Kimberly Lopez

I am currently a registered nurse (RN) in the cardiovascular intensive care unit (CVICU). I completed by nursing degree in 2010 at the age of 26-years and a single-mother at the time. Immediately out of nursing school, while I was in training/orienting for my first job I was approached for a position in the CVICU. The clinical educator at the time believed I had what it took to be a CVICU nurse. And, ever since that day, in 2010, I have been a CVICU nurse. I am a nurse, mentor, and leader in my career. To date, I am graduate student at the University of Miami seeking a degree in doctoral nursing practice as a nurse anesthetist. I am also a wife and a mother of two, one is now eleven-years old and the youngest is just three-years of age. Prior to nursing I graduate high-school (in 2001) and became a legal assistant for a real estate attorney. After years of not feeling fulfilled in my job/career I decided to go back (yes, go back) to finish what I had started in 2001-nursing school. And now I have finally reached my ultimate career goal, nurse anesthesia school. With the support of my family, friends, mentors, and colleagues and the blessing of my God I begin this endeavor.