“I originally wanted to be a chef.”
But long days and nights (plus weekends) in the culinary world didn’t appeal to Nina Gonzales, who was newly married and looking to start a family. Her mother’s suggestion to look at healthcare careers started her on a path that ultimately led her to the new Parkview Comprehensive Cancer Center.
Nina will be the Radiation Oncology Nurse Navigator for Parkview Health System. She started her career in 2004 in the Dental field working as a Dental Assistant for 10 years. During the last 5 years of her dental career, she assisted a Dentist with several dental surgeries and that is where she found her passion for surgical patient care and post-op patient care. Nina continued to work for the dental office while going to Nursing school at Otero Junior College.
“I am so appreciative of the Dentist and his wife. They were so supportive during that time,” said Gonzales. “He helped me get started in a nursing program. I was a full-time mom, a full-time employee and also going to school. I owe a lot to them.”
Nina began her career with Parkview in 2013 as a Nurse Student Extern on 5 Tower and received her Licensed Practical Nurse License in 2014. While working on 5 Tower she developed her bedside nursing skills, time management and communication skills and graduated from Nursing school in 2015. As a registered nurse with Parkview, she has worked in several different areas of the hospital from Float Pool to Parkview Outpatient Center and most recently the Recovery Room.
In 2019, Nina made a career change to work with Oncology patients. She took a position at Rocky Mountain Cancer Center as a Chemo treatment nurse, where she was introduced to care for the most inspiring and courageous group of patients.
“I had a friend who had found her niche in oncology, and she encouraged me to explore that side of healthcare,” commented Gonzales. “The training I received from RMCC was fantastic, and really prepared me for the next step in my career.”
For Nina, oncology has been a challenging - but the most rewarding - nursing specialty she has been a part of. Nina is excited to be a part of the Radiation Oncology group with Parkview and looks forward to meeting all our new patients and helping them navigate their oncology care.
“I know that Parkview builds great things,” added Gonzales. “Once I met Dr. Singh and Shelly (Adams) and they told me about their plans for the center and for cancer patients in southern Colorado, I got very excited, and I knew I wanted to be a part of it.”
Nina’s goals are to make a “seamless” process for patients as they navigate through treatment. “I feel with our facility located the floor below RMCC, and those oncologists just an elevator ride away, being able to travel and get care in the same building really benefits our patients.”
Family time is special for the Gonzales clan. When she’s not working, Nina enjoys time with her husband and three children that includes biking, hiking, camping, swimming and skiing in this beautiful state of Colorado.
“My oldest daughter is my biggest cheerleader. She was very proud for me to finish nursing school. My whole family inspires me and gives me strength, and I pass that on to my patients”
Nina joins a staff of 51 oncologists, nurses, radiologists, technicians and employees at the new Parkview Comprehensive Cancer Center when it opens on Monday, October 10, 2022. For more information click here.
Original source can be found here.
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