Clinical Nurse III
UCLA Health
My journey into nursing has been anything but traditional, but every step has shaped the passionate and committed nurse I am today. After graduating cum laude from West Coast University’s School of Nursing, I had the honor of being accepted into the highly competitive UCLA Operating Room New Graduate Program. From the start, I knew perioperative nursing was where I belonged, and I’ve embraced every opportunity to grow and lead within this field.
Early in my career, I stepped into a leadership role as the Unit Practice Council Chair, motivated by a desire to improve communication and collaboration between management and frontline staff. In this role, I’ve worked diligently to serve as a bridge—ensuring staff voices are heard while supporting the larger goals of our department. My passion for excellence and commitment to lifelong learning led me to become CNOR certified, further solidifying my dedication to perioperative nursing.
Currently, I am pursuing my dream of becoming a Registered Nurse First Assist (RNFA) and have set my sights on pioneering this role within UCLA Health Santa Monica, potentially becoming the first RNFA at our facility. I believe this advanced role will allow me to provide even more comprehensive and impactful care to our surgical patients while supporting our surgical teams at the highest level.
Before nursing, I earned a bachelor's degree in criminal justice but ultimately felt called to make a more direct impact in people’s lives. Shifting gears and returning to school was one of the most challenging yet rewarding decisions I’ve ever made. I wouldn’t change it for the world. That decision—and the path that followed—has molded me into the nurse I am today. I am proud of that journey, and even prouder of the person and professional it has helped me become.
Sincerely,
Robert Vasquez, BSN, RN, CNOR