Carlos Mena

We're privileged to hear from some fabulous nurses as they share their nursing superpowers and the inspiring stories that led them to this noble calling. These personal glimpses into their journeys remind us of the heart and soul that powers our care community.

Thea Camorongan, BSN, Center RN, On Lok PACE 30th Street Center

Tell Us Your Inspiration for Nursing

My mother inspired me to become a nurse because growing up, she was and still is a superhero who always knows what to do and how to calmly handle emergencies for anyone, regardless of their age or the situation. I knew I wanted to be just like her if I wanted to be Super Woman too. Plus, being Filipina gives me a huge advantage since it seems to be part of our genetics! My godmother is a nurse, my older brother is a nurse, and many of my older cousins and friends are nurses, too.

What is your superpower as a nurse?

My superpowers as a nurse are my ability to build rapport with participants and my near-obsessive organizational skills. These powers may work against me at times, but overall, I don't think I could be a nurse without them! 

What first comes to mind when you hear the 2025 theme "The Power of Nurses"?

My first thought: We run the world (or clinics/medical settings)! Although the entire team makes up all the parts of a car to keep the engine running smoothly, and the providers give directions on where we're going and controlling the gas/brakes, I feel that the nurse is the one steering the wheel, but I may be biased! 

What would you say if you had to explain to someone who’s never worked in healthcare what makes nurses so powerful?

I would say, "If the provider is the brain, the nurse is the heart. Nurses make it happen, and we do it with heart. We are always around when you need us, but we will still care even when you don't."

Isaiah Saluta, Float RN,  On Lok PACE South and East Bay Regions

Tell Us Your Inspiration for Nursing

Of course! My mom! She was an ICU nurse from the Philippines. For over 30 years of her career, she worked at Santa Clara Valley Medical Center in San Jose. She always encouraged my brothers and me to pursue nursing for its stability. She was pretty convincing, as two out of the four of her kids are now nurses.

My formative experience as a student during the pandemic has made me stick around in nursing. My final clinical was in public health, specifically with a county STI/HIV program. The opportunity to see a nurse's role in a community setting inspired me to pursue and explore the strength of nurses beyond the bedside. With the increased incidence of chronic health issues exacerbated by the COVID pandemic, there's a need now more than ever to have increased focus on primary and preventative care. 

What is your superpower as a nurse?

My superpower is flexibility. I'm happy to take on a number of tasks and fill in where needed on the Interdisciplinary Team. 

What first comes to mind when you hear the 2025 theme "The Power of Nurses"?

I would say our collectivism is our power. We ask each other questions when we haven't done a procedure in a while, and tapping into that stockpile of collective knowledge and experience makes us better together than individual clinicians. We look out for and support each other, which translates to better patient care and health outcomes. And we advocate for not only our patients but also each other. We're always strong when we're together.

What would you say if you had to explain to someone who’s never worked in healthcare what makes nurses so powerful?

Nurses are powerful because we're patient people! And the same applies to our team members who most often see our participants: our caregivers, medical assistants, front desk workers, drivers, nutrition assistants, rehab aides, and schedulers. The more often we're immersed in the day-to-day lives of our participants, the more we understand their issues and the better we can work with them to create the solutions that tackle the roots of their issues. Our work and our solutions should always be from our patients to our patients.

Johannie Rodriguez, RN, Home Care, On Lok PACE Peralta Center

Tell Us Your Inspiration for Nursing

My inspiration to become a nurse came from my mother, who lives with long-standing health conditions. Through her journey, I see the critical role nurses played—not just in managing her care, but in offering dignity, empathy, and unwavering support during her most difficult times, and experiencing that as her daughter changed me. It opened my eyes to the fact that many others face the same pain and uncertainty. I became a nurse because I wanted to be a part of that change, to be the person who brings comfort, hope, and skilled care when it’s needed most.

What is your superpower as a nurse?

My superpower as a nurse is being able to bring calm into chaos. Whether it’s a critical moment or an emotional one, I can stay grounded, reassure others, and guide the situation with empathy and focus.

What first comes to mind when you hear the 2025 theme "The Power of Nurses"?

I immediately think of quiet strength—the kind that shows up day after day, advocating, healing, comforting, and standing in the gap for patients and families when they’re at their most vulnerable. It’s a power rooted in presence and purpose.

What would you say if you had to explain to someone who’s never worked in healthcare what makes nurses so powerful?

I’d say nurses possess a unique blend of skill, compassion, and resilience. We don’t just care for the body—we see the whole person. We’re problem-solvers, advocates, educators, and emotional anchors, often all on the same shift. That’s what makes our role so powerful.

Kyle Navarro, RN Home Care Supervisor, On Lok PACE Gee Center

Tell Us Your Inspiration for Nursing

Growing up as a Filipino immigrant, nursing has been a consistent positive presence in my life. During my undergraduate career, I was homeless for a time. During this period, I crossed paths with my now-longtime Nurse Mentor, Dr. Kathy Abriam-Yago (pictured with me), who advocated for me to pursue research, leadership, and education opportunities to get me back on my feet. The way she has always connected the role of the Nurse as an Advocate for everyone around them inspired me to push into the profession and find opportunities to help and uplift others as she has done, and continues to do for me and so many others. 

What is your superpower as a nurse?

1. The Nursing Process - ADPIE: Assess, Diagnose, Plan, Implement, & Evaluate! The way this framework is truly applicable to any and every situation you can encounter, in and out of clinical settings, has been the best superpower I've learned to wield over time. 

2. Having a framework to de-escalate or zoom out from a stressful situation and make sense within the chaos allows me to take any situation in stride and move forward collectively. It is also a great way to find humor and joy when it isn't always the clearest.

3. I also always have a first aid kit on me, and I'm a walking encyclopedia of health advice for friends and loved ones whenever they need it!

What first comes to mind when you hear the 2025 theme "The Power of Nurses"?

We are all Learners, Teachers, and Advocates in some way, shape, or form! In the United States, Nursing is the most trusted profession, and it's up to all of us to practice and live up to that standard.

What would you say if you had to explain to someone who’s never worked in healthcare what makes nurses so powerful?

The first provision in the Nursing Code of Ethics requires all Nurses "to practice with compassion and respect for the inherent dignity, worth, and unique attributes of every person." This does not just extend to our patients but to our fellow (healthcare) coworkers, our communities, and ourselves! Baked into the very core of our profession is taking the time to listen, understand, uplift, and resist and push back on harm by leveraging our professional expertise at all levels, from the individual to the political and the global stage.

At every turn, you will likely run into a Nurse and, given enough time and space, we will always have very human stories and experiences to share with you!

Portia Ravanera, Center Lead RN, On Lok PACE Gee Center, Rose Team

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Tell Us Your Inspiration for Nursing 

Knowing my parents will eventually reach a certain age and need help, I decided to become a nurse. At least I want a family member present who can oversee their needs.

What is your superpower as a nurse? 

If I'm being honest, I can't think of one. I guess the power comes from within the team. 

What first comes to mind when you hear the 2025 theme "The Power of Nurses"?

Empathy!

What would you say if you had to explain to someone who’s never worked in healthcare what makes nurses so powerful? 

It can be quite challenging at times, but at the end of the day, it is a rewarding feeling to know I helped and advocated for the participant's needs. 

Small Acts of Connection: Building Mental Wellness Together This May

We are social beings, and being part of a community is essential to our mental well-being. When we connect with others—whether through shared political or religious beliefs, hobbies, professions, or cultural and racial backgrounds—we are more likely to feel a sense of belonging and support. These connections give us the space to be understood, valued, and accepted.

A strong and connected community fosters resilience, offers emotional safety, and helps reduce feelings of loneliness and isolation. When we feel supported by those around us, we’re more likely to find purpose, experience a sense of security, and take positive steps in caring for our mental health.

May is Mental Health Awareness Month, a meaningful time to reflect on the community's role in our well-being. Take this opportunity to reach out, engage with others, and strengthen the relationships around you—whether by joining a local group, checking in on a friend, or simply starting a conversation about mental health. Small acts of connection can make a lasting impact.