In celebration of International Nurses Day, we are thrilled to share insights and stories from some of the remarkable nurses on our team. These professionals not only provide exceptional care but also inspire us with their resilience and commitment. We extend our deepest gratitude to all nurses for their unwavering dedication, compassion, and tireless efforts. Thank you for making a difference in the lives of so many.
Patricia McAllister, RN, BSN, MBA, Director of Clinical Operations
What inspired you to become a nurse?
From an early age, I aspired to be a nurse, influenced by my grandmother who was also in the profession. Nursing seemed like the ultimate career to me. I enjoyed dressing my friends’ wounds, offering health advice during my teenage years, and being there for friends and family when they were in need. After high school, I obtained my Nursing Assistant Certification and worked as a CNA while attending college. This experience confirmed my passion for nursing and motivated me throughout my academic journey.
What attracted you to research?
Research was not on my radar as an option. Most nurses may not realize its potential as a viable path. I am fortunate to have the opportunity to work in the field of research, particularly after dedicating a significant amount of my career to surgery. When this opportunity arose, it piqued my interest. I enjoy learning new things and doing work that has a significant impact. I appreciate that research enables me to positively affect the lives of so many.
Karen Herzberg, Nurse Team Lead
What inspired you to become a nurse?
When I was in my 20s, I enrolled in the LVN program. I worked as an LVN until 2019 when I went back to school for my RN degree. Nurses are always needed, and I thought it would be a good career path with steady employment opportunities. Plus, I enjoy helping people.
What attracted you to research?
I worked in the prison system for 20 years. I stayed there to gain charge nurse experience, but eventually, I wanted to try something different. One of the nurses I worked with had experience in research and mentioned it could be a great area to explore. I found a team lead job opening at Worldwide and decided to apply.
When I talked to the recruiter, I became even more interested. She explained what the role involved, including research on medications and helping develop new drugs.
What is a story you can share about your experience being a Nurse in Research?
One of the participants opened up about her home life. She said that she cannot work on a regular basis, and that’s why she participates here every 3 months. Doing this helps her spend more time with her family and, at the same time, helps advance medicine.
I really enjoyed my time working here. I love my coworkers, the schedule is great, and overall, it’s a great place to work.
Mari Rodriguez, Nurse Team Lead
What inspired you to become a nurse?
I always wanted to help people. I was first a Paramedic, and I ran 911 for the city of Schertz. While working there I experienced all kinds of situations—car crashes, emergencies, etc.
Then I decided to advance my career. A friend of mine worked at Worldwide and suggested I apply. I applied and got hired as a medic for Cedra. While working at Cedra I began taking my pre-reqs for nursing school. I eventually left Worldwide to go to nursing school full time. After becoming a nurse, I worked in the ER department at NE Baptist hospital. Although I enjoyed working in the ER, I decided to give research another chance. A friend of a friend worked at Worldwide and told me about an open Team Lead night position. I interviewed and once again became part of the Worldwide Team as a RN, TL.
What attracted you to research?
I like the fact that we can make a difference by testing new drugs. It’s cool to see those drugs eventually make it to the market. It feels good knowing we played a part in that—by testing the drug and working with participants, we help make a difference in the long run.
What is a story you can share about your experience being a Nurse in Research?
A participant who attended a study at Worldwide was going to school to become a nurse. Participating in the trial helped her support her education and gave her insight into how clinical trials are conducted—it even inspired her to get into research.
Kim Velasco, Nurse Team Lead II
What inspired you to become a nurse?
My grandmother was a hardworking LPN nurse. She was a sweet, beloved woman, and her grandchildren became nurses—something that is near and dear to me. I enjoy making people feel better. As far back as I can remember, I wanted to be a nurse. It’s a profession that will never go out of style, as someone is always in need of care. It’s something I’ve always seen myself doing.
What attracted you to research?
We had moved back to the country for two years, and we came back when COVID was starting. I was always a hospital nurse for 20+ years, and when I returned, I found an opening at Worldwide. Research sounded interesting. I got the interview and thought it was going to be temporary because my hospital experience was different from research. It was a challenge when I started because it was so different from what I had been doing, and it took me some time to transition from hospital nursing to research nursing. After being a hospital nurse for over 20 years, this was a significant transition. In the hospital, there was constant panic, and in Research I began to appreciate the interaction with the subjects and because I get to be part of something that could potentially help in the future. It helps me see healthcare and nursing in a different light. Once I learned how to navigate the new role and became comfortable, and I started enjoying the job. I enjoyed making the study my own.
What is a story you can share about your experience being a Nurse in Research?
There was one day when I started working here that I felt like I wasn’t functioning at the high level I prefer. I went to the manager’s office and told them I felt like I wasn’t doing a good job, and I was ready to throw in the towel. They said to me, “Kim, do you realize that if we felt like you weren’t doing a good job, we would call your agent and tell them we don’t want you here? We think you’re doing just fine, don’t be so hard on yourself!”
Research was new for me and a challenge in the beginning, but because leadership had faith in me, it encouraged me to stick it out. I learned not to be so hard on myself and to give research a chance. Now, I’ve given research a chance and found a new home.
