Maribeth Ruiz
“You Are the Eyes and Ears of the Patient”
Maribeth Ruiz did her undergraduate degree in health and human services at the University of Buffalo. She said she was inspired by her parents—who both work in the medical field—to pursue a career in medicine. Ruiz is trilingual and speaks Tagalog and Spanish in addition to English, both of which she says helps her communicate with her patients.
Did you always know you wanted to be a nurse?
I initially wanted to go to medical school, but I switched over to nursing. I didn’t want to go through so much schooling and my mom is a nurse and she has always inspired me. My parents are both in the medical field. They have always been a source of inspiration. They are immigrants—my father from Peru and my mother from the Philippines—and they stressed the value of education and accomplishment. They pushed me to be strong and pursue my dreams.
Were there other aspects of the nursing field that appealed to you?
As a nurse, you interact with the patients more than the doctor does. You are able to view patients holistically and you understand them in a way that doctors typically can’t. There’s a nurturing aspect to nursing that appeals to me.
What do you think is the chief responsibility of a nurse?
Patient advocacy. You are the eyes and the ears of a patient. Our preceptors always emphasized that good assessment skills will take you very far.
Did you have any memorable experiences during your clinicals?
I saw the miracle of birth.
How do you think nursing school changed you?
It taught me to be more responsible; more organized and have better time management. It helped me grow as a person and made me realize I’m stronger than I thought.
What career in nursing are you thinking about?
I’m considering military nursing. My mom was a military nurse and she’s dreamed of me going to the military.
