I am a first-generation Latino college graduate and obtained a Bachelor of Science in Exercise Physiology from East Carolina University. For the past two years, I have worked as a medical assistant at a primary care clinic, where approximately 85% of the patients are native Spanish speakers. I have been made aware of the severe lack of Spanish speaking medical professionals that are available to assist the Hispanic population with their medical needs. Hispanics also remain one of the highest uninsured groups in the United States, and this prevents many Hispanics from obtaining health care services and access to preventive care. This eye opener does not allow me to sit back and wait for a change but instead motivates me to be a change within my community and help anyone who needs quality medical attention and be of assistance in any way that I can.
I chose to attend DUSON because it encompasses a diverse community of professionals whose mission is not only to provide excellent health care services to its local communities and North Carolina residents but also make a global impact by cultivating cultural-sensitive nurses who will make a positive impact on health care worldwide. I have had the honor and the privilege to learn from very compassionate, knowledgeable, and diverse medical professionals. One of the main features they all share is a strong cultural competence with their patients. I firmly believe that demonstrating this ability helps implement nursing interventions that are tailored to better meet the patients’ needs. Mastering cultural competence in the health care profession will also prolong satisfaction of the patient and have a greater impact on their health and recovery.
After completing my BSN, I hope to continue my education here at DUSON and become a FNP, as this would allow me to offer greater health care management and outcomes for my patients.