A Family Tradition in Caring: ARC Nursing Alumni Nick Manko.

When Nick Manko walked into his first day of nursing school at American River College, he was understandably anxious. But by the end of that first day, things began to click.

“I remember seeing an open seat near a couple of guys in the back of the room,” he recalled. “I sat next to them, and those guys ended up becoming my nursing brothers. We studied together, supported each other, and got through the entire program as a team. We’re still close, and I’m so thankful for those friendships.”

Connection through friendship, mentorship, and family is woven through every part of Manko’s ARC experience. From that first day to graduation, the nursing program pushed him not just in clinical skills, but emotionally and mentally as well.

“Every clinical shift helped me grow,” he said. “But it was the small moments—like a patient shaking my hand at the end of a shift and thanking me—that reminded me why I chose nursing in the first place. It’s the little things that make it so fulfilling.”

From Student to Speaker

One of the highlights of his final semester came when he was chosen to be the student speaker at ARC’s Nursing Pinning Ceremony, a celebration that symbolizes the transition from student to professional nurse.

“It was a close race between me and two other students, so I was really honored to be selected,” recalled Manko. “I wanted to recognize the amazing people I learned alongside. My cohort is full of smart, compassionate future nurses, and I just wanted everyone to feel seen and appreciated.”

A Legacy of Care

In his speech, he touched on a unique and inspiring part of his journey. He’s not the first in his family to graduate from ARC’s nursing program. In fact, he’s the fifth.

“My mom, two uncles, and my aunt all graduated from the program,” he said. “Growing up, I would hear their stories about nursing—how they handled emergencies, how they helped patients in their toughest moments. It inspired me. Getting into ARC felt like I had finally joined this exclusive club that my family was part of.”

Now, the next chapter in that legacy has begun: his younger sister was recently accepted into the ARC nursing program.

“I couldn’t believe it when she got the email,” he said. “She’s the sixth one in our family to attend ARC Nursing. I know she’s in good hands, and I’m so excited to see her become a rockstar nurse.”

He’s already passed on some advice to her: stay ahead, study smart, and don’t forget to take care of yourself. “One of my instructors, Professor Crawford, once told us: ‘Self-care is patient care.’  That really stuck with me. If you don’t take care of yourself, you can’t take care of others.”

Positioned for Success

Manko agrees the program prepared him not just clinically, but emotionally and mentally for the challenges of nursing. On the financial side, the Los Rios Colleges Foundation also assists recent nursing graduates by paying their NCLEX testing fees, through their Promise to Career Scholarship program.

“ARC nursing instilled the right fundamental base for us to practice safely and really think like a nurse.  I am confident that I will be able to pass the NCLEX with the knowledge I gathered from this program and be able to start practicing the art of nursing effectively in my community.’’

While he’s still deciding where his nursing path will take him, he’s drawn to critical care; particularly ICU or Emergency Department work. He’s also deeply interested in teaching and mentoring future nurses.

“Maybe one day I’ll be Professor Manko at ARC,” he considered. “I’d love to help train the next generation of nurses, just like my instructors did for me.”

“We’re passionate and we’re proud.”

For anyone considering a career in nursing, Nick Manko has no hesitation recommending ARC’s program.

“100%. I might be biased, but I believe this is one of the best nursing programs in California,” he said. “ARC gives you the clinical experience, the emotional resilience, and the community support you need. There’s a reason ARC nursing students have such a great reputation in Sacramento hospitals—we’re prepared, we’re passionate, and we’re proud.”

As he moves forward in his career, one thing is clear: whether it’s caring for patients, mentoring students, or continuing a family tradition, he’s right where he needs to be.

And he’s just getting started.