Success Story: Juan Lopez

Juan LopezWhy did you choose your specific health professional career?

Nursing was never a part of my career goals, and that changed drastically after my mother was a patient at one of the hospitals and the nursing staff treated her with undue respect. I made up my mind at that time that I would go into Nursing and make a difference in the way patients are treated at any given time and place. My patients will be treated with respect.

What experiences did you have to make sure this profession was right for you?

I was a people person and got along with all the contacts I made.

Describe any obstacles or barriers to success that you encountered along your health professional career path and how did you overcome them?

Initially, funding was an obstacle, but with changes in Tribal Scholarships, I took advantage of that resource to further my education.

What do you do in your current job?

I am a Nursing Supervisor with a staff of 1 RN, and 2 LPN’s.

What advice do you have for American Indian/Alaska Native students who are interested in health careers?

I would tell them to stay focused in their education and strive to better themselves in this ever changing world.