How long have you been part of the Lancaster Cancer Center (LCC) team?
I began my career at LCC in November 2009 as a medical assistant. The exposure in the practice inspired me to further my education to become a registered nurse. After a brief leave, I returned to LCC in February 2021 and in tandem am pursuing a masters as a Nurse Practitioner.
What do you enjoy most about being a nurse?
I love my job and interacting with patients and their loved ones. I love my co-workers; they are like a family to me. I enjoy every facet of my role as a nurse. Everyday is a new day and a new adventure. Being a nurse is very gratifying to me as a person and as a professional.
What lead you to return to LCC in February 2021?
When the nurse manager at LCC, who I worked with previously, reached out to me to consider returning, I was extremely privileged to be asked. This is where my nursing career began, and I felt I belong here. The staff is like a family and the patients are wonderful. I wanted to be part of the team to care for such a beautiful community. It was the best decision I have ever made. I am so happy to be back!
What inspired you to continue your education to become a Nurse Practitioner?
Ever since I was a little girl, I always wanted to be a doctor. I was inspired by my aunt who was a family doctor in Cuba. My life changed when I came over to the United States of America. When I became a mother for the first time, I decided to become a nurse to have more flexibility with my schedule and still be in the medical field. Once I started to work as a nurse, I realized that I wanted to continue my studies and become a Nurse Practitioner. As a nurse practitioner, I will be able to provide patient care as a provider, and I will be able to accomplish one of my goals from childhood, be able to diagnose, and make treatment recommendations, help patients and their loved ones comprehend their diagnoses, work with them to prevent health issues, and help them through their journey in life as a health care provider and as a friend. I’m grateful for working alongside and observing patient care delivered from Drs. DeGreen Senior, DeGreen III, and Dumasia They are extremely caring, compassionate, show empathy to every patient. Witnessing their commitment to the patients and their loved ones inspired me realize my desire to continue to purse my childhood dream. I want to be part of the fight and I want to conquer with them.
What are you most looking forward to as you transition from nursing to Nurse Practitioner?
I look forward to being part of the provider team and working alongside Drs. DeGreen III and Dumasia. They are extremely knowledgeable physicians, and I strive to follow their footsteps. I also look forward in all facets of patient care including diagnose, treatment recommendations, and monitoring. My focus is to help patients fight their cancer, provide education and support to them and their loved ones, and do everything possible to help them conquer their battle.
When will you graduate?
Summer of 2023, I will be a Nurse Practitioner and eligible to take the boards to become a Certified Nurse Practitioner.
What do you like to do when you aren’t working?
I love to spend time with my family. I like to exercise, read books, and am currently enrolled in a master’s program at Pennsylvania College of Health Sciences.
What is a fun fact about you many people may not know?
I was born in Cuba and am fluent in Spanish.
Where is your favorite place in the world?
Wherever I can be with my family.