Meet our students: Fiona Lazare

Hometown: Seattle

Year/Program: Senior/Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN)

What is your research/areas of interest? Working towards BSN and hoping to become a labor and delivery nurse. I am passionate about equitable maternity care and improving U.S. birth outcomes.

Why did you choose nursing? I previously worked as a birth and postpartum doula. That work that drew me to becoming a labor and delivery nurse. In addition, I lost a dear friend to cancer several years ago. The time that I spent with her in a pediatric oncology unit at Milwaukee Children’s Hospital exposed me to more of the amazing work that nurses do. My friend, and her nurses, inspired me further to pursue a career in nursing.

What has been an unforgettable experience during your time at the School of Nursing? My first clinical rotation was in a trauma rehabilitation floor at Harborview Medical Center. That experience, the patients I met and the nurses I worked with was an unforgettable experience!

How has your experience at the School of Nursing helped you with your career trajectory? I have been exposed to all different facets of nursing. Coming in to this program, I had no idea what wide variety of opportunities were available for professional nurses. The possibilities seem limitless. I feel even more passionate now about becoming a labor and delivery nurse and hope to eventually return to the UW to work towards a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) as a Certified Nurse Midwife.

What are your plans after graduation? I currently work for Swedish Medical Center in Ballard as a Perinatal Assistant. My goal after graduation is to continue working for Swedish and enter their residency program as a new labor and delivery nurse.