During my childhood, I witnessed first-hand the disparities in health care for low-income and underserved communities. I helplessly watched as my parent’s chronic conditions and mother’s mental illness worsened under our financial struggles. As a child, I struggled to find my voice amidst these circumstances. It wasn’t until I filled the need for nursing technicians during the pandemic that I found my passion for providing quality, patient-centered care and learned that I can be the advocate I needed growing up. I then pursued my MSN degree in the University of Virginia Clinical Nurse Leader program to begin my journey as a nurse. I have since gained immense clinical experiences, including 448+ hours in critical care. I have always been a fierce caregiver and driver for change. While pursuing my undergraduate degree, I grew into my role as an advocate for the low-income and first-generation community. I also gained extensive experience with developing, analyzing, and publishing scientific research and showed my desire to analyze and implement quality improvement projects.

Today, as the president of the graduate nursing community, I support nurses pursuing their advanced degrees and challenge the nursing school to improve. I also have fostered my Spanish speaking skills to best serve my patients and community as a volunteer at the Charlottesville Free Clinic and through abroad pediatric opportunities. Throughout this graduate nursing degree, I have furthered my ability to advocate and have learned to support evidence-based practices to keep units at the forefront of patient care. I am very excited to take the next step in my career at Georgetown in their Medical ICU. By giving attention to more than medical conditions and getting to know my patients, I will be able to advocate for and provide well-rounded care. Although I may never be able to fully grasp an individual's unique experience, I know how it feels to be misunderstood within the medical sphere. Each patient brings with them a nexus of socioeconomic, racial, and cultural complexities. By acknowledging the ways in which our healthcare system is flawed, it is possible to pave a new way forward that recognizes each patient’s case as unique. I see the potential in the field of nursing and the ways it can grow and foster improved patient care. I look forward to taking each opportunity that comes my way and moving upward in nursing leadership to become an advocate for change.

Summer is right around the corner! It’s hard to believe that another school year has come and gone, but I hope we can all take time to reflect and rest. Below are some ideas I hope you can use to recharge over the summer.

Journaling
What was your favorite course over the year and why? What excited you about the course, and what did you learn? What was your least favorite course and why? Thinking and writing about these things can help us better understand what we want for our future and how we want to shape the profession of nursing.

Networking and Leadership Opportunities
Is there a conference you are interested in? Or a group you may want to be a part of? You certainly do not need to commit to a conference or a group over the summer, but I have found it helpful to browse online about what opportunities may be out there. Sometimes it’s hard to think about anything other than school and living life during the academic year, but if you have some downtime this summer, start daydreaming about opportunities you may want to be a part of, given what you have learned this year.

Summer Reading, Audiobooks, and Podcasts
I don’t know about you, but my “read for fun” days diminished once starting graduate school. It’s easy to become burned out on reading when so much of our reading time is focused on coursework. I am trying something new this summer. I plan to pick two books; one that is purely for my enjoyment and one that relates to my professional development or interests. Hopefully, I can read more books, but two sound like a good starting point. I also love listening to podcasts and audiobooks while in the car or working around the house. What podcasts or books are on your list for the summer? Head over to GNSA Connect to share your favorites! 

Rest for our Minds and Bodies
Getting through an academic year is hard. I am sure many of us are tired and ready for a rest! Some of you may have summer classes or dissertation hours, which can make it feel like you never fully get a break. I remember having summer classes and trying to plan vacations during the small breaks between them. Whatever your academic workload this summer, try to be intentional about your rest. If an out-of-town vacation is not possible, try a staycation. At the very least, try to have one day a week where you physically remove yourself from email, school, and work. Step outside for a bit. Even if I have a busy day planned, I know that starting my morning with some sunshine on my face and fresh air in my lungs will help me. A short walk can also help. Lately, I have found 5-mintue exercise videos on You-Tube to be quite helpful when I need a brain/body reset during the day. It is so important that we rest our minds and take care of our bodies. Who else feels like they are winning if they get some fruit and veggie servings in for the day? I know I do. It’s a small victory and somehing to celebrate when you know you are doing something good for yourself. I prefer a happy dance, but mentally applauding yourself helps too.

I hope everyone has a fantastic summer filled with laughter, joy, and rejuvenation.