demand jobs.
For more information about LifeLaunch, contact Ebony Bobadilla at ebobadilla@davincischools.org.
