FROM GOLDEN BEARS TO NURSES
Brenda Ma - BS, BSN, RNDegree at Cal: Molecular and Cell Biology
Nursing School: ABSN at University of Pennsylvania Now: Registered Nurse on Liver Transplant Unit at Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center Why Nursing: There are so many reasons why I chose nursing, but a crucial one for me was the quality of care that nurses offer. I have been a patient myself in hospitals mutliple times for major surgeries, and I found how big a difference a great nurse can make. I believe that each and every patient should receive the care that they deserve. A kind, caring and intelligent bedside nurse can make a huge impact on a patient's hospital stay. |
Hazuki Inoue - BSDegree at Cal: Public Health & Environmental Economics and Policy
Nursing School: ABSN at John Hopkins University; Will enter the Adult - Gerontology NP trackat JHU Now: Currently in nursing school Why Nursing: I researched around and my ambitious personality of wanting to do everything from talking to people, research, education, being a specialist of some sort, etc. led me to the world of nursing. It was the best of every world I can possibly imagine: I can work with older adults, not work at a desk all day and interact with people, teach, do research, etc. I learned a lot through nursing—more than I had ever imagined. I never even imagined I’ll see babies being born, kids walking for the first time after a traumatic event, assist in detecting elder abuse, and be a part of patients plan their last few months of life. |
Glenna Pyo Lee - BS, MSN, WHNPDegree at Cal: Genetics and Plant Biology
Nursing School: ABSN/MSN at University of Pennsylvania, specialty in Women's Health Now: Women's Health Nurse Practitioner at San Francisco State University Why Nursing: As a WHNP I diagnose, I treat, manage and educate women and men, in a college/university setting around sexual health issues (birth control methods, safe sex, gynecological issues). I assist with training and guidance of student peer sexual health counselors and work with the campus sexual assault response team. I chose to become a nurse because I believe that good health care involves a holistic approach. Quality client centered health care is a right for all, not a privilege. |
Olivia (Lustro) Cota, MSN, RN, AGPCNP-BC, PHN, CEN
Degree at Cal: Public Health & Minor in Education
Nursing School: MEPN at CSU Fullerton, emphasis on Nursing Leadership/Administration; Post-Graduate Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner Program at UC Irvine Now: Emergency Department Charge RN, Kaiser Permanente Orange County Anaheim Medical Center (RN) & VITAS Healthcare (Nurse Practitioner) Why Nursing: Nursing has undoubtedly changed—and continues to change—the way in which I view my community and its members. It has brought to the forefront issues of today’s healthcare system and more importantly, how that system affects its people. Nursing has undeniably let me see patients, in the simplest of ways, human. This science—this passion for the care of others—has allowed me to grow as a person and has given me the opportunity to give. It was on Berkeley’s campus as a Public Health undergrad that I was able to find a study that combined my excitement for science with an enthusiasm for people. This inspired me to move forward and find nursing. The past couple of years working at several hospitals in the Emergency Department as a Registered nurse--and also working as a Nurse Practitioner in hospice--has both inspired and challenged me, and it is that stimulation that drives me each day and pushes me to move forward in this profession. I love what I do--and wouldn't change it for anything |
Lin Su - BSDegree at Cal: Integreative Biology
Nursing School: ABSN/MEPN at Columbia University Now: Currently in Nursing School Why Nursing: My pursuit of nursing was sparked upon learning the depth, scope, and holistic care of the nursing field in sophomore year. Now studying at Columbia University's School of Nursing to become a FNP, I aspire to practice in an outpatient setting that incorporates integrative medicine. |