Why I Love My Job: Maria Rosario “Charo” F. Lazana, BSN, RN, OCN
Job: Clinical nurse supervisor, 5 Tower Oncology, Northside Hospital-Forsyth
What I do: "I provide direct patient care and supervise the nursing operation of 5 Tower."
How I got into this: "I was a BMT [bone marrow transplant] nurse [at BMT of Northside Atlanta] for 7 years and my nursing goal is to have a management position.
“When Niti [my previous manager] told me about the clinical supervisor job opening, I immediately applied because I know this is what I want, and Niti is such a great manager; she will bring the best in me. So this is really a great opportunity for me.”
Best part of the job: "The best part of my job is the people that I am dealing with every day. They become my teacher, role model and inspiration. The patients' experience with cancer makes me realize that life is precious and always a blessing."
Most challenging part: "The most challenging part of the job is to do multiple roles. I need to be a coach, teacher, counselor and friend to all the staff."
What people don't know about my job: "Every decision I make — or will make — greatly affects our daily work. It affects everyone's work. One mistake will compromise a patient's safety."
What keeps me going: "My husband's [Reggie] support and love keeps me going. Every time I have some challenges at work, he will tell me how blessed we are and reminded me about our hardship in the Philippines."
Preparation needed: "I am not a very religious person but I always pray every morning to clear my mind for the best possible solution in any problems that I will encounter for the day and to give me strength to help the patients, nurses... and other staff."
Salary: The average annual pay for clinical nurse supervisors in the United States is about $80,000, according to salary.com.
Contact us
Compiled by John Brieske, Pulse managing editor. Got a health care job that you love? Please send email to jbrieske@ajc.com.
