The Advanced Practice Initiatives & Certification Outreach Team
Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month (September 15 – October 15) Featuring the Story of Sandra Aristea Hyder, DNP, MBA, APRN, ACNPC-AG, CPHQ, LBBP, NEA-BC, CCRN, CVRN-BC, PCCN, FAPPex
Dr. Sandra Aristea Hyder believes that she didn’t find nursing, but rather that nursing found her. In her senior year of high school, her focus was on the usual things: spending time with friends, keeping up with classes, and pursuing dreams like making the cheerleading team. Life felt bright and full of potential—until everything changed.
A diagnosis of a teratoma tumor in Sandra's left ovary brought her world to a sudden stop. Instead of enjoying pep rallies and senior trips, she found herself lying in a hospital bed, scared and uncertain, recovering from abdominal surgery. It was during this difficult time that nursing found her. The nurses who cared for her did more than tend to physical wounds—they helped heal her spirit. Through their compassion, patience, and gentle encouragement, they provided a kind of medicine she hadn’t known she needed.
These nurses helped her find not only her strength but also a renewed sense of purpose. That experience transformed Sandra. It showed her that true healing goes beyond clinical skills—it’s rooted in humanity, connection, and kindness. From that moment on, she knew she wanted to be that source of hope and healing for someone else.
Sandra's decision to pursue nursing was shaped by multiple influences. Her mother’s unwavering belief in the power of education sparked the initial flame, while seeing her aunt work as a nurse in Mexico showed her what was possible. Watching women from diverse backgrounds succeed in healthcare gave her the courage to pursue a seat at a table that hadn’t always been built for women who looked like her. When her mother brought the family to the United States from Mexico, she carried more than just their belongings — she carried a dream.
Sandra's mother often told her, “You weren’t brought here to just exist, to be someone’s wife or mother — you were brought here to succeed.” Those words became her compass. As a first-generation Latina student, academic success was more than a personal goal; it was a responsibility — a promise to her family and to the generations that would follow. Sandra was guided by mentors who saw her potential before she believed in it herself.
These mentors were individuals whose unwavering belief became her fuel, reminding her that representation matters and that every barrier broken helps widen the path for others. Sandra also understood that success is never achieved alone. It was made possible by the only man she has ever known as her father — a man who supported her, believed in her, and ensured she had the education and opportunities to turn dreams into reality. His steady guidance and countless sacrifices built the bridge that allowed her to stand where she is today. Her story — their story — would not be as meaningful or successful without his quiet strength and unconditional love.
Sandra often says she’s fluent in English, Spanish, and sarcasm — serving her well in nursing. Growing up in an immigrant household, language was used as a bridge between worlds. Today, as a nurse, speaking Spanish with her patients has become one of the greatest gifts of her career.
In the fast-paced, often overwhelming world of healthcare, there is something deeply human about looking someone in the eyes, speaking their language, and saying, "You’re safe. You’re understood." When patients struggle to find the words to express their pain or fears, that confusion can quickly turn into anxiety. Then Sandra greets them in Spanish, holds their hand, and explains what’s happening in words that feel like home — and everything changes. The shift is immediate, visible in their eyes: a mix of relief, trust, and connection. That moment of understanding goes beyond medicine.
Sandra reflects on a saying from her culture: “Solo los que entienden el idioma del corazón pueden curar con palabras” — “Only those who understand the language of the heart can heal with words.” For her, that captures the essence of what bilingualism provides: the privilege to heal with more than just clinical care. Being bilingual has not only supported her patients—it has shaped the nurse and leader she has become. It has allowed her to mentor others.
Through her mentorship, Sandra encourages her patients to pursue education without fear and reminds them that their voices matter—regardless of language. This commitment to uplifting others has also shaped her own professional journey, leading her to become an ANCC board certified in Nurse Executive, Advanced (NEA-BC). For Sandra, certification is more than a qualification—it’s a symbol of achievement, dedication to her profession, and a promise to the patients, students, and colleagues who trust her to lead with excellence. Every title and credential she earns carries meaning—not for the letters after her name, but for the legacy they help build. Every time Sandra walks into a room, she brings more than clinical expertise—she brings the hopes of every young Latina watching and wondering if she can do it too. Her response to them is, “Sí, mija — you absolutely can!”
As a true advocate for education, Sandra sees earning a terminal degree and multiple certifications not merely as professional achievements, but as part of a larger journey to prove what’s possible. Her expertise is hard-earned—each credential reflects countless late-night study sessions and a commitment that goes beyond personal success. It stands as a testament to perseverance, faith, and the belief that where you begin does not determine how far you can go. Once a little girl from the barrio, raised by a mother who refused to let circumstance limit her children’s dreams. Rising from that environment to earn the highest degree in her profession is more than a milestone—it’s a message. A message that excellence has no zip code, that brilliance isn’t bound by privilege.
Sandra, who was once a young girl questioning if she was enough, has grown into a living example of what’s possible. She hopes her story inspires others to believe in themselves and embrace professional growth through education and certification.
Celebrating Filipino American History Month (October 1–31) Featuring the Story of Marites Bautista Almachar, DNP, APRN, AGACNP-BC, CCRN
Dr. Marites Bautista Almachar 's parents were both born and raised in the Philippines before immigrating to the United States in the 1970s in search of better opportunities and a better life.
In his 40s, her father became ill with type 2 diabetes mellitus, which led to complications including end-stage renal disease and ischemic cardiomyopathy. On June 18, 2000—Father’s Day—he passed away at the age of 52. Only 11 years old at the time, Marites was still grateful to have vivid memories of him, both joyful and painful. She recalls moments of him advising her to go to college to become a nurse or doctor, hoping she would be close by to care for him. His story and the course of his illness had a lasting impact on their family.
Deeply influenced by her father's passing, Marites watched her mother step into the role of caregiver and, later, become a single parent to three children. Her mother made tremendous sacrifices, working tirelessly to send them to private schools and provide a life far beyond what she herself had growing up. Through the love and dedication of her parents, Marites was committed to carrying out her father’s legacy and making a meaningful impact through her career in healthcare. In 2013, she became a cardiac ICU nurse—an intentional choice inspired by her father. Looking back, she realizes it was also a way to feel closer to him.
As a cardiac ICU nurse, Marites cared for patients whose conditions mirrored her father's. Each time she treated someone, she saw glimpses of him. When she dialyzed a patient, she thought of the times he underwent hemodialysis in their home. When a patient passed away, she remembered what it felt like to be in the shoes of their grieving families. Her nursing journey has been a path of service and healing, helping her process childhood trauma.
Recalling the sadness and trauma of watching her father suffer—and the pain of learning to navigate life without him—Marites found comfort in her profession by caring for patients and their families. In fulfilling her father’s wishes, she discovered a sense of purpose and healing, realizing how powerfully life can come full circle.
In 2022, Marites fulfilled another part of her father’s dream—one that had also become her own. She earned her Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree from the University of Washington to become a Nurse Practitioner (NP). She chose to pursue a DNP degree to advance her nursing career and gain the clinical expertise needed to assess, diagnose, and treat medical conditions. Marites also holds a graduate certificate in palliative care and is a strong advocate for the early integration of palliative care in managing chronic and progressive diseases—an approach inspired by her father’s healthcare journey.
Marites's initial purpose to become an NP was to lead and drive meaningful change within the nursing profession. Her goals also include improving patient outcomes, preventing illness, and advancing health equity by addressing health disparities. She is committed to a holistic, evidence-based approach that integrates research into practice—ensuring care that is not only effective, but also compassionate and inclusive.
After graduating, Marites became an ANCC board certified Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (AGACNP-BC), further validating her knowledge and skills while specializing in a patient population she is deeply passionate about. Achieving ANCC certification reflects her dedication to the highest standards of clinical practice, a commitment to quality patient care and outcomes, and a lifelong pursuit of learning and professional growth. Obtaining certification has opened countless opportunities to advance her career.
Marites began her nursing career in 2013 at the University of Washington Medical Center (UWMC) and is proud to have remained there ever since. Throughout her career, she has been actively involved in shared governance at UWMC—the first ANCC Magnet-designated organization. UWMC has achieved the remarkable milestone of seven consecutive Magnet designations. As she evolved into an expert in her field, Marites participated in various unit-based and hospital-wide practice councils, contributing to the revision of policies and procedures, engaging in quality improvement initiatives, and integrating evidence-based research into clinical practice to enhance patient outcomes and ensure high-quality care. She has presented the results of these initiatives through both poster and podium presentations at local and national conferences. Additionally, she co-authored an article in American Nurse Journal, the official journal of the American Nurses Association (ANA), titled "Shared Governance: Prepare Nurses to Lead."
Marites currently serves as a Teaching Associate and Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) in the Division of Cardiology at UWMC in Seattle, WA. She is also a faculty member in the Department of Medicine at the UW School of Medicine. Marites cares for a complex and diverse population, including patients with heart failure, transplants, interventional and electrophysiology needs, and those requiring mechanical circulatory support.
To contribute to the future of nursing, Marites had the honor of serving as a volunteer with ANCC—an experience she considers both meaningful and rewarding. She chose to volunteer to take an active role in shaping the future of NPs and to give back to the profession that has profoundly shaped her identity and enabled a fulfilling career. Marites views volunteering as a valuable opportunity for professional growth and encourages other certified nurses to consider giving back through service within their certification specialty. This accomplishment has the power to inspire any nurse to strive for excellence and go beyond expectations.
Marites credits her parents’ immigration from the Philippines to the United States as the foundation for the opportunities she and her siblings have had. Their decision not only created a better life for themselves but also opened doors for their children. When her father became ill, living in the U.S. gave him access to advanced medical care and resources—such as at-home hemodialysis—that would not have been available to him in the Philippines. Her father has always been Marites’s greatest motivator in pursuing a nursing career and obtaining an advanced degree. His journey continues to fuel her passion for making a meaningful impact.
She hopes she has made him proud—and continues to do so—by honoring his legacy through her work. Marites acknowledges that none of her accomplishments would have been possible without her parents’ ambition, sacrifices, and determination to build a new life in a new country. For that, she remains deeply and eternally grateful.
Shaping the Future of Nursing
A Special Message from Our Senior Operations Manager of Volunteer Engagement
Mekaela Berry Senior Operations Manager of Volunteer Engagement ANCCVolunteer@ana.org
Just like Marites, you too can play a vital role in shaping the future of nursing by supporting nurses pursuing ANCC certification. There are three main volunteer opportunities available for ANCC certified nurses:
Content Expert Panelist (CEP)
Item Writer
Standard Setting Panelist
Take pride in your certification and use your expertise to make a meaningful impact today.
To be eligible, applicants must:
Hold an active ANCC certification in their specialty area
Be currently engaged in practice relevant to their certification
Have an unencumbered license to practice
Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) faculty members are also eligible, provided they maintain an active clinical practice at least 50% of the time. Learn more by clicking on the button below:
Connect With Us if you are Interested in Providing a Testimonial
Meet Katelyn Bern who manages customer engagement through social media and at ANCC tradeshows. She is committed to delivering engaging and meaningful content to keep you informed about important updates, including celebrations of certified nurses, stories of inspiration, newsletters, upcoming webinars, and more!
Monthly Stories of Inspiration from ANCC Certified Nurses began in May of 2024. You can view all of the 2024 stories by visiting our Meet the Team page, under the Resources for You tab. We also encourage you to read our 2025 stories:
