NP Alumni Profile: Jahaira Capellán Improving Family Well-Being Across the Lifespan

Nearly 60 years ago, the University of Rochester School of Nursing's founding Dean Loretta C. Ford, EdD, RN, PNP, FAAN, FAANP, and pediatrician Henry Silver, MD, pioneered the nurse practitioner role.

Today, there are now more than 355,000 NPs improving the health and lives of millions of patients across the U.S.
Thousands of Rochester nurses are part of this growing workforce, which was named one of the nation’s fastest-growing and in-demand professions.

Jahaira Capellán ’12N (MS) ’20N (PhD) is a pediatric research fellow, instructor, and family nurse practitioner (FNP) at the University of Rochester Medical Center. Through her FNP role, she is able to care for patients across the lifespan, from infancy through older adulthood, and to support families with a holistic approach.

Born in the Dominican Republic and raised in New York City, Capellán is passionate about improving the well-being of Latino communities by addressing risks of childhood obesity and mental health issues through her research and practice, and decreasing language barriers in care.

She shares her journey to becoming a researcher, and how becoming an FNP has influenced her career path:

Tell us a little bit about what you’ve been up to since you became an FNP and how you got there.

Since becoming a family nurse practitioner, I’ve worked full time at a federally qualified health center, primarily serving a Spanish-speaking Latinx population. Alongside my clinical work, I pursued a PhD in Health Practice Research and completed the Clinical & Translational Science Institute’s TL1 population Health Fellowship, focusing on population health behavior change.

Currently, I am an Obesity Health Disparities PRIDE fellow and a T32 Academic Pediatric Research Fellow, and I’m pursuing a post-master’s certificate in Nursing Education with a concentration in Education (PMC-E).

My research has focused on understanding the intersection of parenting practices and childhood outcomes in Latinx population with special interest in mental health and obesity prevention. I also have a keen interest in language equity and cultural adaptation.

Why did you choose the NP pathway, and how did you choose your specialty?

I chose to become an NP because I wanted the opportunity for greater autonomy and a deeper, more impactful role in my patient’s lives. Becoming a family NP has allowed me to care for patients across the entire lifespan, from infancy through older adulthood, and to support whole families. This approach aligns with my commitment to treating the patient holistically and building long-term relationships. The FNP specialty also offers flexibility and breadth, enabling me to develop a well-rounded skill set and address a wide variety of health needs. This diverse training has prepared me to serve a broad range of communities and to adapt to the changing landscape of healthcare.

How do you feel that NPs make an impact in healthcare?

NPs make a meaningful impact in healthcare every day. We go beyond treating symptoms, focusing on patients as whole individuals, which includes understanding the social determinants of health that influence their well-being. Recognizing factors like housing, access to food, education, and support system is critical to providing comprehensive, compassionate care.

Language and culture are also central to this approach—by respecting and addressing these aspects of our patients’ identities, we create a more inclusive, and effective care environment. Personally, my experiences as a patient have reinforced this perspective; the care I’ve received from NPs has been not only thorough, but also genuinely caring. This approach makes a real difference in patients’ lives and highlights the unique value NPs bring to healthcare.

What’s the most rewarding part of your work?

The most rewarding part of my work is building meaningful connections with patients and their families and collaborating with them to improve their health. Being able to support patients through different stages of their lives, understand their unique needs, and work together to address challenges is incredibly fulfilling. I especially value the opportunity to provide language and culturally sensitive care, which fosters trust and respect. Seeing patients and families achieve their health goals, knowing that I’ve contributed to their well-being in a lasting way, is what motivates me every day.

Could you share any tips or advice for nurses who are considering a similar path to yours?

For nurses considering a similar path, my advice would be to build a strong network of mentors. Surrounding yourself with supportive, knowledgeable people can guide you through challenges and open doors to new opportunities. It’s okay to feel intimidated by what you don’t know; none of us have all the answers. Embrace that uncertainty, stay curious, and don’t hesitate to look things up or ask for help.

Also, remember the importance of staying humble. Every patient and experience can teach you something valuable, so approach each day with an open mind and a commitment to growth. And, as you advance in your career, pay it forward by supporting and guiding the others who are on similar paths.

Who are some individuals from the School of Nursing who have made an impact on you?

Two individuals from the School of Nursing who have profoundly impacted my career are Professor Emerita Jane Tuttle, PhD, APRN, BC, FNP, CPNP, and the late Professor Harriet Kitzman, PhD, RN, FAAN. Both have been unwavering sources of support, consistently advocating for me and believing in my potential, even at times when I doubted myself.

Professor’s Tuttle’s guidance has shaped my approach to patient care and professional development, and her encouragement has always given me confidence to pursue new challenges.

Professor Kitzman’s legacy of compassion and dedication to nursing research continues to inspire me daily. Her belief in me and in my work has been invaluable, and I strive to carry forward her spirit of excellence and commitment to advancing child health and nursing care.

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