uc irvine school of nursing alum heaven holdbrooks

Our weekly Alumni Spotlight series features updates on the outstanding graduates of the UCI Sue & Bill Gross School of Nursing. Heaven Holdbrooks, class of ’10, shares what it was like to be a nurse working in a pandemic.

Where do you work and what is your title? 

Kaiser Permanente Orange County —  Anaheim Medical Center; clinical nurse specialist in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU).

How has the COVID-19 pandemic impacted your life?

Increased stress and workload. A greater appreciation for family and friends and the little things in life that bring joy to the day-to-day hustle.

What initially drew you to the nursing profession?

The desire to help others. To be an advocate for those who can not communicate their needs.

What do you love most about being a nurse?

Watching sick infants be nurtured, grow and go home healthy. Helping families thrive.