Living the Dream: My Journey to Nursing Success

I was born and raised in Puerto Rico, and like many people there, Spanish was my first language. Growing up, I always knew that I wanted to do something meaningful with my life, something that would make a difference in the world. I didn't have many opportunities in Puerto Rico, so at age 18, I made the difficult decision to leave my home and come to the United States.

I arrived in the U.S. with just a few suitcases and not much else. I didn't know a single person here, and I didn't speak a word of English. I was determined to make a better life for myself, though, so I started working as a landscaper and dishwasher to make ends meet. I worked hard every day, and in my free time, I studied English as much as I could. It was a difficult time, but I never gave up.

Eventually, I started to get the hang of English, and I was able to communicate better with my coworkers and customers. I was still working hard, but I knew that I wanted to do more with my life. I had always been interested in healthcare, so I decided to go back to school to become a paramedic. It was a challenging program, but I was determined to succeed.

After several years of hard work and dedication as an EMT, I finally graduated and became a paramedic. I was so proud of myself and all that I had accomplished. I loved my job, and I was able to help so many people. But I still wasn't satisfied. I wanted to do even more, so I decided to go back to school again and become a nurse.

It was a tough road, but I eventually earned my nursing degree and started working as a nurse in the emergency department, air medical service as a flight nurse and educator, and cardiac cath lab. I loved the fast-paced environment and the opportunity to make a difference in people's lives every day. But I still had a burning desire to do more. So, I decided to go back to school once again, this time to earn a doctoral degree in nursing (DNP) and an MBA.

It was a long and difficult journey, but I finally earned my doctoral degree and MBA. I was so proud of myself, and all the hard work and dedication had paid off. I continued to push myself, to learn and grow, and eventually, I became a nurse leader and executive. I have been all around the healthcare field and have met countless wonderful colleagues that have made an impact on who I am as a leader today. I have been blessed to have been able to lead teams and develop the next generation of leaders.

I never forgot my humble beginnings as a landscaper and dishwasher, and I was grateful for every opportunity that had come my way. But most of all, I was proud to have achieved my dreams and to be able to make a difference in the world. I hoped to inspire others to never give up on their dreams, no matter how difficult the journey may seem. With hard work and dedication, anything is possible.

Tell me about YOUR journey!