Nga Nguyen-Pham, RN, same-day surgery supervisor at Our Lady of the Lake Regional Medical Center, shares her Vietnamese heritage and what Asian American Pacific Islander Month means to her.
Nguyen-Pham has been a part of Our Lady of the Lake Health since October 2012. As the supervisor of the same-day surgery department, she oversees that her team efficiently admits post-operation patients who are coming in for surgery or procedures. Nguyen-Pham is also a credentialed optime trainer for Epic, our electronic medical record.
Nguyen-Pham’s interest in becoming a nurse started when she was in high school. She says, “I wanted to choose a career where I was able to help others and feel like I could make a difference.”
Family Traditions
Vietnamese New Year, Tet, is a very important cultural celebration in Nguyen-Pham’s family. They come together every year for a big celebration at her parents’ house. The family tradition is very dear to her dad who hopes the family keeps going for generations to come. Nguyen-Pham’s favorite family tradition is always being able to come together for holidays, and her favorite cultural dish is eating Pho.
Journalist Lisa Ling was always an inspiration to Nguyen-Pham growing up. “She is such a strong female who is not afraid to voice her opinions,” she says.
The Importance of Listening and Different Perspectives
“Listening is so important because it shows others that you value what they say. When you listen, you communicate better,” Nguyen-Pham says. Diversity in the workplace is important to her because it brings in different perspectives that will achieve better outcomes.
Our DEI Commitment
Our ministry’s commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion supports culturally competent care education for our team members all year long, including during Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month each May.
