Emily Lopez always knew she wanted a career in healthcare—one that allowed her to make a meaningful difference in people’s lives. Now, as she prepares to graduate with her Master of Nursing degree from the Frances Payne Bolton School of Nursing at Case Western Reserve University, she reflects on how the program helped her find her path.
“I chose the nursing program at CWRU because of the flexibility it offered,” Lopez said. “I didn’t want to commit to a specialty before getting hands-on experience, and this program helped me discover what area of nursing I’m most passionate about.”
That area is critical care. After graduation she’ll begin her career in the coronary intensive care unit at the Cleveland Clinic, where she hopes to gain experience before pursuing certification as a critical care nurse and eventually applying to a nurse anesthesia program.
For Lopez, the most rewarding part of nursing is being present for patients and families during their most vulnerable moments.
“We make critical decisions and act as advocates,” she said. “When something is not right, as a nurse we have the responsibility to solve the problem and make sure it is in the best interest of our patients.
Lopez holds a Bachelor’s Degree in neuroscience from The Ohio State University, but studying nursing at CWRU has helped shape her perspective on life, which in turn has shaped how she approaches patient care.
“It is incredibly fulfilling to support patients through their recovery and know that I played a role in their healing,” she said.