What was your favorite memory of when you were at the UNM College of Nursing?
I enjoyed time spent with fellow students outside of the classroom.
Where did your nursing career take you?
I worked at local hospitals and clinics/physician offices in newborn, pediatrics, allergy and immunology, as well as telephone triage.
What was your favorite part of their nursing career?
Senior year. Nursing Labs in Practicum and Psych nursing at Veterans Administration Hospital.
What advice would you give future nurses?
Find your niche and perfect your skills in the area you are passionate about. Consider NP and pass on your knowledge to fellow nurses by mentoring and being a resource for nurses new to the profession.
Where did your nursing career take you?
After graduating, I joined the US Navy Nurse Corps, which eventually led me to Oakland Naval Hospital. I spent my entire time in that facility and joined the Reserves afterward. In civilian life, I worked at Stanford University for a year and then returned to Albuquerque, retiring just before COVID hit!! I did receive a Master's degree, Clinical Systems Management quite a number of years after graduating!!!
What was your favorite part of their nursing career?
I spent my years in nursing, entirely in the operating room, which was truly my calling. I enjoyed the work and marveled at the advances in surgical techniques, over time and how it became more integrated with the realm of informatics!!!
What advice would you give future nurses?
It is definitely hard work, and there is so much to learn!! However, caring for patients and families in whatever area you've chosen to work in is extremely rewarding.
What was your favorite memory of when you were at the UNM College of Nursing?
The friends and the independence we were instilled with. I was given opportunities that would never have been allowed today. I am sure we were monitored, but it seemed I was left alone to care for patients. This helped me not be as afraid when I started my career.
Where did your nursing career take you?
I joined the Army, and although I was sure I would go to Vietnam, it was not my destiny. I started at Walter Reed AMC in Washington, DC. I worked a 50th Septic Amputee orthopedic unit and worked alone with one corpsman or tech. I then went to an intensive ICU course for six months. I then started my career as an ICU nurse in a nanny facility with less than 500 beds. What an adventure!
What was your favorite part of their nursing career?
The independence and the ability to be all I could be: such opportunities and great role models and leaders to follow and become one.
What advice would you give future nurses?
Raise your hand and volunteer to do something out of your comfort zone.
What was your favorite memory of when you were at the UNM College of Nursing?
My fellow students and the camaraderie we shared enabling us to get through the difficult times and enjoy the good times.
Where did your nursing career take you?
To the top of my specialty area and around the world!
What was your favorite part of their nursing career?
My coworkers, the ongoing learning experience, the fun and the ability to make a difference in so many lives!
What advice would you give future nurses?
Recognize the opportunities your training prepares you for - the skills you have acquired for observation, assessment, organization, efficiency, management and common sense, tempered with caring, listening and understanding, make you uniquely qualified to build a successful career in a variety of arenas. Do not be afraid to accept the challenge!
Is there anything else you’d like to share?
I have never regretted choosing to be a Nurse! If you don't love it, leave it!
What was your favorite memory of when you were at the UNM College of Nursing?
UNM College of Nursing was the beginning of discovering "me." I remember going to the labs, how to bathe a patient, our first IV on fellow nursing students, learning from our instructors' advice, and the nursing staff at the training hospitals. College opened up a whole new world to me.
Where did your nursing career take you?
I joined the Navy after graduation. I returned home and worked at BCMC (now UNMH) and Presbyterian Hospital, where I spent 38 years. I was a floor nurse, a charge nurse, and a care coordinator.
I met my husband during my Navy tour, and we had 3 daughters.
What was your favorite part of their nursing career?
The wonderful people I met along this journey. To this day, I have monthly lunches with the friends I met in care coordination and Kaseman Hospital. I am most proud of my decision to join the Navy after our rotation at the Veteran's Hospital.
What advice would you give future nurses?
Never stop learning and don't hesitate to change to a new nursing field. Take that step. New doors will open. Listen to your "gut" and follow through because that may save someone's life. Remember, there is no wrong question. It is a learning journey!
Is there anything else you’d like to share?
My nursing career has been a great journey!
What was your favorite memory of when you were at the UNM College of Nursing?
Eating Lunch with my classmates.
Where did your nursing career take you?
31 years in Army Reserves Retired as a Col.
MSN University of Colorado
PhD University of Kansas
3 Positions as a Clinical Nurse Specialist
4 Positions as varying professors, including adjunct now.
18 years as a school nurse
Selected by Johnson and Johnson to participate in their school nurse program.
Selected by NASN to present in their Poster Presentations.
Published in School Nurse Journal.
What was your favorite part of their nursing career?
Working with teens as the School Nurse
What advice would you give future nurses?
Great career with multiple options for mobility.