Cipriana Southard Honored with the National Association of Hispanic Nurses (NAHN) 40 Under 40 Award
Cipriana Southard, RN (left) was honored with the National Association of Hispanic Nurses (NAHN) 40 Under 40 Award. "This award is not only a celebration of your work, but also an expression of gratitude for your leadership, commitment, and contributions to NAHN and the Hispanic community,” shared her recognition.
When reflecting on her career and the award, Cipriana shares how her family influenced her to start a career in healthcare with a focus on serving others.
“My mother has worked in the hospital setting for over 20 years, and I was blessed to witness the collaboration and support that St. Vincent has provided to many in the community over those years. I knew from an early age I also wanted to be a part of it.”
“What drew me to nursing was supporting others on some of their most difficult days by providing unconditional love, care and support. That extends to my fellow caregivers as well. Being part of something greater than ourselves has kept me in the nursing profession.”
Cipriana was nominated for the 40 under 40 award from NAHN for leadership in patient safety by providing patient education on sepsis. Working with partners, she revamped sepsis education, making it easier for patients to understand.
“To receive the 40 under 40 award from the NAHN means so much to not only me but also my family. My father is from the Camargo, Chihuahua area of Mexico where he grew up living in poverty. When he was a young adult, he and his siblings immigrated to the United States to become American citizens and create better lives for themselves. I watched my dad learn English, study for his citizenship test and start a masonry business from the ground up.
He always taught me that knowledge is power, and this drove me to attend college and take the opportunity to learn as much as I could. I am a huge advocate for personal and professional growth and what better way to do that than a career in healthcare where learning is continuous!”
Cipriana continues to be involved with the NAHN, starting the first chapter in the Billings area. She looks forward to the opportunity to support other nurses with resources for scholarships, education and job opportunities.