Published:
By Savanna Yelling
Dr. Tina Loarte-Rodriguez visited Central Connecticut State University to launch her new book, “Latinas in Nursing,” on Sept. 22 and celebrate National Hispanic Nurses Day.
The book is a compilation of stories from Latina nurses who chronicle their experiences and share their journeys of overcoming adversity as Latinas in the healthcare field.
Dr. Rodriguez was joined by six out of 14 contributing authors to discuss their sections of the book. The panelists represented six countries, several nursing fields, and a wide range of experience. Contributing authors Kim Kim and Carmen Roman each have more than 20 years of experience in healthcare and are currently pursuing doctorate degrees.
All seven women proclaimed themselves “life-long learners.”
Dr. Rodriguez was a first-generation college student with degrees from Cornell University, University of Connecticut, and Quinnipiac University and 17 years of nursing experience. During the covid-19 pandemic, Rodriguez was searching for comfort in the form of a book about being a Latina nurse, she said. At that time, a book like this did not exist, so Rodriguez created one, she said.
“This is history,” Dr. Rodriguez said of her book.
University President Zulma Toro wished the best to the guest speakers who came to campus to honor Hispanic Heritage Month.
“I am telling the campus community, it can be done,” Toro said.