The Journey to Nursing Through Mentorship and Experience

Marissa Oliveros’ interest in health care began in 2012 while she was a patient. “I had a fistula on my chest that was surgically removed,” she says. “That's when I was first immersed in a hospital setting, and I think that's what sparked my interest in medicine.” The care and comfort she experienced from her care team left a mark on her.

Developing a Passion for Medicine

As Oliveros grew older, her interest in medicine deepened. When it came time for her to choose a high school, she was drawn to George Westinghouse College Prep for its partnership with Northwestern Medicine through the Northwestern Medicine GCM Grosvenor Discovery Program, a four-year program that aims to create a diverse pipeline of future physicians, biomedical scientists and healthcare workers. Eager to enter the field of medicine, Oliveros applied and was accepted into the program, where she began to shadow medical professionals and gain hands-on experience.

“Our youth programming is set up to inspire, mentor and educate both middle and high school students,” says Janna Eudave, Youth Programming Specialist. “We want to build equitable pathways for students toward their careers.”

Throughout the program, Oliveros gained a clear understanding of which field of medicine best suited her—nursing. “Shadowing a nurse demonstrated the significant impact of spending hours with patients on their well-being and care responses,” says Oliveros. “It made me understand the value of patient-nurse communication.”

Internship Experience at Northwestern Medicine

Marissa’s path led her to the University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC), where she enrolled in the BSN program. In her third year, she interned at Northwestern Medicine, where her mentor taught her foundational skills that boosted her confidence and sense of responsibility. By the end of her internship, she was independently performing assessments, documenting and giving reports. “This experience improved my understanding of patient care and made me comfortable in clinical settings,” says Oliveros.

After graduating from UIC, Oliveros was offered a nursing position in the critical care unit at Northwestern Memorial Hospital.

“Marissa’s story is so inspiring,” says Eudave. “As Northwestern Medicine continues to expand its youth programs, the future looks bright for the next generation of healthcare professionals.”

For more information or to register for the Northwestern Medicine GCM Grosvenor Discovery Program, visit nm.org/ workforce.