Joy Kiat-Floro: Leading the Way for Future Nurses at Westcliff University
If you dream of making a difference in people’s lives, pursuing a nursing career is one of the most rewarding paths you can take. And at Westcliff University’s new College of Nursing in Corona, California, you’ll be learning from some of the best — including Joy Kiat-Floro, an inspiring nurse leader who’s helping shape the next generation of healthcare professionals.
As Associate Dean of Nursing Academics, Joy brings a wealth of global nursing experience and a passion for education, innovation, and patient care. Her career has taken her from California to the Middle East and back, where she’s now committed to ensuring Westcliff’s nursing students get the education, mentorship, and hands-on experience they need to thrive in the fast-paced world of healthcare.
Meet Joy Kiat-Floro: A Nurse, Educator, and Mentor
When Joy first stepped into the world of nursing more than 30 years ago, she quickly realized that the field wasn’t just about medical knowledge—it was about compassion, resilience, and a lifelong commitment to learning.
That’s why she didn’t stop at earning her nursing degree. She went on to complete two master’s degrees—one in nursing and another in healthcare business management—to better understand the evolving healthcare landscape.
“Nursing isn’t just a job; it’s a calling,” Joy says. “The best nurses are the ones who never stop learning, who stay curious, and who always put patients first.”
She also knows that education isn’t limited to textbooks.
“My kids tease me and call me a ‘boomer,’” she laughs. “But I actually love technology and finding new ways to learn. If you’re going into nursing, stay open to innovation—it will only make you a stronger, more confident healthcare professional.”
Making History: Bringing Qatar’s First Women’s and Children’s Hospital to Life
One of the most defining moments of Joy’s career came when she moved to Qatar to help launch the first-ever women’s and children’s hospital in the Middle East.
“Leaving California and moving across the world was a huge leap of faith,” she recalls. “But I knew it was an opportunity to create something impactful.”
In Qatar, she played a key role in onboarding nurses from 90+ different countries, ensuring that each one was trained to provide exceptional, patient-centered care. She also helped introduce internationally recognized nursing courses and certifications, giving local nurses access to world-class education and career development opportunities.
This experience gave her a global perspective on healthcare, one that she’s excited to bring to Westcliff’s College of Nursing.
Your Future in Nursing Starts Here
Now, Joy’s focus is building and launching Westcliff’s brand-new College of Nursing—and she wants you to be part of it.
“Westcliff’s College of Nursing is more than a program—it’s a launching pad for future nurse leaders.”
She’s working hard to ensure that students will have:
Expert faculty mentors who bring real-world experience to the classroom
Hands-on clinical training with local healthcare partners in the Corona community
Cutting-edge technology integrated into the curriculum
Strong career connections to help graduates land top nursing jobs
“Our goal is to make Westcliff a trusted name in healthcare education. We want employers to know that when they hire a Westcliff nurse, they’re getting someone who is skilled, compassionate, and ready to lead.”
Finding Balance: Life Beyond Nursing
Despite her busy career, Joy strongly believes in work-life balance. Whether she’s hiking with her family, taking a quiet walk on the beach, or just enjoying the California sunshine, she values the moments that help her recharge and refocus.
“Nursing can be demanding, but self-care is just as important as patient care,” she says. “Taking time for yourself makes you a better nurse, a better student, and a better leader.”
She also enjoys participating in a monthly investment club, proving that nurses can be just as sharp in finance as they are in medicine!
Your Path to Nursing Starts Now
For Joy, joining Westcliff’s College of Nursing is a full-circle moment—a chance to mentor future nurses, share her experiences, and help shape the future of healthcare.
“If you’re passionate about patient care, ready to challenge yourself, and eager to make an impact, Westcliff’s College of Nursing is the place for you.”
Are you ready to take the first step toward an exciting nursing career? Westcliff University – College of Nursing Now accepting applications.
Join a community that values innovation, compassion, and excellence in healthcare. Your future starts here.
Click here to request more about Westcliff’s nursing programs and to apply!
At Westcliff University, you’re not just earning a degree — you’re gaining the skills and mindset to become the future of healthcare.