CNL Student Spotlight: Matt Ramos '21N

While working at the local county health department in his home state of California, Matt Ramos ’21N, RN, witnessed just how powerful a career in nursing can be.

As a former public health project specialist, he often collaborated with public health nurses, gaining a firsthand look at the nursing profession’s role in addressing social determinants of health, mitigating health inequities, coordinating care, and shaping health policy and community health education.

Eventually, working alongside nurses influenced Ramos’ own career path. He relocated from Bakersfield, California to Rochester in 2020 after being accepted into the University of Rochester School of Nursing’s accelerated bachelor’s program, and he continues to work at the University of Rochester Medical Center as a registered nurse in Acute Medicine today.

Ramos is now finishing his master’s degree to become a Clinical Nurse Leader, with the goal of improving care on a broader scale and contributing to health policy and community health initiatives.

Every March, Certified CNL Day recognizes the impact Clinical Nurse Leaders have on the delivery of healthcare across the continuum of care. In a Q&A, Ramos discusses his pathway to nursing leadership, and how he’s already making an impact.

How did you know that pursuing a CNL pathway was the right next step for you?

The CNL pathway has provided a transformative opportunity to align my interests in public health and nursing. With its emphasis on addressing care gaps across the microsystem, mesosystem, and macrosystem levels, the program equips me with the necessary skills to influence care delivery, healthcare policy, and community health initiatives. This approach aligns with my passion for improving patient care on a broader scale, positioning me to contribute meaningfully to enhancing healthcare outcomes and system efficiency.

What are some of your biggest takeaways from the program so far?

The program has significantly strengthened my confidence in public speaking and reinforced the critical role of evidence-based practices in driving quality improvement. It has inspired me to expand my advocacy efforts beyond the bedside, empowering me to advocate for the nursing workforce at local, state, and federal levels. Through this program, I have gained the knowledge and skills necessary to address patient care through public health policies, particularly those affecting marginalized populations, and I am now better equipped to make a lasting impact on healthcare at every level.

How would you describe the importance of CNLs in healthcare systems from your own perspective?

CNLs are integral to advancing healthcare systems, serving as pivotal agents of change at the intersection of direct patient care and systemic improvement. By leveraging their leadership expertise and evidence-based practices, CNLs drive quality enhancement across all levels of care, from the bedside to organizational and policy frameworks. Their ability to identify care gaps and promote efficiency cultivates a more coordinated, patient-centered, and transformative healthcare environment.

What advice would you share with nurses considering a similar direction for their careers?

Follow your passions and embrace the courage to explore new possibilities. If you're unsure about redefining or discovering your passion, the expert faculty and CNLs at the University of Rochester are here to guide and support you every step of the way. They are committed to your success because they believe in the power of your voice and your potential to make a meaningful impact.

Is there any other message you’d like to share with readers?

While it’s easier said than done, never hesitate to ask questions during lectures or clinical experiences. The CNLs you encounter bring a wealth of experience and offer unique skills and perspectives within their practices. Their insights can be invaluable in deepening your understanding and broadening your approach to nursing.

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