My name is Andrea Vera-Zambrano; I am a Registered Nurse who has been in the profession for about 3 years. I obtained my license to practice as a nurse in April of 2010. I am currently pursuing my Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing (BSN) in New York City College of Technology, program from which I anticipate to graduate in June, 2013. I completed my Associate’s program from Borough of Manhattan Community College in January of 2010; and shortly after this time, I was able to obtain my first nursing job in a Fertility Clinic. I worked on this outpatient facility for about nine months before I was offered with the opportunity to work in a nursing home and rehabilitation center. The experience I acquired through these institutions helped me to identify the different roles that a professional nurse should perform. I felt eager to continue learning, so that in the future, I could take my practice to a different level. I am currently working as a staff nurse in the Ambulatory Care department of a city hospital.

For me, working as health care professional has been a very rewarding experience. Helping others is more than a duty; it’s a privilege that not everyone is granted with. Everyday is a new learning experience and a new opportunity to change people’s life. The fact that nurses’ scope of practice requires much more than just giving medication and following doctors’ orders has helped me expand my training and critical care skills in a way that allow me to provide a care that reflects every aspect of my patients’ health. I can address clients’ concerns and provide them with education; but more importantly, I can serve as their advocator and ensure that their needs are being satisfied in a safe environment. This e-Portfolio is a reflection of my professional progress and academic achievement. Welcome to it; I hope you enjoy it!

Andrea Vera-Zambrano, RN