Wildcat Nurse Spotlight: Clarissa Padilla, Gilbert BSN-IH student

Nursing BSN-IH profile: Clarissa Padilla

By Gawain Douglas, UArizona Health Sciences Office of Communications

Clarissa Padilla, a University of Arizona College of Nursing student in the Bachelor of Sciences in Nursing – Integrative Health program in Gilbert, Arizona, is about to realize her childhood dream of becoming a nurse after the spring convocation on May 9.

Clarissa grew up in Hayward, California, and chose the UArizona College of Nursing to pursue her dream because of the college’s reputation, long history and program outcomes. The BSN-IH program has not only prepared her for a nursing career but has also helped her set her sights on the additional career goals of becoming a nurse practitioner and a nursing educator.

 Clarissa recently answered some questions about her time at the College of Nursing.

 What led you to pursue a career in nursing?

 As a child, I was exposed to the medical field through my mom’s career in pediatric nutrition. She would take me to work and I would see the nurses caring for their patients. Observing their selflessness, compassion and how patients rely on them for care made me realize at an early age that this is my calling and an opportunity to make a difference in the lives of people during their time of need. One memory I have of that time is when I was 6 years old, and I met nurse Amanda in the nursery. Nurse Amanda let me watch her do a newborn assessment through the glass window. Whenever I would see nurse Amanda, we would talk about her job, and she would tell me that I would make a great nurse one day.

 Why did you choose the UArizona College of Nursing to pursue your studies?

 I chose the University of Arizona College of Nursing because of its stellar reputation and its 67 years of educating professional nurses. I feel the university’s program outcomes are impactful and I want to be a nurse with these skills and qualities so that I can make an impact in my community. Being in the BSN-IH program has not only helped me enter the workforce as a nurse but also helped me continue to advance my career in higher education because I want to be a nurse practitioner and nursing educator. Coming from a diverse background and being a Latina/Mexican American woman, I like the fact that the university is so in tune with inclusivity and diversity, which are very important aspects to me as a health care provider.

 What’s your biggest takeaway from your time in the BSN-IH program?

 My biggest takeaway is the community and support system on the Gilbert campus. Throughout this challenging program, you are never alone. You are always in a group at clinicals, a pair during simulations and as a whole cohort during lectures and exams. The College of Nursing faculty make themselves available for support, guidance and mentorship. A lot of thought was put into creating a comfortable home environment on campus for us. I spent a lot of hours on campus with my cohort studying, socializing and working in the simulation lab. The Gilbert campus became my home away from home, both physically and emotionally. I can honestly say that I looked forward to going to school and enjoyed my time there.

 What do you remember as the biggest challenge for you in the program?

 The biggest challenge for me, which I am sure a lot of Gilbert students can relate to, is leaving the main campus in Tucson and moving to Gilbert to follow our nursing education. Leaving my friends, my sorority and my life at the Tucson campus was an emotional challenge. I had to make the choice of being a college student or a nursing student and leave my comfort zone. Reflecting on my decision to accept admission to the BSN-IH program in Gilbert, I now know it was the best thing I could have done. Gilbert provided me with a close-knit community of students, faculty and staff. The setting in Gilbert fostered a productive environment, enabling me to maintain focus and thrive within the program.

 Do you have any advice for students following in your footsteps?

 My advice is to think of yourself as not just a college student but as a nursing student. This means prioritizing and dedicating your efforts 100% to succeeding in the program to become a nurse. This is a very rigorous program and I would advise against doing it alone. I highly encourage students to engage in collaboration with other students and seek guidance and support from their nursing professors and staff. Finding an emotional support system within the cohort will help students during difficult and demanding moments, as our family and non-nursing friends do not understand the stress and challenges that we are under as nursing students. I now see my nursing cohort as not just classmates but as family who have made this a memorable journey. 

 What does it mean to you to be a Wildcat nurse?

Being a Wildcat nurse is a dream come true. I wanted this since I was 12 years old and when I saw my first Wildcat nursing student. It also means representing the University of Arizona as a nurse with dedication, empathy and integrity for those whom I serve. As a Wildcat nurse, I will have compassion and understanding of the health disparities faced by my patients and care for them and their families with dignity and respect. I am aware that being a nurse can be stressful and demanding at times. As a Wildcat nurse, you must also have traits of courage and resilience to provide the utmost care with confidence for patients. As I complete this program, I know that the university has prepared me to be this type of nurse and I will always be proud to be a Wildcat nurse.

What are your post-graduation plans?

I have accepted a position as an ER/observation nurse at Banner – University Medical Center Phoenix once I obtain my registered nurse license. After a few years of nursing experience, I hope to become a labor and delivery or pediatric nurse and further my nursing education by enrolling in a DNP program to become a nurse practitioner. My time as a student worker in the simulation lab has ignited aspirations of becoming a nursing educator, hopefully back at the College of Nursing.