Diana Ortega BSN, RN

My name is Diana Ortega BSN, RN. I am not only a nurse but a single parent from a low-income minority family in which I had to work harder to beat the odds. I decided to become a nurse after the birth of my son, and he was my motivation to start my nursing education. I initiated my education at Morton College and transferred to Chamberlain College of Nursing, where I received my BSN. I started my nursing career working as a Pediatric Home Health nurse, which I truly enjoyed. I transitioned to working at Rush Oak Park Hospital in their Skilled Care Unit until it closed in September 2020. I transferred to their Float Pool as a staff nurse and in the vaccine clinic. I then recently trained in the Emergency Department and currently work at Rush Oak Park’s busy Wound Care Clinic as well as pick up shifts PRN through an agency. I have been part of many hospital improvement projects, leveled up to RN2 as well as a preceptor to new hires and student nurses. I also received my certification as a BLS-CPR instructor where I can help educate many. I have recently started pursuing my MSN in education and plan to continue to one day become an educator to motivate our future nurses.

I have been an active member of the National Association of Hispanic Nurses Illinois since 2013, a past scholarship recipient, NAHN Role Model, and featured in Hispanics in Nursing videos. I am currently NAHN-IL Secretary and, for many years, Co-Chair for the Pre-Nursing Engagement/Mentorship Committee, which has fostered many leadership and communication skills. I am also Secretary and Board member for Latin@s First Responders Alliance; a new organization founded this year. Through my nursing background, community service, and passion, I have helped many ethnic minorities and underserved communities with issues they face that impact their health. As a Spanish-speaking and culturally sensitive nurse, I hope to make an impact in our communities and on future Latinx nurses. I recently was chosen to be part of NREO- Nurses in Elected Office Training Academy, in which I am eager to learn to one day make a difference. A spark to make a difference started in me after my close friend ran for Alderman because he was tired of taking the back seat. “You must be the change you want to see in the world,” -Gandhi.