We asked the nurses of Maranatha Human Services the same 10 questions as part of a blog series we’re running in honor of Nurses Month.
Q: How long have you been a nurse?
Maria Cardenas: This year would be 30-years since I became a Nurse. I began my career as a medical surgical nurse, then as a pediatric nurse, and now I work as a OPWDD nurse- a career path I always wanted to explore, and that brings me great fulfillment.
Q: When did you realize that you wanted to become a nurse?
MC: I pretty much always wanted to be a nurse. My Godmother was a nurse, and she was a great example to follow.
Q: How long have you been with Maranatha?
MC: I have been at Maranatha as a part-time RN since February 2020, right at the start of the pandemic.
Q: What is something that you wish people knew about being a nurse?
MC: I wish people [knew] that we appreciate when we are treated with respect and kindness. Many times we feel unappreciated.
Q: If you weren’t in this profession, what do you think you’d be doing?
MC: If I weren’t an RN I would be a clothing designer. I love fashion!
I love fashion!
Q: What do you like most about what you do?
MC: I enjoy caring and advocating for the individuals we serve, making sure their medical needs are met, which contributes to their well-being and improves their quality of life.
Q: When you’re not working, what are the type of things you’d like to do?
MC: When I’m not working I enjoy spending time with my family, trying new restaurants and traveling.
Q: What do you prefer? Sweet or savory?
MC: I prefer sweet. My go-tos are tiramisu and cheesecake.
Q: What do you prefer? Movie or book?
MC: Preference would depend on my mood.
Q: If you were trapped on a desert island, what are five items that you would want with you while you waited for rescue?
MC: The five items that I’d want while I waited to be rescued would be a book, a bottle of red wine, beach umbrella, beach chair and fig newton cookies.
This post has been edited for style consistency.
