Receiving my nursing license 14 years ago opened up numerous unexpected opportunities for me. As a mature student juggling the responsibilities of caring for my 1, 2, and 3-year-old children, returning to school was an incredibly challenging endeavor. However, through determination and the unwavering support of my family and friends, I persevered. I am deeply grateful for the encouragement and backing of my husband, children, parents, in-laws, relatives, and friends, as well as my mentors, who consistently cheered me on towards success. I truly appreciate the privilege of having such a strong support system in my life. Following my high school graduation from Palomar College with an Associate in Liberal Arts, I initially worked in retail management but found the hours incompatible with my family life. Subsequently, I pursued my nursing prerequisites at MiraCosta College, all the while working full-time night shifts and often enduring 20-hour days to balance work and studies. During this period, I held a night job as a unit secretary at a hospital in San Diego County, which provided me with valuable insights into hospital dynamics and the vital role of support staff.
Anyway, I'd like to share more about my experience as a nurse. I hope my journey can inspire you to pursue this path as well! In my next blog post, I'll discuss how you can also become a nurse. My nursing career began five years after working as a secretary in a hospital. Transitioning to post-partum nursing was a turning point for me, as I thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity to connect with new moms and babies during such a special time. Providing support and sharing valuable tips for post-partum care was truly fulfilling. Over time, I expanded my skills to become a baby nurse during deliveries and eventually a Labor & Delivery nurse. I worked in various departments including triage, antepartum, intrapartum, operating room, and the PACU across three different hospitals in San Diego County. I take pride in exploring different work environments and adapting to support individuals with diverse birthing preferences, collaborating with doulas, midwives, private practices, and large physician groups. I took on leadership roles such as charge nurse and even interim manager, handling tasks like scheduling for a team of over 20 nurses, despite the challenges of weekend shifts. The dynamic work setting, teamwork, interactions with a wide range of people, and the joy of being part of newborn deliveries were all highlights of my career. Additionally, my experience in Home Health allowed me to provide crucial support to families at home, offering insights into the struggles faced by many dealing with illness and shaping me into a compassionate advocate for those navigating healthcare system challenges. I also delved into school nursing, spending a year in K-12 education at a high school and a continuation school, while also assisting in other schools when needed. The experience in K-12 education was particularly meaningful, and I have immense respect for teachers and school staff. Currently, I am a school nurse at MiraCosta Community College, a role that I absolutely adore. Working in a collaborative office where medical and mental health teams unite, I have the opportunity to educate students, develop health plans, conduct workshops, and provide support through mentorship and advocacy.
My dedication to advocating for patients has always been strong. Growing up, I was immersed in public service, volunteering alongside my Aunt Sylvia in various community initiatives and programs in Oceanside. This early experience left a lasting impression on me, shaping my unwavering commitment. Transitioning from a bedside nurse to a candidate for Tri-City Healthcare's Board of Directors was a natural progression for me. Witnessing missed opportunities for supporting bedside staff in delivering optimal patient care, I sought a leadership role within the organization. In 2020, I successfully secured a seat on the Board of Directors through the electoral process. This new responsibility has provided me with invaluable insights and the opportunity to advocate for nurses, support staff, physicians, and our patient community. Serving in this capacity has been a rewarding journey, and I take pride in the collective achievements of our current Board, including the appointment of our current CEO, who previously held the role of Chief Medical Executive.
I have returned to school to pursue a Master's degree in nursing education. While I am uncertain about the specific career prospects my degree will offer, I am excited about the boundless opportunities in the field of nursing.
