 By Candace Guzman
Santos Mata knows that, in nursing, sometimes small things matter the most.
Santos Mata came to Galen in 2007 to enter the LVN program after researching several other schools. He stated he was "very impressed with the professionalism and knowledge of the staff" he met with.
But it was during a clinical experience in the LVN program when Santos realized "the littlest things can make the biggest difference and the huge impact a nurse can have on a patient's experience in a hospital."
His inspiration to pursue a career in nursing was through a nurse who was caring for his mother in the hospital; he was impressed with not only how this nurse made his mother feel with the care and comfort he provided, but also how he made Santos and the entire family feel.
Being a people person and having the desire to help others, Santos knew he could do the same. His approach to his education was full-speed ahead, and he never looked back. While an LVN student, in his humility and without even realizing it, Santos became an inspiration to the staff to carry out works of community service. With his fellow students, he continues to share a smile and words of encouragement.
While he continues his studies in the RN program here at Galen, Santos works as an LVN at the Nix Specialty Hospital on the psychiatric and detox floor. There, too, he is an inspiration to the medication aides in their treatment of patients-to treat them with dignity and respect. He is a role model.
Upon completing the ADN program, Santos plans to pursue education to the MSN level so he may possibly become an instructor to "pass on the knowledge he has acquired."
His ultimate goal as an RN is "to know he makes a difference in the lives of his patients by helping them and making their hospital visit as enjoyable as possible." His constant motivating factor is his little boy; by pursuing his RN, Santos can provide a better life for his son and his hope is his son will look upon him with admiration.
Sometimes it's the little things that matter most. |
