Brought to you by:

The Advanced Practice Initiatives & Certification Outreach Team

Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month &
Pediatric Nurses Week (October 7-11)
Embracing Heritage, Culture, & Goals:
Featuring the Journey of Patricia Gomez, MSN, RN, PED-BC

Patricia Gomez, also known as Patty, is a proud first-generation daughter of immigrant parents who came to America over 40 years ago from the small rural ranch of Ostotán, Jalisco, Mexico. In their hometown, access to healthcare and education was limited—there was only one elementary school and a single community clinic for basic first aid. Her parents’ pursuit of a better quality of life and desire to help others became a rich generational inheritance passed on to Patty.

During her middle school years, Patty’s life was forever changed by her niece’s liver failure, which required a liver transplant. That year-long ordeal, filled with weekends spent at the hospital, was the catalyst for Patty’s passion for pediatric healthcare. Her niece’s resilience through intensive care ignited Patty’s determination to become the pediatric nurse she is today.

Twelve years later, Patty found herself working in the same hospital where her niece had been treated, on the same acute care solid organ transplant unit. Recognizing the need for bilingual nurses with a shared cultural background, she dedicated herself to serving vulnerable populations—children and families who couldn’t always speak for themselves. For the past eight years, she has worked as a pediatric nurse at a Magnet®-designated hospital, advocating wholeheartedly for her patients.

To Patty, being an ANCC-certified nurse is a badge of pride and dedication. Holding the ANCC Pediatric Nursing (PED-BC) certification showcases her commitment to excellence in patient care. This milestone in her career reflects not only her personal growth but also the high standards her Magnet® hospital exemplifies.

Certification has empowered Patty to grow professionally every day, enriching the care she provides to her "small but mighty" patients!

Patty attributes much of her success to the unwavering support of her family, particularly her mother. Though her mother only completed one year of school due to limited resources, she instilled in Patty the values of compassion and service. Patty is also deeply inspired by members of the National Association of Hispanic Nurses (NAHN) and her nursing professors, who helped her overcome moments of doubt during nursing school, encouraging her to realize her full potential.

In 2019, Patty joined Operation Rainbow’s week-long medical mission in Honduras, where she had the honor of serving children from a background similar to her own. In 2023, she earned her Master of Science in Nursing (MSN). As a Clinical Nurse IV, the highest level in her organization’s clinical ladder, Patty also volunteers as an ANCC Content Expert and remains an active member of nursing shared governance.

There are no limits for this "enfermera latina" (Latina nurse). She continues to advocate for the expansion of Latinx nurses in the U.S. and is even considering pursuing her PhD in the future.

1. Define your organization’s success.
2. The nurse takes the initial certification test or completes renewal requirements with zero out of pocket cost
3. Your organization increases its number of board-certified nurses, with no financial risk.

Success Pays^® is Here to Help You! 

Celebrating Case Management Week (October 13-19):
Featuring the Journey of Aimee Sarmiento, BSN, RN, RAC-CT, CMGT-BC

Becoming ANCC Certified through the Success Pays Program 

Aimee Sarmiento was inspired to pursue nursing by her late father, who believed in the potential of the profession. Now, Aimee sees the value of his encouragement, especially as it has enabled her to care for her own growing family and elderly parents. These personal experiences pushed her to extend her professional services to the community at large. Her nursing journey has been filled with growth, holding roles such as Charge Nurse, Unit Manager, Performance Improvement Manager, and most recently, Regional Care Manager. 

Aimee's philosophy is that continuous learning supports her in reaching her fullest potential. This drive led her to become ANCC Certified in Nursing Case Management (CMGT-BC), a credential that reflects her passion for making a lasting impact in the lives of others.

When Aimee learned about the Success Pays® program, she saw it as a perfect opportunity to enhance her skills. Despite personal barriers, she was supported by Lourdes Careaga, the Certification Program Manager, and her organization. Aimee was steadily guided through the process. She also credits the encouragement of her fellow members in the Philippine Nurses Association, Metropolitan DC (PNAMDC) chapter, who helped her through moments of self-doubt.

Interested in Success Pays^®? 

Learn how this Program can Support Your Organization

Lourdes B. Careaga, MSN, RN, NE-BC
Certification Outreach Program Manager 
successpays@ana.org

nursingworld.org/certification/success-pays/

Meet Lourdes B. Careaga, MSN, RN, NE-BC, who manages our ANCC Success Pays^® program. She is here to help support your nurses with their professional journey through ANCC certification. 

Program FAQs:

• Launched in 2013
• Over 500 Success Pays Partners
• Monthly Townhalls, hosted by Lourdes to stay connected. 

Benefits:

• Nurses are given two (2) opportunities to pass.
• The organization only pays for the nurses who pass.
• Reduces anxiety and financial barriers for nurses.
• No minimum or maximum limit for number of certification renewals.

Structure:

• A signed agreement between the organization and ANCC to promote nursing excellence through certification among clinicians.

Qualifying Programs:

• Initial Certifications
• Certification Renewals
• Retired Certified Nurses Recognition Program

Share Your Story with Us! 

Connect With Us if you are Interested in Providing a Testimonial

Meet Katelyn Bern, MA, who manages customer engagement through social media and at ANCC tradeshows. Reach out to her if you would like to share your motivational story with us and what being ANCC certified means to you.
We would be honored to share your story!

Follow us & Get Helpful Resources:

• ANCC Certification Facebook
• Meet the Team

Katelyn Bern, MA
Outreach Engagement Manager &
Tradeshow Liaison 
certificationoutreach@ana.org

Please enjoy our previous Monthly Stories of Inspiration from ANCC Certified Nurses:

1. May Edition: Celebrating Asian American, Native Hawaiian, & Pacific Islander Heritage Month 
2. June Edition: Celebrating 2024 Graduates
3. July Edition: Celebrating French American Heritage Month
4. August Edition: Celebrating Back to School Month
5. September Edition: Celebrating Healthy Aging Month & Vascular Nurses Week