2022 Nurses Week Awards

Name: Lauren A. Acosta

Job Title: Assistant Clinical Professor / Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner

Organization: The University of Arizona College of Nursing / Southern Arizona Center Against Sexual Assault

Education: PhD, RN, SANE-A

Professional Affiliations: Phi Beta Kappa, Sigma Theta Tau, International Association of Forensic Nurses, Association of Community Health Nursing Educators, American Public Health Association

Special Nursing Interests/Comments:

As a native Tucsonan and graduate of the University of Arizona College of Nursing, advocating for the health of Southern Arizona and border region residents has been the focus of my nursing career. Through my clinical experiences in community health and as a sexual assault nurse examiner, I have had the privilege of caring for our vulnerable and marginalized neighbors, guiding them towards a path of healing and recovery. In my faculty role, I harness these clinical experiences to educate my students and the public.

Whether I am teaching my entry-level nursing students about community and population health or educating nurses about the role of the sexual assault nurse examiner, I view my position as nurse educator as my most important contribution to the profession. It is my hope that I am an able to inspire my students to seek out diverse nursing experiences in areas and specialties that excite them. It gives me great joy knowing that each student I teach will touch the lives of countless individuals in our community and beyond.

Name: Biji Anilkumar

Job Title: RN

Organization: Banner University Medical Center

Education: BSN, PCCN, Associate Degree in Teacher Training

Professional Affiliations: American Diabetic Association

Special Nursing Interests/Comments:

I began my nursing career in 2000 in the Intensive Care Unit. I have worked in various areas of nursing including ICU, Progressive Care Unit, Acute Rehab, Behavioral Health Unit and Surgical Intermediate Care Unit. I have enjoyed my bedside nursing along with precepting nursing students and new graduate nurses. My teacher training experience helped me well as a preceptor.

I am very grateful to each and every individual that helped me in my nursing journey. Without their continuous support and motivation, I wouldn’t have gained enough knowledge and experience in my nursing career. Seeing the smile on my patient’s face is the greatest motivation and reward for me. I believe the heart of nursing will always be in the art of caring.

Name: Savannah Armenta

Job Title: RN

Organization: Banner Home Health

Education: ADN, RN

Professional Affiliations: Arizona National Guard

Special Nursing Interests/Comments:

I started my career in Pediatrics as a CNA, transitioned to a PCT role and then became an RN. I worked in the Pediatric ICU for three years, during that time I was deployed with a medical unit in the Arizona National Guard and continued to practice my nursing skills with my unit. After I returned, I started at Banner Home Healthcare. I am currently working to finish my MSN and plan to further my nursing career in the National Guard. Being a Nurse has been such a rewarding career choice and I am grateful to be a part of this community.

Name: Terry Bailey

Job Title: Assistant Coordinator Steele Innovative Learning Center at UA College of Nursing.

Staff Nurse at Tucson Medical Center

Organization: University of Arizona College of Nursing, Tucson Medical Center

Education: RN BSN

Professional Affiliations: Society for Simulation, INACSL

Special Nursing Interests/Comments:

In my 45-year nursing career, I have been blessed with wonderful coworkers in both my bedside nursing role at Tucson Medical Center and in the Simulation Lab at the UA College of Nursing. The people I work with have made it possible to get through the challenges and hard times, and celebrate the successes and rewards of our profession. In my clinical role, I have worked on the Women’s Care Unit caring for women in stages of life from childbearing to end of life. I have been inspired by their wisdom and strength and privileged to have the opportunity to make a difference during some of the most joyous and difficult times in their lives.

Moving away from the bedside and embracing education in nursing has been a natural transition. The pathway I took from LPN, to ADN to BSN energized my love of learning and reinforced the reality that a good nurse needs to be a lifelong learner. Helping prepare nursing students at JTED, Pima Community College, Pima Medical Institute and now the UA College of Nursing is an honor and investment in our future.

I believe the best nurses I know and one of the reasons I have stayed so long in the profession is having the “heart” for nursing, in addition to knowledge and skills.

Patients, families and students can recognize if there is true caring and love that form the basis of all you do.

I always knew I wanted to be a nurse. I am grateful to my family, friends and coworkers for the love and support that have helped me grow and become the nurse I am today. Nursing is not merely a job; it is who you choose to be.

Name: Eve L. Broughton

Job Title: Chief, Specialty Ambulatory Care Services

Organization: Southern Arizonma VA Medical Center

Education: MS, APRN, ACNS-BC, Pain-c

Professional Affiliations: American Society of Pain Management Nurses, American Association of Neuroscience Nurses

Special Nursing Interests/Comments:

Nursing is my passion and no matter what role I have filled at any given time my goal is to support the direct care of Veterans is to with high quality Nursing. I embrace worthy projects that will benefit the veterans across the continuum. Supporting APRN Practice across VHA for Full Practice Authority was a large focus for many years and it was successfully passed across the VHA.

Promoting the education of student nurses, Valor’s, new graduates and Advance Practice Nurses is critical to the future of Nursing. I enjoy teaching and building quality education rotations for students at the VA.

Francesca Bryan-Couch

Care Coordination Chief

Organization:Southern Arizona VA Health Care System

Education: DNP, RN, CHPN

Professional affiliation: ANA, AzNA, CMSA, OONE, OCCHP, Sigma Theta Tau

Special nursing interests/comments:

I have been a nurse for over 30 years and have experience in critical care, end of life care, medical/legal evaluations, worker’s compensation, nursing leadership and in academia as an adjunct professor. I have been with the VA for eight years and have a sincere passion for providing high quality care to the veterans who have served our country.

As the Care Coordination Chief, I provide education and training sessions about care coordination, case management, hospice and palliative care, evidence based practice, nursing research and multidisciplinary professional development to the staff at the Tucson VA.

My husband, Brad, and I have seven children (six boys and one girl, with two grandsons and a granddaughter on the way). One son is a Marine currently serving at Camp Pendleton. We live on a farm in Dragoon, Arizona with our two dogs (Jai- a mastiff and Katay – a tree hound). My hobbies are farming, reading current research, running a health and wellness ministry and singing in the church music ministry.

Name: Heather Carlisle

Job Title: Associate Clinical Professor; Nurse Practitioner

Organization: University of Arizona, College of Nursing

Education: UA College of Nursing: BSN, MSN, DNP.

Professional Affiliations: American Association of Nurse Practitioners; Hospice and Palliative Nurses Association

Special Nursing Interests/Comments:

I am delighted to be recognized with this group of 49 other fabulous nurses in 2022, as we come out the other side of the pandemic. My special nursing interests are older adults and end-of-life care. It has always been a privilege to serve as a nurse, but even more so during these difficult times.

Name: Susan Souders Castillo

Job Title/Organization: RN Professional Development Specialist, Tucson Medical Center; Adjunct Faculty/Pima Community College,Division of Health Sciences

Education: Master of Science in Nursing, Clinical Systems Leadership, University of Arizona, 2019; Bachelor of Science in Nursing, Drexel University, 2017; Associate of Science in Nursing, Anne Arundel Community College, 1992

Professional Affiliations: American Nurses Association, Arizona Nurses Association, Association for Nursing Professional Development

Special Nursing Interests/Comments:

My passion has always been teaching, whether it be patients or other nurses and nursing staff. I have worked in 10 different facilities in five states, including medical rehabilitation, trauma and trauma step-down, renal, orthopedics, psychiatric care, progressive care, intensive care and cardiac care, as well as long term acute care and skilled nursing. I have precepted countless new graduate nurses throughout my career.

I am the clinical educator for the cardiac medical unit at Tucson Medical Center, where I help new graduate nurses, experienced nurses, patient care technicians and clerks grow in their knowledge and skills. I am also a clinical instructor for Pima Community College, leading weekly clinical experiences for second semester nursing students. In addition, I am an instructor for TMC’s PCT program - where we show people with little to no medical experience how to care for patients in the hospital setting.

I extend my heartfelt appreciation to all my present and former coworkers, professors and preceptors, who helped me achieve this honor. I also want to thank my husband Zak, who is also a registered nurse, for encouraging and supporting me on this journey. In my experience, learning is a lifelong process. I am blessed to help others learn while learning something new every day!

Name: Ana Maria Chretin

Job Title: Clinical Nurse Lead

Organization: Carondelet St. Mary’s Hospital

Education: BSN, CMSRN

Professional Affiliations: MSNCB

Special Nursing Interests/Comments:

I am a graduate from the University of Arizona College of Nursing. I have worked at Carondelet St. Mary’s Hospital on the Medical Surgical Unit for 22 years. I have progressed through Carondelet’s professional advancement program and became an RN Expert with my National Medical Surgical Nurse Certification.

I have had many roles on the Med Surg unit, bedside nurse, nurse preceptor, charge nurse and now Clinical Nurse Lead. I have participated in several hospital committees and educational training workshops and became the Chairman of our Unit Based Council. My contribution to the Unit Based Council was to bring forth the idea and work through the planning for a Workplace Violence Committee. Through the council’s hard work and persistent efforts, the Workplace Violence Committee was introduced at Carondelet St. Mary’s and is now implemented in all the network Carondelet hospitals.

This past year I received Carondelet St. Mary’s Nurse of the Year Award. I humbly accepted this award knowing I represented bedside nurses. I am dedicated to serving patients and their families. My greatest satisfaction is working alongside our bedside nurses. I love helping nurses develop their practice and empowering them to take on different roles while upholding nursing values.

I thank god for allowing me to serve him through my nursing ministry. I want to thank all of my colleagues and mentors who have believed in and supported me throughout my nursing career. To my husband and family, thank you for your love and support.

Name: Latosha Collier

Job Title: LPN

Organization: El Rio Community Health Center

Education: Pima Community College

Special Nursing Interests/Comments:

I began my nursing career in 2010. I became a nurse to provide authentic genuine care to every patient regardless of their background. I have worked in various roles as a nurse but mostly in correctional and clinical settings. I currently work as a Charge Nurse for El Rio, aiding my colleagues and helping orient new employees. My greatest joy is participating in El Rio’s community organization events around Tucson. I have received awards from the City of Tucson and El Rio for my work during the Covid pandemic.

I am hard working, determined and have an exemplary work ethic. I will be attending the RN program in this fall. My goal is to obtain my Master’s Degree in nursing to teach what I love to do. I want to give my heartfelt appreciation to my colleagues at El Rio. I love working at El Rio, they have given me the confidence to excel in my position. Thank you to my family, who encourages and gives me the strength to follow my dreams every day.

Name: Catherine Crawford

Job Title: Clinical Nurse Lead RN

Organization: Tucson Medical Center

Education: Associate’s Degree in Nursing

Special Nursing Interests/Comments:

I have worked at Tucson Medical Center for over 46 years. I worked as a nurse’s aide in the float pool, phlebotomist and LPN in the nursery. I have been a registered nurse for 35 years.

I started my nursing career in Labor and Delivery before transferring to Women’s Surgery in 2001 to work as a circulator in the OR. I was promoted to CNL in July of 2006. It is a pleasure to care for the women in our community. I love being a leader and working side-by-side with the staff, our manager and physicians to deliver excellent care to our patients each day.

Nursing is about opening up our hearts and minds to our patient’s needs and being an advocate for them. I have never regretted choosing nursing for my career. It has been a tough couple of years, but as nurses, we have fought the good fight, stayed strong, and honored our profession. God has truly blessed me.

Outside of my work, I attend church and love to sing in the choir and praise team. I have been married for 44 years to a wonderful man who has always supported me in my career. I love being Gigi to my two beautiful grandchildren, Charlotte and Jack and a mom to my two sons, Benjamin and Timothy. My relationship with God is an important part of my life and he guides me each and every day.

Name: Christopher Paul Davis

Job Title: Registered Nurse

Organization: Tucson Medical Center

Education: RN, MSN-ED, CMSRN

Professional Affiliations: Oncology Nursing Society (ONS), Arizona Nurses Association (AzNA); American Nurses Association (ANA), Academy of Medical-Surgical Nurses (AMSN); Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing -Nu Upsilon Chapter

Special Nursing Interests/Comments:

When I think about nursing, I think about how I have found my purpose and passion. Nursing allows me to provide empathy, comfort and healing to my patient’s mind, body and soul, which for me is integral to the profession.

I began my nursing career in 2016 as a bedside nurse on a Med/Surg unit at TMC and three years later was honored with the Nurse Excellence Adult In-Patient award. While obtaining my MSN, I transitioned into the Neuro ICU where I found my calling as a patient advocate. Continuing my education, I recently moved to the Cardiovascular ICU. I have been the Unit Based Council Chair for the past two years and am currently TMC’s Nurse Practice Council Chair. I believe that continual learning is paramount in this profession.

I would like to thank TMC, my peers, teachers, mentors and coworkers for encouraging me to grow my skills and for their hard work in helping shape my nursing foundation. This is truly an honor and I am humbled to receive this award. Lastly, I would like to thank my family and friends for being a guiding light through my nursing journey.

Name: Catherine Dewsnup

Job Title: Director of Emergency Services

Organization: Northwest Medical Center

Education: ADN, BSN, MSN, RN

Professional Affiliations: ENA, ANA

Special Nursing Interests/Comments:

My aspirations to become a nurse started with my sister. She had received her nursing degree when I was in junior high school and I knew then that was what I wanted to be as well. I started my nursing career as a CNA working in a nursing home while I went to school to become a nurse. I then became an LPN as a transition to RN while working towards my Associate’s Degree in Nursing. I received my RN in 2003.

I started as a new grad in the emergency room and have loved every bit of it since that day. I enjoy everything about the emergency room. I thrive in a high stress, fasted paced and ever-changing environment. I enjoy teaching my patients about their health in a way they understand. I believe that one of the best things I can give to a patient or family member of a critical patient is time and explanations they understand.

I started working in nursing leadership as a supervisor in the emergency room and have continued to progress over the years. I am currently the Director of Emergency Services, overseeing multiple ERs in the Northwest system. As a leader in nursing, I believe one of the key responsibilities I have is to inspire nurses to love their work. I am passionate about developing new leaders in nursing and teaching nurses about the dynamics of leadership. I enjoy teaching new nurses coming into our field about emergency medicine and all the various types of patient care and critical thinking you can learn. I believe that nurses should be empowered and advocate for education.

One of my passions is creating emergency departments. In the past six years, I have opened three emergency rooms in the greater Tucson area. I thrive on the building them from the foundation up literally. Looking at how we can better care for patients by starting with how we even design the building and creating new processes, flow, policy and staff culture. I excel in working process improvement, throughput and finding new innovative ways to care for patients in the emergency room.

Name: Elizabeth Diaz

Job Title: Licensed Practical Nurse

Organization: Southern Arizona Department of Veterans Affairs

Education: License Practical Nurse

Special Nursing Interests/Comments:

I started my health care career in Chicago as a medical assistant and from there moved to CNA, caregiver and in 2013, I graduated from Pima Community College as Licensed Practical Nurse. I worked in Pediatrics for seven years and transitioned to Outpatient Primary Care for five years and counting.

Within my profession, and throughout my life, I have always lived by ‘do unto others, as you would have them do unto you’. From a young child into adulthood I always loved taking care of those around me, and lending a hand to those in need whenever I could. Throughout my life, I have dealt with many different obstacles and challenges, but I strive to put my best foot forward despite any negativity I may have encountered. I am a firm believer that our past shapes who we are and that you can always find a positive in any negative situation.

While my past keeps me humble and grounded, it also inspires me to pursue my dream goals. Working in health care is a great passion of mine, but working in the United States Air Force is equally just as great. As an Aviation Resource Manager, I get to work alongside my sisters and brothers in arms. Being able to aid in two completely different career fields has given me the opportunity to be an inspiration to my daughters and those around me.

Name: Terese (Hartung) Donelson

Job Title: Assistant Nurse Manager/ RN Case Manager

Organization: Southern Arizona VA Medical Center

Education: University of Arizona, BS Speech and Hearing Sciences 12/1989, BS Nursing 12/2002

Professional Affiliations: Arizona Geriatric Society Board Member

Special Nursing Interests/Comments: Geriatrics, home care, case management

My career in health care actually began when I was 16 working in a nursing home here in Tucson in the kitchen. Oh how I loved to talk to those patients even as a teenager, but it took another 20 years of adventure for me finally graduate with my "second career" BSN degree from the University of Arizona in 2002. This was a little challenging as I was raising boys and working but I wouldn't change a thing as this pathway made me who I am today. I am thankful to the army of family and friends that got me through it all.

As soon as I graduated, I took my transcripts to the Southern Arizona VA Hospital HR office. I left some amazing mentors and friends in Labor and Delivery at St. Joseph's where I worked as a PCT and a surgical scrub tech for seven years but I truly I felt drawn to the unique Veteran population. In my almost 19 years, I have worked in many settings, from starting as a new grad on med-surg to telemetry, ICU, ED, outpatient clinics and floated to just about everywhere.

Over time I realized that my true passion lies in geriatric nursing. I feel so fortunate to have found what I feel is the most personally fulfilling position for me; working as a case manager in the VA Home Based Primary Care Department providing care in Veteran's homes since 2017. While I work mostly in a supervisory role now, I continue to participate in direct, hands-on care as I never want to completely step away from the "bedside". I cannot describe the satisfaction of being able to serve this population and provide quality, compassionate nursing at this level. It is truly what matters most to me as a nurse. I currently serve on the board of the Arizona Geriatric Society (on the membership committee … hint) as well as working toward certification in Gerontological Nursing. I was raised by civic-minded parents and try diligently to help others when I am able. My profession choice in nursing is an extension of that mindset. Nurses are integral from bedside care to educators and policy makers. We are dedicated to changing lives and I am proud to be a nurse

Name: Trisha Douglass

Job Title: Professional Development Specialist

Organization: Tucson Medical Center

Education: ADN in 1996 from Mohave Community College, BSN, May 2015 from ASU, MSN-Ed, March 2020 from GCU

Professional Affiliations: ANPD, ANA

Special Nursing Interests/Comments:

I started working as nurse almost 27 years ago. I have worked in many areas of nursing throughout my career. In my current position, I focus on education for new graduate nurses, new hires to TMC as well as house-wide education. I enjoy the teaching parts. I love to learn and when you are teaching you are learning in order to keep up with progress, new information and sometimes refreshing on things you already know but have forgotten.

I am however interested in holistic nursing with focus on prevention. Health care today is focused so much on disease and treatments but if we as health care workers focused more on prevention and education, we may not be able to stop disease but slow it down possibly or change the course for many of our patients.

Name: Anelis V. Encinas

Job Title: Associate Director

Organization: Banner University Medical Center

Education: MBA, BSN, RN

Professional Affiliations: AACN

Special Nursing Interests/Comments: It has been 12 years since I graduated from Johns Hopkins University with a degree in nursing and started my career in the Medical ICU (MICU) at Banner University Medical Center. In that time, I have gained experience within the MICU as well as a variety of departments including IR/MRI and resource pools across different facilities in the state. I have been fortunate enough to help lead multiple areas including the MICU, Cardiovascular ICU and Endoscopy department in the roles of Nurse Manager, and now Associate Director, for the past 6 years.

While each area has taught me an incredible amount of the responsibilities the nursing profession holds, I found that my passion came in supporting and developing people. Every day, I feel privileged to serve the amazing teams both on the Medical ICU and at BUMCT. The joy, passion and success I have found in my career are a direct result of those who have supported and guided me throughout each step of my life. I am incredibly grateful to my parents for their unwavering dedication to helping me realize every dream I ever wanted to achieve and to every team member who has held me to a higher standard. I am honored to be recognized for doing something I love.

Name: Tawni Espinosa

Job Title: RN PCU- V

Organization: Banner University Medical Center - Tucson

Education: BSN, RN

Professional Affiliations: ANA

Special Nursing Interests/Comments:

I graduated from Arizona State University and began my nursing career in 2009 on a cardiac telemetry unit. Since that time, I have worked in various areas at both the bedside and as an RN Manager including intensive care, intermediate care, progressive care and medical/surgical. I have also cross-trained and assisted in multiple areas including the OB/Gyn clinic and regulatory compliance among others. I am currently a charge nurse on a surgical specialties intermediate care/progressive care unit.

While I have enjoyed aspects of all these diverse experiences throughout my career, I am most drawn to bedside leadership positions that afford me the opportunity to provide direct patient care, utilize critical thinking and problem-solving skills, and serve as a mentor and educator for fellow nurses.

We often think about the art of nursing – combining our clinical knowledge and skills with the art of providing compassionate, holistic care for others – as it pertains to patients, but I find that translating that same art to helping other nurses grow through teaching them clinical skills while also supporting their emotional and professional needs is where I find the most fulfillment. I hope that my impact in nursing will extend to future generations as those I have imparted knowledge to and helped foster confidence in continue to do the same for others.

Name: Tahereh (Affie) Facer

Job Title: PICU RN IV

Organization: Banner University Medical Center Tucson

Education: BSRN, RRT

Professional Affiliations: ANA, AZNA

Special Nursing Interests/Comments:

I began my medical career in 1982 as a Registered Respiratory Therapist at Tucson Medical Center working in PICU, NICU, AICU and ED and as a part of the transport team. In 2004 I received my nursing degree and started working in PICU at Banner (UMC).

I have worked in various areas of nursing including, CVICU and SICU and I'm a ECMO/Mobi specialist. I love nursing because at the end of my shift I know I made a difference.

Nurse: just another word to describe a person strong enough to tolerate everything and soft enough to understand everyone.

Name: Ashlee F. Garcia

Job Title: Manager of Specialty Nursing and Inpatient Nurse Practitioner

Organization: Tucson Medical Center

Education: Bachelors of Science in Nursing: Southern Utah University

WOCN Certification: Emory University

Masters of Science in Nursing, Adult Gerontology Acute Care NP: Walden University

Professional Affiliations: Wound, Ostomy, and Continence Nurse’s Society; Southern Arizona Advanced Practice Nurse- Nurse Practitioner Society; Tucson Ostomy Support Group

Special Nursing Interests/Comments:

I am an Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, Certified, Wound, Ostomy and Continence Nurse (WOCN), as well as a Certified Foot Care Nurse (CFCN). I am the Manager of Specialty Nursing at Tucson Medical Center, which includes the WOC Team and the Vascular Access Team.

I graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree from Southern Utah University in 2009 and received my certifications in wound care from Emory University in 2013. I graduated from Walden University and became a board-certified Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner in 2019.

I strive to assist fellow nurses with continuing education through guest lectures at local colleges and professional groups as well as participating in the development of local educational conferences. I continue to grow professionally by continuing my education, supporting clinical trials and practicing current evidence-based practices. I am an active participant and volunteer for the Wound, Ostomy, and Continence Nurse Society and have served in multiple board positions as well as committees. I advocate and support the local Ostomy Support Group.

Name: Eliza Grigsby

Job Title: RN Coordinator

Organization: University of Arizona Cancer Center

Education: Pima Community College, ADN; Grand Canyon University, BSN; Grand Canyon University, MSN

Professional Affiliations: American Nurses Association, ANA

Special Nursing Interests/Comments:

I am sure at birth my parents knew I was going to be a nurse. In my childhood, my care of the neighborhood animals included baby birds, worms, cats, dogs and even humans. After a horrible dog attack at seven years old, my love for animals was halted. I was terrified of animals from that point on, and found people to be my saving grace.

My family, patients and my team at work are life to me. I enjoy connecting with people. Learning about who they are and why they fight so hard to live. I have worked in the Oncology/Hematology field for over 25 years and have loved every moment. Each individual patient has a story. My teammates are amazing people that make my job a pleasure even in difficult times.

Name: Major Wendy Gruber

Job Title: Chief of Education and Training

Organization: 355th Medical Group at Davis Monthan Air Force Base

Education: BSN, RNC-OB

Professional Affiliations: AWHONN

Special Nursing Interests/Comments:

I joined the Air Force as a new nursing graduate and spent the first 12 years of my career as a labor and delivery nurse. I worked at the bedside, as a nurse manager and eventually as Flight Commander of the Inpatient Obstetrics unit.

I have worked for the last three years as an education and training nurse where I discovered my love for teaching. I am indulging my passion for teaching as the Program Director and an instructor for many of the educational programs in the Medical Group.

I have deployed in support of Operation Enduring Freedom and to support COVID vaccination efforts in the U.S. It has been an honor to serve my fellow military members and their families. I am a life-long learner and am currently working on my Master of Science in Biology and look forward to many more years of service.

Name: Ana Crystal Hernandez

Job Title: Care Coordination Manager

Organization: El Rio Health

Education: BSN, RN

Special Nursing Interests/Comments:

My nursing journey started in 2014 as a new graduate in the home health setting. I purposely wanted to start in that setting, for it was important and I enjoyed being able to build a closer relationship with the patient and providing the care and education they needed. Due to my high-risk pregnancy, I had to put my direct patient care nursing on hold because I was placed on strict bedrest. During my time in bedrest, I was able to continue my nursing career by completing my BSN in only 10 months. A year after having my daughter, I resumed my direct patient care in a skilled nursing facilities/rehab, and this allowed me to enter a different pathway in understanding our patients needs as they healed and went home.

I joined El Rio Health in 2016 as a clinic registered nurse at Congress Health Center in the same-day clinic in seeing our more acute patients. With growth and opportunity, I transferred into the Care Coordination Department as discharge nurse. I transitioned into the Triage Supervisor role and five months later I was promoted to Care Coordination Manager. Joining the El Rio family had been a dream of mine after being assigned a Nursing Group Project for our Community Health Chapter. El Rio Health was the organization I was assigned to. This is where I felt I would be able to make a difference in providing care to the patient in their physical well-being and social determinants of health.

I am a compassionate, driven and innovated leader and I am always looking to the future to see how I am able to create positive change within El Rio and in the nursing profession. I owe my success to those who believed in me and gave me a chance. Agradecimiento a Dios y a mi familia por siempre creer en mis suenos y apoyarme incondicionalmente.

Name: Cathy Hoffman

Job Title: RN, Primary Care

Organization: Southern Arizona VA Healthcare System (SAVAHCS)

Education: University of Arizona College of Nursing, BSN 2002, Sacred Heart University, Fairfield, CT; MSN, Clinical Nurse Leader track, 2011; Clinical Nurse Leader (CNL), certified; Wound Care Certified (WCC)

Professional Affiliations: Wound Ostomy and Continence Nurses Society; Tucson Affiliate, Wound Ostomy and Continence Nurses Society

Special Nursing Interests/Comments:

I was fortunate to go to nursing school as an older than average student, after spending many years working in a different field. I work at the Southern Arizona VA, in the Primary Care Clinic Service Line. Wound care is my passion and I provide wound care for veterans who are enrolled in primary care. I am grateful for all I have learned and continue to learn from the veterans, the nursing staff, the medical providers and other healthcare professionals. On a daily basis I am inspired by my co-workers and my veteran patients and I feel honored to be part of the nursing profession.

Kelsey Jones

Oncology RN - Infusion RN

Banner University Medical Center Tucson

Associate Nursing Degree 2010, Medical/Surgical Certified RN 2017-2022

Oncology Nursing Society

Special Interests:

My biggest inspiration for going into nursing was and always will be the best nurse I’ve ever known, my mom. She taught me from a very young age the passion and dedication needed to be good nurse with her countless work stories. I always make an effort to make her and my dad – and myself – proud with every patient encounter.

The field of Oncology seemed to choose me five years ago while working on a post-surgical/ telemetry unit after my mother-in-law lost her battle with pancreatic cancer. I always wish I could have been more knowledgeable and a better advocate for her and my amazing husband during her fight. Nursing can be a field of endless heartbreak at times, but I see my mother-in-law in many of my patients and it helps me to keep fighting for her and it drives me to be a better advocate for all my patients.

Name: Keri Klingerman

Job Title: RN, Labor & Delivery

Organization: Banner University Medical Center Tucson

Education: BSN, RN

Professional Affiliations: AWHONN

Special Nursing Interests/Comments:

I pursed a career in nursing because I am passionate about women’s health. After three years of developing general nursing skills on a cardiac floor, I moved to the Labor and Delivery unit in 2011, and I have been the Associate Nursing Director for the Labor and Delivery and Postpartum units at Banner University Medical Center since 2019.

Working on a Labor and Delivery unit is exceptionally rewarding. In Tucson, we care for patients from across Southern Arizona and Mexico, who have diverse backgrounds and health care needs. Nurses must also be skilled in general obstetrics, general infant care, with the skills to work in triage, the operating room and the post-anesthesia care unit. As an associate director, I enjoy sharing my experience with both new and experienced nurses, helping them thrive in this challenging practice area, and seeing the joy on patients faces as they welcome a new family member into their lives.

During the past year, I worked on new and creative ways to provide better patient care by decreasing the length of hospital stay for obstetric patients, while managing a 25 percent increase in patient volume. By working closely with obstetricians, pediatricians, nurses and parent educators, I was able to deliver on that goal.

I would like to thank my family, friends, and all the nurses who have mentored and supported me in this wonderful profession. I would not have been successful without their help and guidance. I am looking forward to continuing to make a positive impact in this profession and in women’s health.

Name: Brooke Korchmaros

Job Title: Licensed Practical Nurse

Organization: Southern Arizona Veteran’s Affairs

Education: Practical Nursing Program-Pima Community College

Special Nursing Interests/Comments:

My nursing career began in 2013 as a supervisor in a Memory Care setting.

After one year, I transitioned to skilled nursing which then led to becoming a skilled nurse care manager. In 2019, I began serving our military population in a clinical setting.

I truly enjoy being a part of the nursing community. This opportunity has allowed me to touch lives in an impactful way allowing me to grow personally and professionally.

To be honored by doing a job that already provides me with tremendous satisfaction, is truly a blessing.

My interests include spending time with my new husband, stepchildren, sister and niece.

I enjoy exploring all genres of food, hiking, working out, and laughing at my husband’s “dad” jokes.

And this is all because of God’s amazing grace with providing me with amazing mentors and opportunities.

Ambur Lindstrom-Mette

Assistant Clinical Professor

University of Arizona College of Nursing

DNP, FNP-C, RN

ANA, AzNA, NONPF, NLN

I began my nursing career, as an ADN, on a telemetry unit. I loved caring for patients and learning. I found myself returning to school three more times earning a BSN, MS-FNP, and DNP. Bedside nursing provided me with the skills and knowledge to meet the demands of the complex health care system.

My love for learning morphed into a love for teaching. I have taught undergraduate BSN students, MS-FNP students and currently DNP students. I was responsible for teaching BSN Adult Health courses; my bedside experience allowed me to share personal experiences and demands of the acutely ill patient. The BSN team I worked with, achieved 13 consecutive semesters of 100% first time pass rate.

I currently teach DNP students, in various courses. I enjoy working with the student in their advanced practice journey. As a current, practicing FNP I can share my experiences and pearls with the student. I am very honored and humbled to be a part of such an awesome profession.

Name: Hancel J. Lopez Navarro

Job Title: RN Case Manager/Saguaro Clinic Team 4

Organization: Southern Arizona Veteran’s Affairs Healthcare System

Education: BSN

Professional Affiliations: ANA

Special Nursing Interests/Comments:

My interests are to learn something new and help someone every day. I have proudly served my community and my country in a variety of careers. I started out as a U.S. Marine Corps Infantryman then, U.S. Embassy Marine Security Guard and finally a law enforcement officer for Pima County. I realized, however, that I wanted to help people in a different capacity- in their health and wellness- and so began my career in nursing over 14 years ago.

As a nurse, I have worked a large variety of specialties to include House Supervisor; a float pool nurse on units including oncology, neurology, whipple & transplant, step down intensive care, critical care/ED, psychiatric, med-surg, telemetry, rehabilitation; as well as worked in outpatient subspecialties.

Since January 2017, I have had the privilege of serving my fellow Veterans at the Southern Arizona Veteran Affairs initially as a Float Pool RN, and then as a Patient Safety Coordinator. Presently I work in Primary Care as an RN Case Manager providing Veterans guidance on health care access, health promotion, disease prevention and chronic disease management.

My strongest passion lies in facilitating Veterans’ mental health and medical needs, advocating for them, supporting them in their journeys and empowering them to take ownership of their own health and wellness outcomes. I am resolved to do so by staying present in the moment with one patient at a time and dedicating myself to continuous learning.

Name: Katie Maher

Job Title: Care Coordination Manager

Organization: El Rio Health

Education: Master of Healthcare Innovation, BSN, CEN

Professional Affiliations: ACMA, ENA, TYP

Special Nursing Interests/Comments:

I have been a nurse for 18 years, starting my career in the emergency department. I worked in various roles in the emergency department including, bedside, management, education and pre-hospital. After receiving my Master of Healthcare Innovation at Arizona State University, I realized that my passion was in population health and improving health outcomes for the community I serve. This brought me to El Rio Health and my current position as a Care Coordination Manager.

I believe in providing inclusive and equitable health care to all. Focusing on the Quintuple Aim guides me in my practice daily. Being innovative and creating best practices for my organization brings joy every day.

Name: Maria Guadalupe Martinez

Job Title: LPN

Organization: Amedysis Home Health

Awards: ANNAC Association 2013 National CNA of the Year

Special Nursing Interests/Comments:

I found a passion for nursing and health care when I was 16 and my grandmother had a strokeand I saw the wonderful work that nurses did to assist with my grandmother’s recovery. When I became a CNA a wonderful lady and amazing mentor and instructor, Mary McCloud gave me my first job at Handmaker Jewish Services. I have wonderful mentors who have made my career in the nursing field so rewarding, from amazing nurses, supervisors and my fellow CNA coworkers, to housekeeping and kitchen staff. Handmaker, my home for many years, was where I learned there is no I in team. An amazing supervisor, Jan Harris gave me an amazing opportunity when she nominated me for CNA of the Year. I an amazing scholarship with the ANNAC Association, which allowed me to become an LPN.

Being an LPN made me fall in love with nursing even more. The pandemic did make me question if I want to stay in health care. But, becoming a mother of two amazing wonderful children Anakarena and Anthony motivated me to become an RN. Jeanette Tellez, my supervisor at Banner have gave me another push with this opportunity and I know that I am where I should be. I am so thankful for this opportunity and the people who made it possible.

Barbara B McGrath

Title: RN BSN, Msn FNP BC

Organization: Carondelet St. Mary's Hospital

Education: South University -FNP BC, University of Phoenix- BSN, Pima College: LPN, CNA

Professional Affiliations: AANP

Special Nursing Interests/ Comments

I have been a nurse for over 30 years. My special interests are geriatrics, psychiatrics, wound care and a personal interest in rehabilitation.

Name: Delmar “Del” Messer

Job Title: Clinical Nurse Manager, Primary Care

Organization: Southern Arizona Veterans Administration Healthcare System

Education: MSN, RN, CNL

Professional Affiliations: AACN

Special Nursing Interests/Comments: Nursing was not my first career. I have many family members in health care. I held my sister in high regard for her work in the emergency department and oncology during her long career as an LPN, then registered nurse.

I began my government career as an infantry soldier in the US Army. When I went into nursing I knew that I wanted to give back to my fellow veterans and joined the VA while attending an ADN nursing program. In my roles as a mental health CNL, med-surg nurse and nurse leader, I focus all my efforts and intentions on serving our nation’s veterans in the same way I served as a soldier in the Army. A focus on the mission and veteran-centric care are at the core of the belief system that guides my day-to-day practice.

COVID, like it has for many others, has given me pause to consider the next steps in my career. The past 24 months have been a great challenge that tested me time and again. I will always appreciate what those experiences taught me about myself and my dedication to what we do at the SAVHS. My Covid journey has helped me gain appreciation for stepping back, looking around and enjoying what life has to offer. I am grateful for the opportunities and challenges that my career in nursing have given me.

Name: Cathy Montiel

Job Title: Nurse Home Visitor

Organization: Nurse Family Partnership at Easterseals Blake Foundation

Education: BS, RN, IBCLC

Special Nursing Interests/Comments:

“Choose a job you love and you will never have to work a day in your life” These words by an anonymous author, though simple, profoundly characterize my nursing career.

My career journey began as a pediatric nurse at University Medical Center in Tucson. I had the fortunate opportunity to learn and practice alongside an incredible team of nurses, residents, and attendings. I owe so much to the fabulous group of pediatric nurses that I consider my mentors. Lifelong friendships developed as we faced the challenges and rewards of caring for critically ill children and their families.

Armed with knowledge and passion for caring for infants, toddlers and their families led me into community nursing. I had the privilege of helping to develop a first-of-its-kind program, Project Intensive Caring, with my inspirational mentor Peg Jorgensen RN. Our program was designed to allow us to partner with parents of infants and toddlers with a wide range of medically complexities as their support coordinator and developmental specialist. Being a pediatric nurse familiar with the intricacies of managing high tech equipment and early childhood disease processes allowed me support these families during their most sensitive and crucial years of navigating systems and promoting health and development.

For the last 12 years, I am blessed to have a most fulfilling role with Nurse Family Partnership at Easterseals Blake Foundation. As an NFP nurse, we use the nursing practice to come along side vulnerable first-time mothers from early in their pregnancy and through to their child’s second birthday. This evidence-based, relationship-centered, nurse home visiting program encourages these mothers to have a healthy pregnancy, motivates self-sufficiency and guides them in promoting their baby’s health and development. I am rewarded the privilege of supporting these new mothers as they blossom into confident and competent parents.

Name: Helena W. Morrison

Job Title: Associate Professor

Organization: University of Arizona College of Nursing

Education: PhD, RN

Professional Affiliations: Sigma Theta Tau

Special Nursing Interests/Comments:

I thoroughly enjoyed my nursing experiences while working at the bedside, first as an LVN and then as an ADN and BSN prepared nurse. While I have had experiences working in many clinical areas, my favorite position was as an ICU nurse at St. Joseph’s Hospital here in Tucson. It was there that I discovered my passion to contribute to stroke science as a PhD prepared nurse.

As a scientist, I now lead an interdisciplinary team of collaborators, graduate, and undergraduate students in an investigation to discover mechanisms of post-stroke brain injury. This focus has been on a specific type of brain cell—the microglia. Microglia are the brain phagocyte and first responder to disease and injury such as ischemic stroke. Although my emphasis is on ischemic stroke, my research also spans a variety of contexts where I collaborate with other UA scientists to investigate microglia morphology as a biomarker of neuronal function/dysfunction in a variety of contexts such as traumatic brain injury, Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s disease. Moreover, these independent and collaborative research programs provide opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students to participate in virtual or hands-on research experiences. Some of these students are then motivated to become scientists, nurses or physicians.

I am lucky to have been guided by spectacular role models while on this path to where I am today. I am a product of a nurse (Mother) and scientist (Father). I have had amazing intradisciplinary, interdisciplinary, male, and female mentors—all who have helped to shape the nurse and scientist that I am today. I am most grateful to my husband who is my love and Eärendil.

Name: Megan Morrow

Job Title: Pediatric Oncology/Hematology/BMT Registered Nurse

Organization: Banner University Medical Center Diamond Children's

Education: RN, BSN

Professional Affiliations: APHON

Special Nursing Interests/Comments:

I began my nursing career in pediatric oncology seven years ago as a new graduate nurse, and have expanded my skill set, knowledge, and leadership on the unit ever since. I have a strong and undeniable passion for caring for children and young adults undergoing treatment for cancer and blood disorders. Selflessly caring for such a vulnerable patient population is truly the most rewarding experience of my life, even during the most challenging shifts. I invest myself not only in the care of my patient’s, but their families' needs as well. I strive to always celebrate a patient’s highs, but also be able to mourn their lows.

I am an experienced bone marrow transplant nurse, core charge nurse, and advanced preceptor on the floor. I strive to be a continuous learner, and work diligently to educate patients, new staff members, and experienced staff members each and every shift. I am involved in many unit committees, including being a co- chair in shared leadership. Ensuring the unit is working at its highest potential is one of my most important goals every year. Not only does this help to improve patient care and patient satisfaction, but it helps to improve staff morale as well.

I am truly honored to work with such an incredible group of nurses, doctors, nurse practitioners and patient care technicians. I owe my success to all staff members on this unit, specifically my incredible nurse manager and preceptors, who have helped mentor me to reach my highest potential as a nurse. Pediatric oncology is my passion and my calling, and I look forward to seeing my continued growth and success in the future.

Name: Jeanne Murray

Job Title: RN Clinical Educator

Organization: Tucson Medical Center

Education: MSN in Education, BSE, ADN, RN

Professional Affiliations: Academy of Medical Surgical Nurses, Sigma Theta Tau

Special Nursing Interests/Comments: Shared Governance, Palliative Care, Geriatrics

I started in nursing working every summer as a CNA at the local nursing home in my Kansas hometown, to pay for college. While I may have come for a reliable salary, I stayed because I fell in love with the people I cared for and the nursing profession. Always a teacher, I have found that my degree in education served me well as a nurse. I eventually went on to become an LPN and RN, working in geriatrics, interventional pain management and med surg tele. Coming to Tucson in 2012, I came to care deeply for the people of this city. I have taken pride in caring for them during my over nine years at Banner South, where I was nurtured as an RN, a manager, charge and preceptor. I’m now learning and growing again as a Clinical Educator at Tucson Medical Center, bringing with me the passion to serve this city that all of our Tucson hospitals foster.

What I have learned along the way is that nurses truly are teachers. We are always learning and continually striving to pass our knowledge on to our patients in ways they can understand. Reaching a patient and teaching them something that will improve the quality of their life is one of the greatest satisfactions you can ever experience. It brightens your soul as my first director of nursing used to say. It has kept my passion alive, despite all the long hours, stress and tears. I want to thank the Tucson Nurses Week Foundation as well as my Banner South family and my new family of nurses and educators at TMC. I hope to live up to the honor of joining this inspiring group of nurses.

Name: Suzanne Narine

Job Title: Risk Manager, Patent Liaison, Quality Improvement Coordinator

Organization: Northwest Houghton Medical Center & Northwest Medical Center

Education: New York Institute of Technology (NYIT), BSN, Graduated Magna Cum Laude in 2008

Professional Affiliations: ENA; The National Dean’s List; Golden Key International Honor Society

Special Nursing Interests/Comments:

I began my career in Healthcare as a Comfort Care Provider (NA) in 1997 on a Med/Surg unit. I then became a Nurse Extender and transferred to the Emergency Department. In 2008, I became a registered nurse.

I have had the opportunity to work in many areas of health care from Telemetry, CVICU and step down and the Emergency Department including Level One Trauma Centers. In the last year or so, I transitioned to Risk Management and Quality Improvement to make a difference on a facility level.

Throughout my career, I have held bedside and leadership roles from charge nurse to manager. I take pride in always remembering where I started, where I come from and who guided me to where I am today. Nursing is personal to me – it is in my spirit and the core of who I am both personally and professionally.

I thrive in the unknown, eager to solve the puzzle and to continue learning. The elusive and challenging situations that shape a person into a critical thinker, an observer, an expert clinician, a troubleshooting problem solver. Nursing is the dance between compassion and science. The same situations in life, whether personal or professional, that equally humble you as a human being. I take a great deal of pride in my journey now that I sit here and write about myself. I am the lead by example type. I take all the lessons in life and use them to create, to shape and to guide my fellow teammates whether it was bedside nursing or leadership. I pay it forward. I have a great deal of respect for the coworkers, leaders/mentors that saw that sparkle in me when I had yet to recognize it and push me to continue to grow.

I would like to take a moment and pay homage to the nurses/leaders that showed me what I wanted to be as I grew up in this field. To the one here in Tucson and a few back home in NYC, thank you.

Name: Amy Olson

Job Title: Nurse Practitioner Emergency Medicine

Organization: Envision Healthcare and Banner University Medical Center Tucson

Education: MSN FNP Grand Canyon University, Post Master’s AGACNP, ENP Vanderbilt University. DNP Executive Leadership Vanderbilt University

Professional Affiliations: FNP-C, AGACNP-BC, ENP-C

Special Nursing Interests/Comments: I am very interested in process improvement, clinician wellness, telehealth and global health.

I have been a nurse since 2006 having spent the majority of my career at Tucson Medical Center where I began in Pediatric ICU. Over the years, I have worked in many units including Pediatric Hospice, GI Lab and most recently, the Adult and Pediatric Emergency Departments. I currently am on staff locally at Banner University Medical Center in the Emergency Department. I also work in Phoenix and Yuma for Envision Healthcare.

I am certified as a Family Nurse Practitioner, Acute Care Nurse Practitioner and Emergency Nurse Practitioner. I completed my DNP in Executive Leadership at Vanderbilt in May 2021. My doctoral project was a retrospective chart review studying the impact of removing strict ED OBS unit admission criteria on key metrics of length of stay, inpatient conversions and 72-hour returns.

I enjoy putting my interest in global health in action by participating in medical mission trips. I most recently travelled to the Dominican Republic for one such mission and am always struck by how much I learn about the culture, people, medicine and myself.

Name: Christy Pacheco

Job Title: FNP; Faculty; RHPP Director

Organization: The University of Arizona College of Nursing

Education: DNP, FNP-BC

Professional Affiliations: AANP, AzRHA, NAPG, NONPF

Special Nursing Interests/Comments:

I am a Family Nurse Practitioner with a focus on providing primary care to rural and medically underserved populations. I enjoy working with students and community members to promote quality and access to care to improve health status and health outcomes. I have had the privilege of living and working on the Navajo Nation, with the Indian Health Service, as well as working in community health centers and county health department. My program work has ranged from maternal-child health to HIV care and public health. I value the interprofessional collaboration and stakeholder engagement necessary to successfully address the social determinants of health.

My work mentoring students, ranging from high school and pre-health students to health professions students from a range of disciplines, is particularly rewarding. I have a particular interest in working with students from underserved backgrounds and conducting interprofessional activities. As an INCATS Program mentor, I mentor undergraduate and graduate Native American nursing and Nurse Practitioner students to facilitate successful completion of their programs and subsequent work in tribal health settings. My interprofessional CLARION groups have won the University of Arizona competition twice. As a Rural Health Professions Program (RHPP) Director, I have had the opportunity to work with health professions students from across the state in conducting interprofessional community immersions and activities, from annual health fairs at a soup kitchen, pre-pandemic, to pandemic outreach (testing, vaccinations). My Doctoral students have conducted numerous Quality Improvement projects that serve to improve the health status and health outcomes of underserved populations, from chronic disease management to migrant farmworker safety and refugee and migrant health.

It is an honor and privilege to join the other Fab 50 nurses.

Name: Steve Patalsky

Job Title: Associate Director, Physician Practice and Operations, Pediatric Hematology, Oncology, and Bone Marrow Transplant clinic

Organization: Banner University Medical Center Tucson

Education: BSN, MBA

Professional Affiliations: American Association of Critical-Care Nurses

Special Nursing Interests/Comments:

I have had the amazing opportunity to work in many nursing areas throughout my career, starting in PICU, then onto all of pediatrics, training to help the ED, adult ICU, dialysis and CCO, and ending up in a leadership role with the most amazing patients I have ever cared for. I started my medical career as a HUC for the pediatric oncology unit and am now grateful to serve this population again as the Pediatric Hematology, Oncology, and Bone Marrow Transplant RN Associate Director for Ambulatory Services.

Leadership has presented a fantastic challenge for me. It has given new insight towards how patients should be cared for and how I can better support nurses as they take care of those in need. I earned my Masters in Business Administration from the U of A Global Campus in 2021 to become better equipped to understand how the business world and clinical world can unite to serve our fragile yet resilient population.

I have truly been blessed throughout my career and am grateful to share this with our staff and patients every day. I feel that the impact that nursing brings to our patients holds the highest value, and leadership has allowed me to serve our amazing nursing team and give them the tools they need to make our patients successful in their journey. I am honored to work alongside some amazing staff in the clinic and enjoy sharing my nursing journey with staff and patients alike.

Name: Erin F Pigeon

Job Title: Registered Nurse Medical/Surgical

Organization: Banner University Medical Center – South

Education: BSN, Currently attending classes for Masters – Nurse Educator

Professional Affiliations: American Nurses Association, Emerging Professionals Association, Wound Ostomy and Continence Nurses (WOCN) Society of Tucson, Central African Medical Mission (CAMM)

Special Nursing Interests/Comments:

I began my nursing career as an Inpatient Psychiatric nurse in Wisconsin before moving to Tucson and switching specialties to Med/Surg. From there, I quickly transitioned to a leadership position as manager. I have been co-chair of the facility’s Fall Prevention Committee and an active participant in the Wound Care & Skin Management Committee. Looking to resume school and focus on my passion for precepting new nurses, I returned to the bedside for the last two years. I have achieved the highest level of career development at my organization and I received a Daisy Award in 2020.

My interest and passion for caring have stemmed from my background. I was born and raised in Africa as a missionary child and saw first-hand the suffering and pain that can exist. God has blessed me with the opportunity and the grace to help and care for others through my nursing career. I try to infuse my depth of caring into every action for my patients, my co-workers and the new nurses that I precept and encourage.

Name: Samantha Pinkerton

Job Title: Nurse Navigator for GYN/Oncology

Organization: Arizona Cancer Center

Education: BSN

Professional Affiliations: Oncology Certified Nurse, Oncology Nursing Society

Special Nursing Interests/Comments:

I have been a nurse since 2004, graduating from the University of Arizona. I have always known that being an oncology nurse is what I was meant to do. After working on the inpatient BMT floor for two years, I transferred to the outpatient cancer center. I have been there ever since, working with women to either prevent gynecological cancer or walking with them step by step in their cancer journey. I am honored and humbled every day as I witness their incredible strength and resilience. People frequently ask me why I would want such a sad job and my response is, “I love my patients and I would not want anyone else to take care of them.”

Name: Jessica G. Rainbow, PhD, RN

Job Title: Assistant Professor

Organization: University of Arizona College of Nursing

Education: BSN and BA from University of Nevada, Reno (’12) and PhD from University of Wisconsin-Madison (’18)

Professional Affiliations: WIN, ANA, AzNA, Sigma

Special Nursing Interests/Comments:

I am an Assistant Professor at the University of Arizona College of Nursing. The goal of my program of research is to improve the hospital work environment to advance nurse and patient health. I am particularly interested in nurse presenteeism (being present at work, but not performing at full capacity), burnout and fatigue, and their associated negative consequence for healthcare providers, patients, and healthcare organizations. I utilize qualitative, quantitative and mixed methods approaches in my research. I have worked clinically in critical care, eat disorder treatment and infusion clinic settings. I received my Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University of Nevada, Reno and my PhD in nursing from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. My research is funded by the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health National Council of State Boards of Nursing’s Center for Regulatory Excellence, and the Health Resources and Services Administration, and through internal funding at the University of Wisconsin-Madison and the University of Arizona. I have presented and disseminated my work locally, nationally and internationally.

Name: Howard Rains

Job Title: Staff Nurse

Organization: Southern AZ Veteran’s Health Care

Education: Associate Degree of Nursing

Special Nursing Interests/Comments:

Health Care is a team sport and I have had the privilege of being a part of many excellent teams since I began my health care career with Kord’s Ambulance Service as an EMT in 1981.

From Kord’s, the US Army, one of the world’s finest teams, allowed me to serve with them for 10 years, first as a combat medic, then as an LPN. The Army eventually asked me to serve as an instructor at their Practical Nurse Program instructor’s team at Fort Sam Houston, Texas where I learned a great deal about teaching the next generation of LPNs.

Upon leaving the Army in 1992, we relocated to the Kansas City where long term care called my name. The teams I worked with showed me the incredible dedication, skills and humanity shown by those who have been called to work with some of our most vulnerable, yet intriguing, citizens. One day, a teammate, convinced me to sign up for a nursing program aimed at the working student. My wife and my team at home supported and encouraged me as I worked full-time and went to school full-time in order to serve another team in a different capacity.

Graduation in 1994 brought me to management teams with a couple of different long-term care organizations; first as Assistant Director of Nursing, Director of Nursing, Director of Training and other positions. Eventually though, America’s military called again and I began serving with the Veteran’s Administration at the Kansas City VA. A death in family brought me back to my Tucson home and the Tucson VA.

I initially served with the Rehab Team helping veterans recover from strokes, heart attacks and joint replacements. My greatest reward, however, was serving with the Emergency Department team for over 15 years. They were, and they remain, an amazing group. I have now moved on to a Primary Care Team where I am serving with a marvelous assemblage where we work on meeting the needs of America’s veterans in a whole different way than we did in the ED.

Name: Alex Rath

Job Title: CVICU Nurse

Organization: Tucson Medical Center

Education: BSN, RN, CCRN

Professional Affiliations: Alpha Chi National College Honor Society

Special Nursing Interests/Comments:

Helping people has always been a passion of mine. When I began my nursing career in 2016, I quickly learned that although this job is tough, it is easily one of the most rewarding and exciting.

After a year in the step-down unit, I transferred to the CVICU where I get the opportunity to care for some of the sickest patients in the hospital. I have always been someone who pushes myself to be the best, so I am exactly where I wanted to be.

After gaining a few years of experience, I got the opportunity to be a relief charge. As a younger nurse on the unit I didn’t know if I was ready for a bigger role but I am so thankful for all of the experienced nurses I have worked with who have supported me and allowed me to grow into a dependable and exceptional nurse. I plan to go back to school and continue my education so that I may continue to give back to this community.

I am so thankful for all the nurses at TMC who have helped shape me into the nurse I am today and for my family, especially my sister who is also an exceptional ICU nurse, who have always been by my side. I am so proud to be a part of this profession.

Name: Pamela G Reed, PhD, RN, FAAN

Job Title: Professor and Interim Associate Dean for Academic Affairs

Organization: University of Arizona College of Nursing

Education: BSN, MSN, MA, PhD

Professional Affiliations: ANA, Fellow in the American Academy of Nursing, International Philosophy of Nursing Society, Society for Rogerian Scholars

Special Nursing Interests/Comments:

My special interest is in mentoring PhD and DNP students in innovative strategies to build scientific knowledge useful in promoting health and well-being.

Name: Jeanne Rhodes

Job Title: Director of Case Management/Clinical Documentation/Utilization Management

Organization: Tucson Medical Center

Education: BS BA, BSN

Professional Affiliations: American Case Management Association (ACMA)

Special Nursing Interests/Comments:

After 20 years in the corporate arena, I began my career in 2009 as a new graduate in the Cardiac Care Unit as a beside nurse, provided clinical instruction for NAU students for several semesters, transitioned to front-line case management and currently hold the position of Director of Case Management/Clinical Documentation/Utilization Management.

The profession of nursing, no matter the role, affords us the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of our patients and their families during every interaction. It’s usually the small things that we may not even recognize as special – holding a patient’s hand, returning a family member’s call with updates, setting up home health support – that have long-lasting impact. It’s why I chose nursing as my second chapter and why I remain energized, committed and passionate about this work every day.

Renee Rigney

ICU Clinical Nurse Lead

Tucson Medical Center

AND, BSN (in progress), FCCS, COVID-19 micro credential

AACN, Professional Development Council, Wound Care Council

I started in the nursing field as a CNA in 2005. I received my LPN license in 2012 and my RN in 2014. I started by career in Benson, holding many different positions; floor nurse, charge nurse, wound care nurse, case management and quality assurance and performance improvement committee. Wanting to challenge myself, I began working at TMC as a nurse on the cardiac floor. After a year, I moved to intermediate surgical care unit, then in 2017 transitioned to the ICU. Up for the challenge, I became clinical nurse lead in august of 2020 in the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic.

During my time in the ICU, I have grown into a leader and take pride in my ability to manage the chaos that has engulfed our health care system in the last two years. I enjoy the work I do and truly feel like I am able to make a positive impact in my coworkers lives and my patients lives by creating a positive healing environment. I have witnessed many changes to the nursing profession over my 17 years in the health care system but I truly love my career and look forward to the future of nursing.

Name: Celina Ruiz

Job Title: Manager of Nursing and Ancillary Services

Organization: Children's Clinics for Rehabilitative Services

Education: RN, BSN

Professional Affiliations: ANA, AzNA

Special Nursing Interests/Comments:

My career as an RN started in 2009 as a new graduate in an adult step-down Trauma/Transplant Unit. About a year later, a position in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit became available and I quickly jumped at the opportunity since my heart has always been in pediatrics. I worked at the bedside for four years before taking a leadership role. I really enjoyed being in a leadership role in a Pediatric setting and transitioned to an outpatient setting. I am currently the Manager of Nursing and Ancillary Services at Children’s Clinics.

My desire has always been to work in a family-centered environment and I am fortunate to get to do that in my current role, caring for Southern Arizona’s most medically complex children and families. I am humbled at the opportunity to care for children and families in a holistic environment.

Name: Gillian Schaff

Job Title: RN Associate Director, Physician Practices

Organization: Banner University Medical Center Tucson

Education: Masters in Nursing

Professional Affiliations: Army Nurse Corp

Special Nursing Interests/Comments:

I love being a nurse, enjoy the seasons of Tucson, it is truly better that shoveling or driving in blizzard conditions.

Nursing is in my DNA, I always knew what I wanted to do with my life, it was a passion for me, even as a young girl. My grandmother was a nurse in a nursing home, I would go and sit with her until Miss Alice would wake up, I would get her ready for the day at 1 a.m., make her breakfast then play cards with her until it was time to go home. I look for Alice in all my confused patients even now.

I am a retired Army Nurse of 27 years, serving in multiple locations, countries and campaigns. A majority of my Army career was in Emergency Medicine. This career gave me the skill-set and tools to become a solid leader. My philosophy in leadership is to lead by example, I ask nothing of my staff that I would not step up and do myself.

My career at Banner has been invigorating, challenging and full of learning experiences that continue to teach me new lessons. My leadership team has supported me and continued to challenge me daily. I am very blessed to say that I have the best leadership team and staff that I work with every day.

I believe very strongly that everyone has a purpose and God gave me the tools to be blessed to be in the most honorable profession. We have had a very difficult couple of years, I want to thank all nurses that have been in the trenches taking care of patients.

I am very proud to say I am a nurse, an Army Nurse, the Nurse Corp moto is “Proud to Care.“ I carry that every day as I do what I love to do.

Name: Sara Dowdle Simmons MS, RN

Job Title: Sr. Lecturer, Co-Chair of the BSN High Acuity Nursing Course

Organization: University of Arizona College of Nursing

Education: (1994) Graduate from the Samaritan College of Nursing, Grand Canyon University, BSN. (2011) Graduate from Northern Arizona University, Master of Science Nursing.

Professional Affiliations: Member of American Association of Critical Care Nurses (AACN), Member of the Emergency Nurses Association (CEN), AzNLN

Special Nursing Interests/Comments: Rural emergency nursing, High Acuity Nursing, Nursing Education

I began my nursing career as an ICU nurse in a small rural Arizona hospital in 1995. It was a time of great challenge, few resources and limited educational opportunities. Rural Arizona is where I spent my 20 years as a staff RN. I worked in the Emergency Room and with prehospital first responders. I found my work as a nurse to be a transformative experience. It has nurtured the application of wisdom, knowledge and compassion. I pray that I have used these gifts to usher healing into not only my patients, but also with those with whom I have had the honor to work.

I transitioned into full time academia in 2013. To say I am blessed or inspired by the students I teach is a gross understatement. They are mountain-movers. I treasure the opportunity to integrate my experiences and knowledge into meaningful learning. It is my daily goal to create an environment of healing and learning, where students can see their own life experiences as powerful tools to be used in the healing of others. It is where resilience is cultivated, healing begins and lives are changed. To be a nurse is a tremendous honor.

Name: John Somero

Job Title: LPN

Organization: Southern Arizona VA Health Care System

Education: LPN, Pima Community College

Professional Affiliations:

Special Nursing Interests/Comments:

I have spent 28 years working in Alzheimer’s, Rehab, long term and Outpatient Primary Care. At a young age, I knew I wanted to be a caretaker as I watched my grandmother slowly pass from colon cancer. I like to address all patients’ needs with compassionate care. While serving patients of all backgrounds I strive for wellness, safety and satisfaction.

Name: Nikki Stefan

Job Title: Retired Director of TUSD Health Services,

Current Coordinator of TUSD COVID Health Education and Standards

Organization: Tucson Unified School District

Education: BSN, RN

Professional Affiliations: NASN, SNOA, 2016 Alumni Rutgers/J & J School Health Leadership Program

Special Nursing Interests/Comments:

After graduating from the University of Arizona College of Nursing, I began my career at TMC as a pediatric staff nurse. Beyond nursing skills, I learned that the respect and support of the family unit was vital to the pediatric population. This start allowed me to discover and develop my passion for educating and guiding children towards optimal health.

I became a school nurse with the Tucson Unified School District and over 25 years, held leadership roles as the Pediatric Resource Nurse, Program Coordinator and the Director of Health Services. I am currently the COVID-19 Healthcare Coordinator.

With the support of the TUSD administration and the medical/public health community, I created standards and practical solutions to enable students with chronic health challenges to thrive and achieve. I started programs including the emergency response and universal administration of life-saving medications for Anaphylaxis, Asthma and Opioid overdose.

Faced with the challenge of managing school health and safety during the pandemic, I work collaboratively with district leadership and our local health department. We implemented school and community guidance and health care regulations to reduce the spread of COVID-19. The team of resilient nurses and health assistants have been consistently present in the schools supporting students, staff, and families. This dedicated team has taught me perseverance, compassion, flexibility and acceptance in a time of great challenge.

I am grateful for the privilege of leading this team of nurses and health staff during my time at TUSD.

Name: Joy L. Upshaw

Job Title: Chief Nursing Officer

Organization: Tucson Medical Center

Education: BSN, MBA from Oklahoma Wesleyan University

Special Nursing Interests/Comments:

In my role as vice president and chief nursing officer for Tucson Medical Center, I focus on the ways nursing practice and development shape quality and safety initiatives as well as patient experience.

I have more than 17 years of clinical leadership devoted to enhancing the quality of care provided by nursing. I have held leadership roles in a wide and diverse range of nursing areas, including oncology, orthopaedics, cardiac, maternal child health, emergency department, same-day services, respiratory therapy and intensive care.

Prior to my service with TMC, I served in a chief nursing role for five years for a large nonprofit osteopathic academic medical center as well as two years in a rural-hospital environment. I think it is vitally important in health care to develop and foster effective nursing leadership teams.

I serve on the board of the Children's Clinic and Tucson Nurses Week Foundation Board. Earlier in my career, I was recognized as Oklahoma’s first 100 Great Nurses and now am blessed to be honored as a Fabulous 50 nurse in this community.

I would like to thank my family and my wonderful colleagues for supporting me in my career and helping to make me the leader I am today.

Name: Amy Valencia

Job Title: RN Director Critical Care/Dialysis

Organization: Banner University Medical Center Tucson

Education: BS, BSN

Professional Affiliations: AACN

Special Nursing Interests/Comments:

I never dreamed nursing would be my career until I spent some time in the trauma ICU as a patient care technician. In two months, I was hooked. I had been at a crossroads in my young life, not sure if I wanted to stay in healthcare at all. I decided I would apply to nursing school … one time. If I got in, that would be the sign I was where I was supposed to be. As I look back on a now 25 year nursing career, I am so grateful this is the path that opened up for me. I have been blessed beyond belief to be a part of such an incredible calling. I have been able to witness both devastating tragedy and unbelievable miracles. I have gotten to walk alongside patients and their families in some of the most vulnerable times of their lives.

As a leader of both critical care and dialysis, I have been able to be a part of the growth and development of so many nurses and that has been one of my greatest honors. I have and continue to learn so much from all the people I’ve been able to support over the last several years and it is truly my privilege to be a small part of their journey.

So much of my success is a result of the patience and support of my family. I treasure both them and all the people who have had such positive impacts in my life.