CRIS

“Nursing is a profession that provides stability.”

Although Cris Romero holds a BS Degree in Business Management, he knew he wanted more. After much deliberation, soul searching, and input from a colleague, Mel Dexheimer, RN, and his mother, the “more” became clear; it was a career as a professional nurse. Cris indicated that many factors influenced this decision, such as, the gender gap in the nursing workforce but mostly, he wanted to make a difference!

“Even though nursing continues to be mostly female, a gradual shift has occurred and as of 2004 according to the California Board of Registered Nurses Survey, men represent 8.3 percent of the nursing workforce compared to 7.4 percent in 1997, so there’s room for us as well,” says Cris. In addition, “Nursing is a profession that provides stability,” he says and that translates to a better life and a secure future.

Last year while enjoying a holiday in the Philippines with his parents, Cris’s dad suffered a stroke. This experience reinforced Cris’s second career decision. Cris realized that as a Registered Nurse he would have the skill and knowledge to help his family through an illness and serve as the liaison to the health care team.

Cris is currently enrolled at Alameda Community College and is taking the nursing prerequisites. In a class of 45 students three are men and at times he admits feeling out of place. However, he is on a mission and will not allow that to stop him.

Upon completion of his prerequisites, Cris plans to continue to work full time at Kaiser Permanente and attend Santa Rosa Community College Nursing Program in the evening. A tall order, but one he is sure he will accomplish.

He thinks of the day when he can work in ER, OR, Pediatrics or Med Surg. They all fascinate him. Ultimately he wants to teach and share his experiences. So when reality sets in and you are seeking a second career, choose Nursing--A career with a thousand opportunities.