Today, we’re turning the spotlight on Karolina Faysman, MSN, NP; and Luis Valle Vega, RN, MBV, BSN. Nurse Faysman is an advanced oncology nurse practitioner in Los Angeles and Nurse Vega is a Nurse Manager at the US Department of Veteran Affairs. Both of these experienced clinicians are offering their wisdom to young nurses- read on below!

Karolina Faysman, MSN, NP

What is your specialty and where are you based?

Hematological malignancies and cellular therapy. Based in Los Angeles, UCLA.

True or False: Nurses eat their young?

FALSE.

Any self care or mental health tips for new nurses?

Do not forget who you are and what you are. Make time for the things that make you happy and learn how to mentally leave your patients behind closed doors of your practice.

How did you choose your specialty? What drew you to it?

It was chosen for me when I applied for a student nurse at UCLA. Oncology was the only field available and (although not without reservations), I took it. One week into it, I knew that these are the only patients I ever want to work with. Now, almost 23 years later, I am still in the same department holding a position of a lead nurse practitioner at the department of hematological malignancies and cellular therapy with nationally recognized certification, working on my doctorate degree.

Luis Valle Vega, RN, MBV, BSN

What is your specialty and where are you based?

Outpatient care, Los Angeles, CA.

True or False: Nurses eat their young.

FALSE.

Any self care or mental health tips for new nurses?

Buy yourself some flowers for your home.

What would you say is the single biggest challenge nurses face today?

Time management by far.