School of Nursing
Isaac Lopez realized he wanted to pursue a career in healthcare while on a hike at Mt. Baldy. His group came across a family that was experiencing a medical emergency and Isaac’s group provided CPR, staying with the family until a helicopter medical team arrived to provide further assistance. Isaac looks back on that moment as one in which he felt a fire ignited to help others. Isaac graduated from Loma Linda University School of Nursing in 2019 and is currently working as a nurse at Loma Linda University Medical Center on Unit 6100, our designated COVID-19 unit for intermediate and acute care. He expressed how difficult it is caring for COVID-19 patients. The personal protective equipment necessary to be safe can contribute to a loss of connection between caregiver and patient. In order to maintain a connection, Isaac says he tries to stay present, investing fully in every interaction he has with his patients. Isaac believes in the whole person care model and investing in the physical, spiritual and mental health of his patients. “I want to be a
28
hero for my patients by advocating for them,” he says. “I want to be able to provide them someone who will listen to them.” Thank you for supporting Loma Linda University School of Nursing and its outstanding students and alumni through Vision 2020. School of Nursing Accomplishments • Unveiled the “Be His Light” sculpture in 2020, showcasing the school’s core mission. • Graduated 10,000th student in 2018 since the school’s founding in 1905, made possible by scholarships and faculty development. • Created the Safety Net Fund to provide urgent aid for students in need, decreasing barriers to student success.
