Nursing Department Spotlight: Ana Chavez

As we step into March 2025, we take a moment to recognize the dedication and quiet strength of our colleague, Ana Chavez. For the past 10 years, Ana has been the backbone of Department of Nursing's graduate programs. As the graduate program coordinator, she works closely with the Family Nurse Practitioner and Psych Mental Health Practitioner programs (among others) to pair students with clinical faculty across a 10-state region.

Ana’s unwavering commitment, reliability, and collaborative spirit make her an invaluable part of our team. Though she never seeks the spotlight, her impact is deeply felt by colleagues and students alike. Her dedication to student success and the seamless coordination of our programs is truly commendable.

What initially attracted you to Gonzaga University? How has your experience aligned with your initial expectations as you journeyed through your time here?

When I first learned about Gonzaga University, I was drawn to its strong sense of community and commitment to service. As someone who deeply values helping others, I felt that Gonzaga’s mission aligned with my own personal and professional values. Working in the nursing department and assisting at local hospitals as a certified medical interpreter for over two decades has given me a unique perspective on the impact of compassionate care. While I am not a nurse, I have the privilege of supporting them in their work—whether through programmatic administrative projects or bridging communication gaps for patients. Over the past decade, I have seen firsthand how Gonzaga’s dedication to service extends beyond the classroom and into real-world healthcare settings. The kindness and dedication of my colleagues and graduate students have made this a place where I feel at home. My experience has exceeded my expectations in the best way possible; I have grown professionally, built lasting relationships, and had the privilege of working in a community that values inclusivity, service, and the well-being of others.

When faced with a disagreement with a peer, how do you approach a resolution while maintaining a positive relationship?

I usually start by listening. Everyone comes from different backgrounds and experiences, and I believe that understanding the other person’s perspective is the key to finding common ground. When a disagreement happens, I try to approach the conversation with patience and empathy, focusing on the issue rather than the person. I also remind myself that we are all working toward the same goal, whether it’s supporting students, improving processes, or simply doing our best in our roles. I have found that when both sides feel heard and respected, a resolution is much easier to reach, and relationships remain strong.

If Gonzaga's nursing department had a mascot based on a healthcare superhero, who or what would it be, and what special powers would they possess?

I think the perfect mascot would be "El Corazón" (The Heart). This superhero would represent compassion, resilience, and the unwavering dedication of nurses and healthcare professionals. Their special power would be the ability to provide both physical and emotional healing, spreading calm and strength to patients and caregivers alike. El Corazón would remind us that nursing is not just about treating symptoms—it’s about caring for people as whole individuals, with heart and humanity.

Mental health is vital for both students and educators. What are some of the techniques or practices you rely on to maintain your mental well-being and foster a healthy work-life balance?

Taking care of my mental health has always been important, especially when balancing work, family, and personal commitments. One of the things that helps me most is setting boundaries; knowing when to step away from work and focus on my well-being. I also rely on small moments of mindfulness, whether it’s taking a deep breath between tasks, going for a walk, practicing yoga, going to the gym or listening to music that makes me feel good. Over the week, I dedicate time to meditation, which helps me reset, clear my mind, and stay present. Spending time with loved ones; especially sharing meals, stories and some laughs helps me recharge. And of course, staying connected to my culture; whether it’s through food, traditions, music or language—grounds me and reminds me of the strength and resilience that brought me here.

Imagine Gonzaga's nursing department is putting on a talent show. What unique talent or party trick would you showcase to steal the spotlight and entertain your colleagues and students?

I would love to share something from my culture—maybe a traditional Mexican dance or a fun cooking demonstration where I show how to make something simple but delicious! If I wanted to surprise people, I could do a quick English-Spanish interpretation challenge, showing how fast I can switch between languages in a medical setting. It would be a fun way to highlight the role of interpreters in healthcare and how important it is to make sure patients feel heard and understood.