Debora La Torre, DNP, APRN, FNP-BC
and Her Journey of Going Back to School to Pursue her DNP

Believe it or not, becoming a nurse was not Dr. Debora La Torre’s first intention. Her journey differs from most others who aspire to the nursing profession. As a child, she initially wanted to become a pediatrician. Born to Peruvian immigrant parents, she witnessed a lack of healthcare providers who resembled her community and was determined to help her parents and others like them navigate the healthcare system.

When it came to college, her realization of the financial burden that medical school entailed drove her to seek other options, such as the U.S. military. She joined the U.S. Army after high school as a Combat Medic. While stationed in Hawaii, the implications of war became apparent after September 11th, and her unit was deployed overseas the following year. In Afghanistan, there were several types of missions to support Operation Enduring Freedom.

Completing a rotation at a combat support hospital in the middle of a “war zone” is where nursing “found” her. Debora saw the need to be at the bedside as the “eyes and ears” of medicine as she witnessed military nurses caring for a multitude of injured and mentally ill patients. Observing these nurses manage their responsibilities while remaining compassionate during patients’ most vulnerable moments awakened her calling to the nursing profession. Being a healing hand became her inspiration.

Working as an Emergency Department nurse in both the civilian and military sectors, Debora experienced many life-changing events and became an advocate for her patients and communities. Unfortunately, caring for individuals for a short time did not fulfill her overall goal.  She credits becoming a Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP-BC) to her “familia,” which means both family members and nursing colleagues who feel like family.
Debora La Torre photo

Being part of multiple nursing organizations helped her understand the “big picture” regarding the healthcare system and how to overcome some of the obstacles and healthcare disparities that communities face. Through organizations like the National Association of Hispanic Nurses (NAHN), she witnessed the power of the “masses,” seeing not only Hispanic/Latinx nurses effecting change at the local level but at the federal level as well. Knowing that this nursing “familia” shared very similar stories to her own and remained committed to making changes in their communities encouraged her to pursue her advanced degree. With the support and guidance from NAHN mentors, she completed her MSN from Walden University and practiced family medicine within her community.

As a FNP, Debora was determined to help not only her community but surrounding areas as well. Serving as part of NAHN’s local chapter leadership, she recognized the need to become a doctoral-prepared nurse and sought out the essential tools to create significant change within her community. Witnessing other doctoral-prepared nurses within the NAHN organization making an impact in their communities motivated her to pursue her DNP/Executive program with Johns Hopkins during the pandemic.

Though the program was challenging, the support of her “familia” was constant throughout her journey. Gaining skills to pursue grants, manage budgets for large community programs, and address healthcare disparities within her state was vital in becoming a better provider, leader, nurse, and advocate for the patients and communities she serves. She attests that she could not effectively pursue her doctorate degree without her NAHN “familia.”

Debora is very proud to be certified, knowing she has met the rigorous standards and possesses the knowledge and expertise recognized by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC). She hopes this inspires her students to continue learning and become role models for those within their communities.

For individuals contemplating going back to school to advance their nursing careers, she recommends surrounding themselves with “familia”—people who are willing to support them throughout this academic journey.

Debora states, “Remember that time will pass (sometimes like a kidney stone) regardless of whether you take that step or not. If you find yourself beginning a doctoral journey, make sure to take it day by day and avoid comparing yourself to others as you work toward your goal. Everyone’s journey looks different. Focus on accomplishing your goal.”