How Sophia Herrera took her career to new heights
A nurse or a lawyer. Those are the two professions Sophia Herrera, R.N., dreamed of achieving when she was growing up. But after she got pregnant, nurses helped her make her final decision.
“I had my son, Emilio, in high school,” Herrera said. “I love my son, but I didn’t plan to become a mother so soon. It could have been a stressful experience, but the nurses made me feel comfortable and confident. From that moment, I knew I wanted to be a nurse.”
Herrera has been with Texas Health Arlington Memorial Hospital since her career began in 2015, working as a charge nurse in the oncology unit.
“Sophia exemplifies what a professional nurse should be,” said Shonna Bracco, D.N.P., R.N., NEA-BC, C.S.S.G.B., chief nursing officer at Texas Health Arlington Memorial. “She is a true front-line leader, serving as a role model for her peers. She continues to advance her knowledge and skills to provide the most up-to-date care to her patients. We are proud to have Sophia on our oncology team.”
Although Herrera achieved her ultimate dream of becoming a nurse, one day she decided to dream bigger. Herrera joined the Nursing Career Advancement Program (NCAP), which is designed to encourage direct care nurses to become expert clinicians. It provides an opportunity for nurses to increase their pay and recognition without leaving the bedside. Nurses advance through the program through educational, clinical and professional activities, and Herrera recently reached a significant milestone.
“I received my Level IV NCAP certification in August,” Herrera said. “I rose from Level II, completing activities like skin prevalence studies, unit-based council meetings and many more.
The NCAP program has a total of six levels, with the sixth and final level requiring a master’s degree. When asked whether she intends to complete the fifth level, Herrera didn’t rule it out.
“I’m happy with what I’ve achieved so far,” Herrera said. “But I’m only eight years into my career. There’s plenty of time for me to achieve Level V.”
Herrera has a bit of advice for anyone who thinks they don’t have the time to advance their careers through the NCAP program.
“NCAP is a great opportunity to elevate your career,” Herrera said. “It’s not as hard or time-consuming as people may think. And there are so many activities that everyone can have a unique experience.”
