Men in Nursing
Men in Nursing 2025
Special Annual Feature
Arturo Anguiano, RN
Appeals and Grievances Nurse Specialist RN II
L.A. Care Health Plan
What inspired you to choose your specialty?
What do you love about it? I didn’t even know this specialty existed when I became a nurse. I started in case management and behavioral health and later became a psych nurse, which led me into health management. I like my current role because I understand the urgency and impact of this work.
Please share a memorable patient story.
I had a new member whose request for cancer treatment had been denied and whose case had been misclassified as a standard grievance rather than an expedited appeal. When I reviewed it, I contacted the member right away and was able to gather the missing details we needed. Her appeal was approved, and she was able to get her appointment scheduled without further delay.
What’s a piece of nursing advice you’ve taken to heart?
A nursing professor once told me you’re only as good as your assessment: what you notice, what details you catch, what questions you ask, and how you put the pieces together. That mindset has always shaped how I work.
Benjamin Anozie, RN, MSN
Director of Nursing, MSICU/Dialysis
Dignity Health – Community Hospital of San Bernardino
What do you love about your specialty?
In the ICU, every decision carries significant weight. Within dialysis, we build ongoing relationships with patients. What I love most is the balance: helping patients through critical moments in ICU, while also fostering hope and resilience in patients facing chronic illness.
How does your practice today differ from the start of your career?
I place greater emphasis on teamwork, communication, and holistic care. Technology has also evolved, which allows earlier intervention, but requires us to stay updated and adaptable.
Please share a memorable patient story.
A patient came into the ICU with multiple organ failure. After stabilization, it became clear they would need long-term dialysis support. The family appeared frightened and overwhelmed by the medical terminology, so I took extra time to explain what dialysis means and connect them with resources and support groups. That patient eventually transitioned to outpatient dialysis, with good quality of life. For me, it wasn’t only about saving a life, but enabling the patient and their family to move forward.
Robert D. Da Silva, RN, BSN, PHN
Clinical Manager, (2W) Definitive Observational Unit
Huntington Health, Pasadena
How does your practice today differ from the start of your career?
When I started out as a frontline nurse, I had no idea how budget impacted the organization. I would use and dispose of unused IV saline flushes like they grew on trees. As a nurse leader, I now understand the importance of being good stewards of our supply budget.
Please share a memorable patient story.
We recently had a patient who became withdrawn and defeated as it became apparent that he would need weeks of further surgery and therapy. I visited him every morning to offer encouragement and set daily goals for recovery. Over time, I saw a dramatic change in his demeanor. After he was transferred to a lower level of care, I continued visiting him every morning. When he was finally discharged, he thanked me for spending time with him and motivating him to stay on track.
Tell us about a professional goal you’re working towards.
I’m currently working on the AONL Transition to Nurse Manager Practice.
Jomar Dela Pena, RN, BSN, PMHRN-BC
Administrative Nurse I
UCLA Resnick Neuropsychiatric Hospital
What inspired you to choose your specialty?
I worked in a different nursing field, but I felt behavioral health was my calling. What I love about being a psychiatric mental health nurse is witnessing patients’ journeys towards recovery and improved mental health and wellness.
How does your practice today differ from when you started?
Advanced technology has transformed workflow. Back then, everything was done manually, including charting, medication administration, and communication.
Please share a memorable patient story.
A young adult patient was admitted to our unit, and her parents asked me to look after her. It was her first time being hospitalized, and I observed her overwhelming emotions: her feelings of helplessness and her anguish at being away from her family. I made sure that I listened and validated her thoughts and feelings, and, most importantly, I was present to follow up on her needs. Tell us about a professional goal you’re working towards. I am looking forward to earning my MSN degree.
Brock Elarton-Selig, RN, BSN, PCCN
Telemetry Neurology/Cardiac Nurse
Henry Mayo Newhall Hospital
What do you love about your specialty?
I work with cardiac and neuro patients, educating their families to improve patient outcomes. I enjoy working in fast-paced environments with smart, skilled people, which allows me to constantly learn and grow.
Please share a memorable patient story.
I cared for a nonagenarian patient with DNR/DNI status who needed intubation due to COVID pneumonia. At her request, I talked to her family and the attending physician, and we started a comfort care bundle. With her family present and music playing, we eventually removed her BiPAP, allowing her to communicate freely during her final moments. Her daughter later thanked me for letting the family share those moments.
What’s a piece of nursing advice you’ve taken to heart?
A lesson I learned early on is to trust my instincts. As a new nurse assessing a telemetry patient, I felt that the patient needed advanced care, but I found it challenging to speak up about an ICU transfer. Now, I recognize the importance of sharing concerns with team members and trusting my gut.
Victor Figueroa, RN
Trauma Services
Arrowhead Regional Medical Center, Colton
What advice would you give a new nurse starting in your specialty?
Don’t be afraid to ask questions, and lean on your team. Nobody expects you to know it all on Day One.
How does your practice today differ from the start of your career?
When I first started, I was focused on mastering every skill and making sure I followed every step perfectly. Now, with more experience, I think more about the bigger picture: anticipating what might happen next, communicating clearly, and using critical thinking to guide care. Tell us about a professional goal you’re working towards. I’m currently working on completing my BSN degree. I’m excited to see what opportunities it may open up for me.
What’s a piece of nursing advice you’ve taken to heart?
One of the best pieces of advice I once got from a wise nurse was, “You cannot hold other people to your standards.” At first, I struggled with that because I expected everyone to work the same way I do, but over time, I’ve come to realize that everyone brings different strengths, experiences, and perspectives to the team.
Toarrick Ghazali, RN
Rehabilitation Nursing
Casa Colina Hospital and Centers for Healthcare, Pomona
What inspired you to choose your specialty?
I was drawn to rehab nursing because I enjoy being part of the recovery process. Our patients do the hard work, and I get to be part of the team that manages and guides their progress.
How does your practice today differ from the start of your career?
Just like any new grad, when I first started, I concentrated on tasks and orders. Now, as I begin to mature as a nurse, I see that every patient is unique, and I use my clinical judgment to provide care that meets their individual needs and goals.
Tell us something you want to learn about your specialty.
I’m focused on strengthening my assessment and clinical skills. Because rehab patients often have complex challenges, I learn something new every day. What’s a piece of nursing advice you’ve taken to heart? A mentor told me that the best providers aren’t necessarily the most knowledgeable or detail-oriented — the best provider is the one who cares. Start with compassion and everything else follows. I’ve kept that perspective at the center of my practice.
John Gonsalves, RN, BSN
Rapid Response Team Supervisor, ICU
PIH Health Good Samaritan Hospital, Los Angeles
What inspired you to choose your specialty?
What do you love about it? When I began my nursing career, I pursued a position in the ICU. Working in the ICU allows me to deepen my nursing knowledge and channel my love for high-stakes, adrenaline-driven work.
How does your practice today differ from the start of your career?
I have worked in various settings, including the ICU, ED, cardiac catheterization lab, and acute inpatient psychiatry. Continually drawing from these experiences elevates my practice. Tell us about a professional goal you’re working towards. I’m pursuing acceptance into a certified registered nurse anesthetist (CRNA) program. Becoming a CRNA has been my goal since discovering my passion for critical care. I have also been preparing myself for the rigors of graduate school, committed not only to succeeding, but to thriving.
What’s something you wish you’d known when you started nursing?
After working with critically ill patients, I’ve developed a heightened awareness of mortality. Rather than letting it overwhelm me, I choose to channel those thoughts into daily commitments to my health and wellbeing and the wellbeing of those around me.
Dennis Klinesdinst, RN
Triage RN
Keck Medical Center of USC, Los Angeles
What advice would you give a new nurse starting in your specialty?
Embrace technology and change, but do it the right way. I love technology (in nursing school, I got a Palm Pilot so I could use Epocrates), but using auto-fill for charting and not making it about the actual patient is ethically wrong. Do it right — it makes a difference.
Please share a memorable patient story.
I had a patient who’d had multiple bypasses after being told he was “fine” by two other hospitals’ EDs. He suffered a stroke and was aphasic. I visited him for months, until I left that job, and he made great progress. On my last day, I gave him a card saying how much I had loved being a part of his healing process. He didn’t even open the card, but he cried and hugged me. I get overwhelmed thinking about it.
Tell us about a professional goal you’re working towards.
I recently learned that there’s a need for RNs to write for journals. This really excites me, and I’ve been learning how to get into that field.
Christopher Kovacevich, RN
Rapid Response RN
Kaiser Permanente, Woodland Hills
How does your practice today differ from the start of your career?
Experience has taught me to be flexible and resourceful, to lead with confidence and compassion, and to be proactive. I’ve gone from “How do I handle this?” to “Here’s the plan.”
Please share a memorable patient story.
Early in my career, I had a patient who mentioned a new numb, tingling sensation in one hand. I noticed that the hand was pale and cold to the touch, signs that it wasn’t getting adequate blood flow. Because I took their concern seriously, we were able to quickly identify a clot and get the patient urgently needed vascular repair. That experience taught me firsthand the importance of truly listening to your patients.
What’s something you wish you’d known when you started nursing?
As a new nurse, I thought my biggest challenge would be mastering clinical skills. What I didn’t realize was that nursing is just as much about navigating the human side of care. I wish I had known that it’s okay not to know everything right away.
Dennis Manalo, BSN, RN-CHPN
Relief Charge Nurse, Med/Surg-Orthopedic
UCLA West Valley Medical Center
What inspired you to choose your specialty?
What do you love about it? I chose the med-surg-orthopedic specialty after a rewarding experience as a physical therapy volunteer in high school. Witnessing patients’ joy as they walk again is inspiring, and being part of a team that helps patients regain their independence is fulfilling.
Please share a memorable patient story.
We had a 29-year-old patient with a hip fracture who was understandably anxious about his post-surgical mobility. I advocated for him to transition to oral pain medication, improving his alertness and ability to participate in therapy. He made steady progress, and when he was discharged, he was walking independently with a walker.
Tell us about a professional goal you’re working towards.
I’m currently preparing for the CHPN (certified hospice and palliative nurse) exam, and I’m pursuing my master of science in nursing leadership, which is equipping me with skills in team development, quality improvement, and systems-level patient care.
David Medina, RN
Nurse Lead
Adventist Health White Memorial
What advice would you give a new nurse starting in your specialty?
You’re starting a new role that is sometimes going to be difficult, but will also be very rewarding and will change your life for the better. Do not give up. The first year is often the hardest, but the knowledge you gain will bring deep satisfaction and remind you why you chose to become a nurse in the first place.
How does your practice today differ from the start of your career?
The most significant difference today is that we have stronger collaboration with physicians and the care team. Working more closely together leads to better outcomes for our patients. Tell us about a professional achievement you’ve recently completed. I recently transitioned to the nurse lead/charge nurse role, which has brought more growth opportunities and responsibilities. My favorite thing about being a lead is teaching my fellow nurses and being a resource for them.
What’s a piece of nursing advice you’ve taken to heart?
No matter how challenging a patient can be, stay professional and don’t let emotions take over — you might become that patient’s favorite nurse.
Hugo Ortiz, RN, BSN, CDCES, DWC, CCM
Diabetes Nurse Educator
Ventura County Medical Center | Santa Paula Hospital
What do you love about your specialty?
My favorite part of the job is connecting with patients and knowing that the education I provide them will have a positive impact in reducing diabetes-related complications.
Please share a memorable patient story.
In one of my outpatient classes, I noticed one patient was not taking notes or looking through the materials. During the break, she explained that she couldn’t read or write, but wanted to listen and learn. She was motivated to make life changes, as she was a single mother of three. So, I altered the class to accommodate her, working with her one-on-one to ensure that she understood the exercises. A few months later, I ran into this patient, and I did not recognize her. She had lost 40 pounds, and said she felt great. She hugged me profusely, saying I saved her life.
Tell us about a professional goal you’re working towards.
My goal is to stay on the cutting edge of diabetes management, including medications, technology, and research, to provide the best education for my patients.
David Reynoso, RN, MSN, CCRN
Nurse Manager, Surgical ICU
Keck Medical Center of USC Los Angeles
Please share a memorable patient story.
Early in my career, I cared for a patient who needed a liver transplant. I wasn’t able to see what happened after she got her transplant, but six years later, I saw her again in the hospital cafeteria. She recognized me right away and said she remembered how much I listened to her during that difficult time. The way we show up for patients can have a lasting impact.
Tell us something you’ve recently learned about your specialty.
Leadership has taught me that being open and authentic with my team builds trust and connection, which strengthens the care we provide. I’ve seen firsthand how creating space for honest conversations allows staff to feel supported and valued.
What’s a piece of nursing advice you’ve taken to heart?
A nurse I deeply respect once reminded me that we are the ones at the patient’s bedside for the entire shift, so everything that happens within their room is our responsibility to notice, act on, and advocate for. Carrying that perspective has shaped the way I practice.
Chris Rice, RN, BSN
RN Nurse Lead, Medical Unit
Adventist Health Glendale
What inspired you to choose your specialty?
What do you love about it? I’ve had many roles, in and out of acute care, but for 11 years, I’ve focused on telemetry patients. Caring for telemetry patients gives me the opportunity to learn and evolve, since there is such a wide variety of interesting patient types and disease states — a telemetry patient can be almost anyone. Also, leadership is something I’ve been drawn to throughout my career. There is little I enjoy more than seeing someone on my team succeed.
Tell us about a professional achievement you’ve recently completed.
I’ve always loved the shared governance model, so now I’m the chairperson of our nursing excellence council.
What’s a piece of nursing advice you’ve taken to heart?
My mentor in nursing school taught me the difference between being assertive and being aggressive as a nurse. Both can achieve similar outcomes, but the skill of being assertive takes more intention, and is ultimately more accepted. My current mentor also taught me an important lesson about being a manager: It’s much harder to take something away from staff once they have it.
Greg Shiffman, RN, CEN
Emergency Department
MemorialCare Saddleback Medical Center Laguna Hills
What do you love about your specialty?
I love being able to save lives every day I go to work. Also, the ED is a very team-oriented department. It’s beautiful to watch coworkers come together to help patients in critical situations.
Please share a memorable patient story.
I had a young patient who came to the ED after drowning in a pool. After mechanically getting the patient breathing and starting IVs and medications, I had to speak with several family members to explain the situation. The chances of survival seemed very low, but I was proud of the effort I had put in. I checked in with the patient in the ICU over the next few days. A couple of weeks after the initial emergency, the patient was able to talk, walk, shake my hand, and tell me how grateful they were.
Tell us about a recent professional achievement.
I recently earned my certified emergency nurse certification, and started working as a nursing professor at Concordia University. I’m looking forward to teaching the next generation of nurses.
Michael Smalling, RN, CCDS
Manager, Case Management, Utilization Management Dept.
Redlands Community Hospital
What inspired you to choose your specialty?
I got into case management by accident. I had always enjoyed new experiences in nursing and was willing to try new projects when asked. A former director asked if I would be willing to launch a new ED case manager role. I happily jumped at the chance.
Please share a memorable patient story.
I worked with a young man who spent over a year in the hospital awaiting a heart transplant. Being hospitalized for so long took a significant emotional toll, so our nursing team helped him change his room to mirror his environment at home. My contribution was a collection of music CDs and Wu-Tang Clan posters. I was humbled and honored when he requested I be in the OR with him during his transplant. We remained friends until his death several years later.
Tell us about a professional achievement you’ve recently completed.
I am most proud of earning my CCDS (certified clinical documentation specialist) certification, which allows me to work with providers like hospitalists and new residents on documentation guidelines and how documentation relates to quality measures.
Dre Vergara, RN, BSN, CRRN
Overnight House Supervisor
California Rehabilitation Institute Los Angeles
What inspired you to choose your specialty?
What drew me in — and still inspires me — is the incredible transformation we witness in our patients. I love being part of the recovery process. Inpatient rehab nurses aren’t just providing routine care, we’re helping patients regain independence, confidence, and dignity.
Please share a memorable patient story.
We had a patient who was an incomplete paraplegic following a car accident. When he first arrived, he was devastated. As we built rapport, I focused on reinforcing small, achievable goals. With every milestone he hit, you could see the hope returning to him. By the time he was discharged, he was walking again with an assistive device. The pride on his face is something I’ll never forget.
What’s a piece of nursing advice you’ve taken to heart?
Vitals, labs, and histories are important, but they’re not the whole picture. Taking the time to listen to your patient often tells you things that aren’t on the chart. Engaging in these conversations not only builds trust, but also strengthens your clinical decision-making.
Please visit the digital Flip Mag of the Nov. 19 issue to see the beautiful layout of the Men in Nursing issue. Note the special “Days Off” section, where the nurses tell us about the relationships, hobbies, and vacations that bring them joy when they’re away from work.
AARON SEVERSON is the associate editor of Working Nurse.
In this Article: Career Advice, Happy Workplace, Inspiring Stories
