Her Story
About Elizabeth
Elizabeth Mauro, RN, is an accomplished registered nurse, nursing educator, and academic leader with nearly a decade of experience dedicated to emergency medicine and nursing education. Inspired to pursue nursing from an early age, Elizabeth’s passion for the profession was solidified by her father’s kidney transplant experience, which shaped her desire to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others. She has built her career around compassionate care, advocacy, and a commitment to improving healthcare outcomes for both patients and future nurses.
Elizabeth’s clinical background is rooted in emergency nursing, including six and a half years at a Level I trauma center university hospital, where she provided critical care during the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. She later transitioned to a community hospital environment, continuing to apply her expertise in emergency medicine, communication, and patient-centered care. In addition to her clinical practice, Elizabeth has served as an Assistant Professor at Queensborough Community College of The City University of New York (CUNY) for the past five years, educating associate degree nursing students in foundational nursing concepts and medical-surgical nursing. She also developed the Bridge to Success program, an initiative focused on improving student retention and academic success, which she presented at a professional conference.
Elizabeth earned her Master of Science in Nursing Education from Grand Canyon University and is currently pursuing her Doctor of Philosophy in Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research, and Clinical Nursing at Molloy University. She is an active member of Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing and the Organization for Associate Degree Nursing (OADN). Elizabeth attributes her success to her lifelong passion for nursing, continuous growth, and the guidance of mentors throughout her career. She values communication, trust, integrity, and respect, and encourages aspiring healthcare professionals to believe in themselves, prioritize self-care, and confidently advocate for their needs as they pursue their goals.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Elizabeth
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to my lifelong passion for nursing and the meaningful experiences that have shaped my journey. I knew from the first grade that I wanted to become a nurse, and witnessing my father’s experience with a kidney transplant became a defining moment that inspired me to pursue a career dedicated to caring for others. That early motivation has continued to guide me throughout my career, fueling my commitment to lifelong learning, compassionate patient care, and making a positive impact on both my patients and the next generation of nurses.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
One of the most meaningful pieces of career advice I have received is to work hard, trust myself, and never be afraid to speak up. I have carried this guidance with me throughout my educational and professional journey, as it has encouraged me to remain confident in my abilities, advocate for myself and others, and embrace opportunities for growth. I believe this advice will continue to guide me throughout my nursing career as I strive to provide compassionate care, continue learning, and make a meaningful impact in healthcare.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
One of the most important lessons I would share with young women entering the nursing profession is to be your own best advocate. It is essential to speak up, believe in yourself, and trust the knowledge, skills, and strengths you bring to your work. Confidence and self-advocacy are powerful tools that allow you to navigate challenges, pursue opportunities, and make a meaningful impact in your career. By recognizing your own value and using your voice, you can continue to grow professionally and inspire others along the way.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the greatest challenges facing the nursing profession today is the ongoing nursing shortage. Staffing shortages can place additional demands on healthcare professionals, contribute to burnout, and create challenges in maintaining consistent, high-quality patient care. Despite these obstacles, I remain committed to providing compassionate and effective care while supporting the growth of the nursing profession. I believe this challenge also presents an opportunity to advocate for meaningful change, strengthen nursing education, and inspire future generations of nurses to join and advance the field.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values that are most important to me in both my work and personal life are integrity, honesty, punctuality, and respect for others’ time. I believe these qualities are essential to building trust, maintaining professionalism, and creating meaningful relationships with patients, colleagues, students, and those around me. By consistently demonstrating accountability, reliability, and respect, I strive to foster a positive environment where people feel valued, supported, and confident in the work we accomplish together.
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