Get to Know the Sharp Team: Meet Patty, Oncology Clinical Nurse Specialist
At Sharp HealthCare, being a nurse means transforming the health care experience for your patients, colleagues and yourself. As a recognized leader in nursing excellence with Magnet designations, we understand the important role our nurses play in the lives of patients and their families.
Patty Magdaluyo, oncology clinical nurse specialist, has been with us for 14 years. Initially hired as a new grad nurse at Sharp Memorial Hospital on the oncology unit, she has worked every position in the unit, eventually winning a Sharp C.O.R.E. Award for safety. We spoke with Patty about her career path and why she made the jump from RN to clinical nurse specialist.
Describe your career path with Sharp.
I started as a new grad nurse at Sharp Memorial Hospital on the oncology unit in 2007. Then in 2011, I became an advanced clinician. After that, I decided to go back to school. In 2015, I became the oncology clinical nurse specialist in the unit I “grew up” in.
You mentioned you went back to school; did you use the Sharp Tuition Reimbursement program?
To become a clinical nurse specialist (CNS), you must go back to school. I did use the Sharp Tuition Reimbursement program, along with receiving multiple scholarships from Sharp. In 2020, I returned to school again to get my Ph.D. in nursing and used the Sharp Tuition Reimbursement program and received scholarships once more.
What made you decide to advance your career from RN to CNS?
I went back to school because my passion is at the bedside. So, I thought, how can I make the biggest difference at the bedside? Going back to school to get my master’s and obtaining my CNS would help me make a difference in the lives of patients, nurses and our organization.
What has kept you here at Sharp?
I love working at Sharp. The leadership is amazing, and we really utilize the front lines for organizational outcomes. I’ve been here 14 years and have never thought about going anywhere else because Sharp is so supportive, not just to the clinical nurse specialists, but to all of its staff.
Interested in joining the Sharp family?