ACTRI Nurses Week Meet Marie Sagrado

Meet Marie Sagrado, a Licensed Vocational Nurse who has worked at the Altman Clinical and Translational Research Institute since September of 2016.

How has ACTRI shaped your nursing career?
I have learned so much about research, different orphan diseases, and disorders that have no cures. I have a high respect for the participants and all that is put into the studies.

What led you to become a research nurse?
Actually, I started as a temporary fill in through an agency and loved everything about ACTRI so much I never left! Also, the team. I learn something new every day at ACTRI. It has helped me grow so much in my nursing career.

What about being a research nurse inspires you? What are your biggest job motivators?
The patients. They keep me motivated to find answers about their health. You build an unconditional bond with some of these patients that are in long time studies. You genuinely feel appreciated by them.

What are some things you’d like people to know about the nursing profession?
These studies are totally voluntary.  The people participating are eager to help mankind.

What are some ways the community can support nurses, not only during Nurses Week but all year long?
We should also be considered first responders. Only firefighters, police and EMTs are. When there is an emergency nurses respond first. Even before the doctors. We don’t get enough recognition. 

Tell us about a challenging moment in your nursing career.  
I remember times when I was so burnt out working on the floors with no breaks, no help or no support. Those were some of the most stressful times of my life but they also made me so much stronger.

Has COVID changed your life as a research nurse in any way?
Absolutely. I had the first-hand experience of seeing death, feeling like death and seeing our world experience the worst times in history. Working in the scorching temperatures of heat in the temporary tents. Giving hundreds of vaccinations, drawing blood, 10-12 hours a day. Tears of exhaustion. It was a living nightmare. Some of the worse things that can’t be unseen. 

How do you manage a work/life balance?
You build all kinds of relationships and life experiences inside and outside of work. You have to find a healthy way to balance finding something like a fun hobby or interest and enjoy your time off.

What advice would you give to nursing students, recent grads, or your past self? 
Don’t try to do everything all at once. Take breaks to not stress yourself out. Reach your goals, maybe reach a specialty, and if it’s not for you, try something else. Leave your options open and opportunities will come your way. Be patient.

 Are there any specific healthcare tips you’d like to share with the community?
Don’t sweat the small things in life. Be grateful for what you have. Be sure to thank and recognize people that work hard and show them appreciation. Sometimes that’s all people need. To hear a thank you or even just tell them you appreciate them means more than any awards or gifts. 

UC San Diego ACTRI appreciates all the hard work, effort and dedication all nurses put into their work and wishes them a Happy National Nurses Week!