Rossemary Cedeno De La Cruz's path to becoming a registered nurse in the United States is a testament to perseverance, adaptability, and a deep commitment to her family and career.
Background and Medical Career in the Dominican Republic
Born and raised in the Dominican Republic, Rossemary dedicated herself to a rigorous 11 years of medical education. Seven years of intensive study in general medicine laid the foundation of her medical knowledge, covering disciplines such as anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, and pathology. She then specialized in family medicine for four additional years, a discipline focused on providing holistic care to individuals and families, managing chronic conditions, and emphasizing preventive care.
After completing her studies, Rossemary worked for one year in a government facility to obtain her medical license. Her role as a family doctor involved addressing a wide range of health issues while building long-term relationships with her patients. However, the economic realities of practicing medicine in the Dominican Republic proved difficult. Doctors often earned only 50% of their compensation, with a large portion going toward office space and staff costs. This financial strain, coupled with the challenges of the healthcare system, led to a high burnout rate among medical professionals. In search of better opportunities, both personally and financially, Rossemary moved to the United States five years ago.
Transition to the United States
The decision to move was driven by personal and economic challenges in the Dominican Republic. The economic situation made it difficult to sustain a comfortable lifestyle and support her family. In the U.S., Rossemary saw the possibility of a more stable future. She applied and was accepted for the Home Care Training Program at Cooperative Home Care Associates (CHCA). After she successfully passed the program, she was employed at CHCA.
She worked as a Home Care Worker starting in February 2020, just before the world was hit by COVID-19. This role gave her direct patient care experience and a unique perspective on the healthcare system during a crisis. Home care was less stressful than hospital work, as she was responsible for one patient at a time instead of managing the care of twenty or more.
After working in home care for about three years, Rossemary transitioned to office work, where she was hired as a Clinical Assistant. This role enabled her to learn how to map the visits to our clients, prioritizing and supporting their needs. In this role, Rossemary also supported CHCA’s Care Navigators. She assisted the clients in ensuring they were following through with their medical appointments or other care needs. Rossemary’s medical knowledge and experience were invaluable in this setting, as she could support clients on medical issues, including insurance matters, and coordinate care more effectively.
Nursing School Journey
With a strong foundation in healthcare, Rossemary decided to pursue a nursing degree in the United States. While juggling family responsibilities, she studied late into the night, often sleeping only 4-5 hours to balance her commitments. Late-night studying allowed her to focus when her family’s needs were minimal, helping her stay disciplined and organized despite the physical challenges.
The greatest academic hurdle came with the coursework that involved complex software development and statistics, areas that required skills Rossemary had not yet mastered. Collaboration with fellow students, particularly those with a background in technology, helped her overcome these challenges. Her favorite subject in nursing school was obstetrics, which sparked her passion for maternal and neonatal health. She appreciated the firsthand clinical experience, which provided a deeper understanding of the labor, delivery, and postpartum processes.
To stay motivated, Rossemary formed a study group with other international students, some of whom had been in the United States for over 10 years and owned their own clinics. Their achievements served as a source of inspiration, showing Rossemary the possibilities that awaited her in the healthcare field
Language Barriers and Office Experience
Rossemary’s office work experience was pivotal in improving her English language skills. As she collaborated closely with English-speaking supervisors and translated for Spanish-speaking Home Care Workers, her language fluency grew significantly. The need to document and report in English also boosted her confidence and vocabulary. This bilingual ability became essential in providing high-quality care and ensuring clear communication among diverse healthcare teams.
Achieving the Nursing License
After years of hard work, Rossemary faced one final test: the nursing exam. She studied tirelessly, dedicating 12 hours every weekend to review the material. The five-hour exam evaluated her knowledge and skills and then came the agonizing three-day wait for the results. During this time, she used visualization techniques to manage her anxiety, imagining herself confidently answering questions and passing the exam. When she received the news that she had passed, it was an emotional moment of overwhelming joy, a validation of all the sacrifices she had made
Philosophy and Values
Obtaining her nursing license marked not only the achievement of a personal goal but also a significant milestone in Rossemary's broader life plan. She views her nursing career as a stepping stone to future goals, and her journey serves as a powerful example for her children. By showing them that perseverance and hard work can overcome obstacles, Rossemary hopes to inspire her children to pursue their own dreams, regardless of the challenges they may face.
One of the core values Rossemary holds is the belief that age should never be a barrier to personal growth and pursuing new goals. She believes in the importance of treating everyone with respect, regardless of their job. This philosophy was shaped by her grandfather’s advice: “Do whatever work you do with passion and professionalism.”
Rossemary respects the dignity of all work, particularly in healthcare, where every role contributes to the smooth operation of the system and the well-being of patients. She believes that fostering an environment of respect and collaboration among healthcare workers, from maintenance staff to physicians, is essential for improving patient care outcomes.
A New Beginning in Home Care
Rossemary’s journey reflects strength, adaptability, and a deep commitment to her family and career. Her experiences in the Dominican Republic and the United States have shaped her into the compassionate, hardworking nurse she is today. She remains dedicated to her ongoing growth and aims to be a beacon of inspiration for her children, showing them that with dedication and determination, it is possible to overcome obstacles and achieve one’s goals.
Recognizing her dedication and expertise, CHCA has offered Rossemary a full-time position as a Supervising Registered Field Nurse, and we are proud to have her serving our community. Her commitment to providing exceptional care continues to make a meaningful impact on the lives of those we serve.
