Thanks to generous donors through The Foundation for Barnes-Jewish Hospital, Barnes-Jewish College Goldfarb School of Nursing is able to provide scholarships to aspiring nurses, like Nino, who are pursuing their degrees and their dreams.
For Nino San Andres, nursing is more than a career—it’s a calling. His journey from Naga City, Philippines, to St. Louis is one of resilience, dedication, and a desire to make a difference. Since starting at Barnes-Jewish College Goldfarb School of Nursing in September 2023, Nino has embraced every challenge and triumph and considers Goldfarb home. He’s on track to graduate in May 2025 with his bachelor of science in nursing degree.
Nino’s story is one of overcoming adversity. Orphaned at the age of 12 and living in poverty, he remained steadfast in his commitment to education. His perseverance earned him a scholarship to a prestigious Jesuit university, where he obtained an undergraduate degree in biology.
In 2021, Nino arrived in the United States when his wife, an international nurse, was hired by BJC through a U.S.-based agency . Encouraged by his wife’s colleagues at Siteman Cancer Center—many of whom are Goldfarb alumni—Nino found himself drawn to the school’s strong reputation and supportive community. The decision to enroll was an easy one.
Reflecting on his journey, Nino acknowledges the hardships he faced growing up. “Being an orphan since grade school in a country where dreaming feels like a luxury only the privileged can afford—it never deterred me. I chose to defy the odds and aim high,” he shares.
Nino is the recipient of donor funded scholarships through The Foundation for Barnes-Jewish Hospital. “This scholarship support not only provided the financial assistance I desperately needed, but it also reaffirmed my belief in the power of education and compassion,” he says. “It allowed me to focus on what truly matters—learning, growing, and ultimately becoming the kind of nurse who can make a difference.”
Adjusting to nursing school in a new country has been a challenge, especially with English as his second language. Yet, Nino remains committed to academic excellence. “Crossing my fingers—I’m actually hoping to graduate with honors.”
His dedication is already paying off. This month, Nino begins his preceptorship at the cardiovascular intensive care unit at St. Louis University Hospital. He is drawn to the intensity of critical care, saying, “I’m the kind of person who thinks under pressure. I like the fast pace of an intensive care unit.”
But Nino’s aspirations don’t stop there. His ultimate goal? To become a certified registered nurse anesthetist (CRNA). “If fate allows, I want to pursue CRNA,” he says, hoping to one day return to Goldfarb for this next step in his education.
Grateful for the support he’s received, Nino is committed to giving back. To the donors who made his scholarship possible, he offers a heartfelt message: “Each life saved is a profound victory, resonating not just within individuals but uplifting entire families, communities, and the world. Your support is more than a financial investment—it is an investment in the future of health care, in the future of nurses and CRNAs who will dedicate their lives to saving others.”
The journey to becoming a nurse can be challenging both academically and financially. As we face a growing need for nurses in the health care field and rising educational costs nationwide, scholarships through The Foundation for Barnes-Jewish Hospital are more critical than ever to ensure the brightest—and most compassionate—students have the opportunity to pursue their passion for nursing.
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