Celebrating Nurses Week: Suzana Oquendo’s 15-Year Journey of Compassion and Growth
At Jackson Nurse Professionals, we believe every nurse has a story that deserves to be celebrated—especially during Nurses Week. This year, we’re honored to spotlight one of the passionate professionals who exemplifies the heart and soul of nursing: Suzana Oquendo.
“My name is Suzana Oquendo, and I have been a nurse for 15 years.”
Suzana’s path to nursing wasn’t always clear. In fact, she recalls an elementary school teacher once suggesting she become a nurse—a notion she initially brushed off without a second thought. But as life unfolded, small moments began to shape a calling she hadn’t anticipated.
“I vividly remember not having an ounce of interest,” she shares. “But over time, I really enjoyed my yearly visits to the doctor’s office. I was always fascinated by the instruments and wanted to understand everything they did.”
With parents who were devoted church members often visiting the sick, Suzana was exposed early to the power of compassion and human connection. “I would always accompany them, and those experiences left a lasting impression on me, which later helped me decide on becoming—believe it or not—a nurse!”
Suzana began her nursing career in the acute care setting, gaining experience as both a bedside nurse and a nurse leader in Med/Surg and Telemetry-Neuro units. She played an active role in hospital committees, focused on enhancing patient safety, improving nursing workflows, and shaping policies and procedures.
“What I have always loved about nursing is that there is never a dull moment. You are constantly learning, and there is always room to make things better—for yourself, your colleagues, and your patients.”
Now serving as a Risk Compliance Manager, Suzana continues to channel that same drive for excellence, advocating for better systems and safer care environments.
When asked about her most impactful memory as a nurse, she reflects on the COVID-19 pandemic without hesitation. “Working on the COVID unit during the pandemic will always stay with me. The teamwork that arose during that time was immeasurable. The humility and gratitude for life will be everlasting. Travel nurses were our lifesavers—I will always be grateful to them.”
Outside of work, Suzana embraces life to the fullest. She loves traveling with her family, trying new recipes in the kitchen, and recently began exploring the joys of gardening.
Thank You, Suzana
This Nurses Week, we extend our deepest gratitude to Suzana Oquendo and all the extraordinary nurses who bring passion, resilience, and heart to everything they do. Your stories are powerful, and your impact is immeasurable.
Happy Nurses Week from all of us at Jackson Nurse Professionals!
