Beyond Cancer Spotlight: Jordan Nare

Jordan Nare, RN-BSN (She/Her) is an Oncology Nurse Navigator for Dr. Misako Nagasaka in the Chao Family Comprehensive Cancer Center. Read on to learn more about her story. 

1. What are your career/research interests?

As a nurse, I always strive to keep learning and growing. There is so much to this field and being at UCI has truly show how innovative nursing is. I've been working at the Chao Cancer Center now for almost 2 years and have felt so lucky at all the things I have got to learn. I hope to continue to grow as a nurse here and to continue improving on ways to make UCI THE place to go.

2. How did your early life experiences shape your education and career choices? 

My nursing career started when I was actually a patient and had to be admitted to the hospital. For a while I was convinced that I would never step foot back in a hospital, but I had a nurse who was so kind and caring that it opened my eyes to nursing and how I could help others.

3. What brought you to UCI?

I was and still am a patient here at UCI and have had many infusions here at Chao Cancer Center. I've seen how great the facility is and have always known that this would be my dream hospital to work at. My preceptor from nursing school also works here now and assisted me in gaining the knowledge and experience needed to be successful at my job as a nurse navigator.

4. How did you connect with others to build your own sense of community and belonging at work? 

The team that I work with is great. It honestly feels like one big family and that made the sense of belonging less daunting when I first came to UCI. But once I started talking to not only my team members but other departments, we are all working together with one goal in mind, the patient!

5. What motivates you to serve your community and contribute to the CFCCC mission? 

The CFCCC is constantly evolving and providing the BEST patient care possible. Working with a lung oncologist has been extremely rewarding and eye-opening. Our patients honestly give me motivation and the drive to be the best nurse I can be. I imagine that if they were my family member or friend, I would do everything I could for them, and that's what I try to do for every patient.

6. What challenges have you experienced in your professional journey?

I think one of the greatest challenges I have experienced in my nursing career is starting it on the COVID unit. It was insanely intimidating but it made me have to learn quick and I also truly learned empathy when patients were not able to see their own family members.

7. What personal or professional accomplishment are you most proud of?

I am proud of myself in obtaining a Master's degree in nursing.

8. What are your interests/hobbies outside of work? 

Avid reader and lover of all books

9. What is a fun or random fact about you? 

I'm a twin!

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