Our weekly Alumni Spotlight series features updates on the outstanding graduates of the UCI Sue & Bill Gross School of Nursing. Riana Leonhardt, class of ’13, shares what it was like to be a nurse working in a pandemic.
Where do you work?
Not currently employed. After the birth of my last baby I decided to stay home and care for my children full time. I am also in the process of launching a telemedicine practice.
What is your title?
Family Nurse Practitioner
What drew you to the nursing profession?
When I was a teenager I met a wonderful nurse practitioner and I wanted to be like her. I had never met such a kind, caring and compassionate healthcare provider. I also love the flexibility of nursing and the ability to care for others.
What do you love most about being a nurse?
I absolutely love being a nurse. I love the hands on work with people in the community and I am especially passionate about working with medically underserved communities.
For more information, to support a future nurse or nurse-led research, please connect to Juliana Goswick, Director of Development at jgoswick@hs.uci.edu or visit Giving.
