UCI Sue & Bill School of Nursing alum Elaine Lau hiking at home in Hawaii.
Elaine Lau never stops moving.
She’s a busy nurse practitioner in the neuroscience ICU at a hospital in Honolulu, HI on some days. On other days, she works at the front desk of a barre studio.
The self-described extrovert loves being around others.
“That’s one of the reasons I got into nursing. I needed to be in a job where I could be with people the majority of the day and even on my days off.”
Planning her next move
Lau also doesn’t rest when it comes to her career, either. She admits she often thinks of the next step while in the midst of the current one.
For example, while attending the UCI Sue & Bill Gross School of Nursing to become a registered nurse, she already knew she wanted to become a nurse practitioner. While in graduate school at the University of Pennsylvania, she already had plans to pursue her doctorate – but she’s holding off for now.
“I want to be grounded as a nurse practitioner first. I want to hone my critical thinking skills and my leadership abilities.”
Pride in her work
Lau became a nurse in part because she wanted to feel a sense of pride and meaning in her work.
“The best days are the ones where I come home after a difficult, challenging day, and I’m exhausted but satisfied knowing that I put forth all my energy in caring for others.”
Despite her extroversion, she also values her alone time. When she does, she’s often immersed in an arts and crafts project.
“I love exploring different mediums like crafting three-dimensional paper flowers, painting, or drawing.”
Wherever her career path takes her, Lau says she’s fortunate to work with a supportive team that encourages growth and autonomy. She acknowledges that she can’t know everything.
“I do my best to practice with humility. This is a role that requires constant learning. I’m grateful to be surrounded by others who challenge me to be and do better.”
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