Cyrus Batheja, EdD, MBA, BSN, PHN, RN
United Healthcare
What advice would you give your younger self?
Be patient, all good things take time.
What advice would you give your younger self?
Be patient, all good things take time.
Columbia Nursing has long been at the forefront of innovative, interdisciplinary research
on the disparities in health faced by racial and sexual minorities and underrepresented groups,
and how to reduce these inequities.
In 2021, the school launched three centers demonstrating its commitment to social justice and high-quality health care for all, as well as to prepare the next generation of nurse-scientists to continue this mission: the Center for Research on People of Color (CRPC), the Center for Sexual and Gender Minority Health Research (CSGMHR), and the Center for Healthcare Delivery Research and Innovations (CHDRI).
What advice would you give your younger self?
I would offer the Zen precept, “Leap and the net will appear.” Courage is a necessity to create a life of meaning.
Where is your favorite vacation spot?
Nantucket Island, Massachusetts. It’s a wonderful mix of spectacular beaches, nature, and many venues where our beloved golden retriever family member is also welcome!
What advice would you give your younger self?
Have faith in yourself! Your education and experience have helped you develop valuable expertise to enable you to carve out a successful career. Don't be afraid of new opportunities, even if you're being asked to do something you haven't done before. Also, stretch yourself beyond your 'day' job and volunteer for activities that you are interested in. Seek out a mentor, and take time to listen to others' experience.
What advice would you give your younger self?
Find an area of clinical interest in nursing that you are both passionate and curious about, further your education and experiential learning in the area. Become curious. Explore unanswered questions that you have or develop in that clinical area, join professional specialty organizations related to that area of focus, and pursue professional networks –all to enable you to become a subject matter expert.
In the last year, the public has focused on scientific research more than ever, and at the 2020 NightinGala, we heard stories directly from nurse scientists on the frontlines of COVID-19 research. FNINR wants to continue honoring nurse scientists fighting for better health outcomes by presenting stories of NINR-funded research during the 2021 NightinGala.
If you are a nurse scientist working on an NINR-funded project and would like to share the story of your research, please fill out this brief form. Several of the submissions will be showcased during the 2021 NightinGala.
Where is your favorite vacation spot?
Maui, HI.
What made you want to pursue a career in nursing?
My aunt is a retired ICU nurse. Early on, she inspired me to pursue nursing. She served as the matriarch and the eternal caregiver of our immediate and extended families.
What advice would you give your younger self?
Don't be afraid to take calculated risks
What advice would you give your younger self?
Identify what brings you the most joy and meaning in your work. It can be tempting to be drawn into projects or positions where others tell you you're needed or they say you have particular talents. But this can distract you from a career trajectory that may ultimately be your greatest source of contribution and satisfaction in life. It's important to make clear decisions about your priorities and stay in charge of your career.
Where is your favorite vacation spot?
My favorite spot is anywhere in nature where I'm surrounded by wildlife, large powerful trees, vocal birds, and foliage of all kinds. The beauty and peacefulness of nature always help me 'vacate' and revive my soul!
To see FNINR's full Board of Directors, please visit the FNINR website.
What advice would you give your younger self?
Get your doctorate before SS benefits and Medicare kick-in, but you are never too late to get it.
Where is your favorite vacation spot?
Provincetown, MA.
What advice would you give your younger self?
Savor every experience along the way! And remember that relationships are the most important aspect of your professional and personal life; your relationships are the key to success.
Where is your favorite vacation spot?
Anywhere on or near the water- particularly anywhere we can stay on our boat, Tonic.
Almost one year into the COVID-19 pandemic, Americans are showing their support for placing a high priority on improving our nation’s public health system. 73% of Americans say the COVID-19 pandemic has revealed that major changes are needed in our public health system, including more funding. You can view the results of the survey here.
What advice would you give your younger self?
Learn to say "no" to those things that aren't important to you.
Where is your favorite vacation spot?
Coronado Island, San Diego, CA
What advice would you give your younger self?
Balance your desire for important work and commitment with a focus on family and relationships; one cannot live without the other.
Where is your favorite vacation spot?
Any place that includes a beach, sand and palm trees.
What advice would you give your younger self?
Follow your passion, seek first to understand, and balance action with patience.
Where is your favorite vacation spot?
Hawaii! I had the great fortune to live in Hawaii for 22 years and love returning to the islands to visit friends and my favorite places.
What made you want to pursue a career in nursing?
From the time I can remember, I wanted to be a nurse. I think this decisive career pathway was developed through the role models in my life. My grandfather was a surgeon, my mom a physical therapist and my aunt was a pediatric nurse. In the 1950’s my aunt left Babies Hospital in New York City to become a nurse in Alaska. She travel throughout the state, lived in rural villages, and started her own business to help people do a better job of parenting children. She lived a life of personal and professional adventure; her stories and experiences inspired me to want that kind of career and life for myself. Early in my career, I came to realize the impact nurses can have on children and families. And I loved the tremendous resilience that children have managing and coping with illness. When I became a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner, I knew that I could influence the health and well-being of children and families through my wellness teaching and guidance. What could be more gratifying than setting a child on the right path to a life of health and wellness? Throughout out my entire career opportunities to take amazing roles presented themselves to me, like becoming a nurse educator. After I completed my Master’s degree and pediatric nurse practitioner program (PNP), I traveled across the country and ended up in Hawaii. Initially, I was seeking a position as a PNP, but no positions were open (at that time, only 2 PNP were employed on the islands). I happened to see an ad in the newspaper for a nursing faculty at the University of Hawaii, I interviewed and was hired on the spot! After my first semester teaching eager nursing students, I realized that I really enjoyed the privilege of influencing the next generation of nurses. The autonomy of the position, the ability to be creative, and the variety of the work day also were very appealing to me. Within 6 months of starting to teach nursing, I was hired as a part-time PNP and continued to practice as a PNP and have a faculty appointment throughout my career.
What advice would you give your younger self?
Don't be so quick to have your life figured out. Opportunities & experiences happen when you least expect it. Have the courage to embrace them.
Where is your favorite vacation spot?
Big Sky, Montana - My family has vacationed there since I was young. A tradition that continues with my 5 brothers and our families.