If you’ve spent any time at the Sinclair School of Nursing in the past few years, chances are you’ve encountered a smile that stands out from the crowd. It is this never-ending positivity that radiates from Sinclair School of Nursing graduate, Brian Mokua, whose unwavering positivity and infectious spirit have left an indelible mark on all who know him.

“From the very first clinical, Brian’s positivity has been contagious. His smile, his perspective and his kindness are not just endearing—they’re transformative,” says Assistant Teaching Professor Hillary Claunch. “He inspires everyone around him. His belief in himself and in others, combined with his tireless dedication, will carry him far.”

But as anyone who’s worked alongside Brian will tell you, positivity alone isn’t enough to become a nurse—especially a Mizzou Nurse. It takes grit, hard work and an unyielding commitment to making a difference. And that’s exactly what Brian has done.

A Calling to Serve

Brian’s journey began in 2019 when he and his family moved to the United States from Kenya. Because of his outward caring demeanor, Brian’s friends and family encouraged him to explore nursing, but his road to nursing wasn’t always clear. Initially drawn to engineering and then physics, Brian quickly realized those fields didn’t align with his heart and soul. The pull to health care, and to nursing specifically, was undeniable.

“I don’t think there’s anything more fulfilling in life than serving others,” Brian reflects. “Nursing allows me to help people when they’re at their most vulnerable. There’s no better job than nursing to make that difference.”

A Passion for Critical Care

Brian is particularly drawn to the fast-paced, high-stakes environment of critical care. “The ICU offers a place to constantly learn and push yourself,” he explains. He thrives in situations where quick thinking and adaptability are key, and the teamwork involved in critical care is one of the aspects that excites him most.

“The ICU is a team effort, and it’s inspiring to see how everyone jumps in to help when something goes wrong with a patient,” he says. “Having a supportive team means I can tackle anything.”

The Importance of a Supportive Environment

Throughout his nursing journey, Brian has emphasized the importance of having a solid support system. His family has played a vital role, always encouraging him to push forward and be his best self. “My family has been my rock,” he shares. “They’ve always believed in me and motivated me to be a better person. That belief in me has carried me through nursing school.”

Brian believes that while nursing can be stressful, having a supportive team makes all the difference. “You might have tough days, but your team is always there to help you,” he says. “I love the camaraderie and the sense that we’re all in it together. It’s a team effort, and that’s really motivating.”

Mizzou’s Nursing Program: A Supportive, Encouraging Environment

Brian is quick to praise the faculty at Mizzou’s Sinclair School of Nursing (SSON), saying the instructors are one of the key reasons for his success. “The instructors at SSON really go above and beyond to help us succeed,” he explains. “Coming from Kenya, I was used to a more formal, distant relationship with instructors. At Mizzou, the professors are approachable and treat us more like peers. That encouragement made a huge difference.”

Brian credits his first instructor, Dr. Hillary Claunch, for helping him build confidence during his initial clinical experiences. “She pushed me to be better—both in the classroom and in clinicals. She really helped me grow into a more successful person,” he says. He also highlights the importance of his cohort, a tight-knit group of students who studied and worked together throughout their program. “Being in a small cohort gives you a sense of belonging. We’ve been through everything together, and we’ve forged lifelong friendships. We’ve supported each other every step of the way.”

Looking Ahead

Brian is excited about his future in nursing. His goal is to pursue further education, possibly as a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) or in geriatrics, working with the elderly. But for now, he’s focused on joining the team at BJC Hospital and starting his career in critical care.

As for the future of nursing, Brian hopes to see improvements in nurse-patient ratios. With many experienced nurses retiring, the need for more nursing staff is critical. “The nurse-to-patient ratio is a real challenge, and I hope that in the future, we can address this issue to reduce stress on nurses and improve patient care,” he says.

The Rewards of Service

Brian believes that nursing is more than just a profession—it’s a calling to serve others. “Serving others means it’s not about you; it’s about the patient,” he says. “It’s hard not to bring your own struggles into work, but when you help someone, it lightens your own burdens. Service gives back in ways you can’t always see immediately, but it makes a difference in your life.”

Overcoming Challenges

Though nursing is a predominantly female field, Brian doesn’t see his gender as a barrier. “Nursing is about teamwork,” he says. “I don’t focus on being the only male in the room. I’m part of a team, and it’s about what’s best for the patient. If a patient prefers a female nurse, that’s completely fine. It’s all about providing the best care.”

Advice for Future Nurses

For students entering the nursing program at SSON, Brian offers helpful advice. He urges students to focus on their lab skills specifically. “You may not spend as much time on them later so practicing them early on will make a big difference in your preparedness. Also, take full advantage of simulations. The instructors do a great job of incorporating real-world scenarios, and paying attention to those experiences will help you in the future.” He also stresses the importance of “Finding something you love.” The mental stresses of nursing school can be overwhelming and having something constructive and enjoyable, “can help to reset your mind in those times.” 

Graduation: A Dream Realized

Looking back, Brian never imagined he’d make it to graduation day. “I didn’t think I’d get here,” he laughs. “Graduation seemed so far away, but now that it’s here, it feels like it went by so quickly.”

When asked how he’ll feel crossing the stage, Brian smiles. “There isn’t one word to describe it. I’ll be beyond happy. I pushed myself, and I made it. I’m proud of myself, and my family is incredibly proud of me too. I’m the first in my family to graduate, and they’ve been there supporting me every step of the way.” When asked if his parents would be in the crowd he responds, “They wouldn’t miss that.”

On graduation day, Brian will join his fellow SSON graduates, including his cohort friends, to walk across that stage. His journey, which started with an optimistic smile on the first day of nursing school, will end with a smile as well. However, on this day, it may just be as big as it has ever been.

The Sinclair School of nursing is proud to support Brian as he steps into the future. One thing is certain: he will continue to inspire, to serve and to make the world a better place, one patient at a time.