Dr. Johana Bermudez Vera is one of a few USD students selected to be featured in “vignettes” that air on Univision. Click here to watch the video.
Dr. Bermudez Vera graduated from the USD Hahn School of Nursing and Health Science in May 2020. She worked hard to earn her Doctor of Nursing Practice degree in Psych/Mental Health.
“When I was doing clinicals, I found out for sure that was my passion. It was my favorite part when I was interacting with patients. It is challenging, but it the reason why I am here; to help people in some way and this is my way of fulfilling my purpose.”
From Colombia to the United States and Navy Nurse Corp
Dr. Bermudez Vera ‘s road to USD included some detours. She grew up in Colombia and came to the United States in 2002. Her first big challenge; to learn English as an adult. She did and then went on to earn her nursing degree. After that she joined the Navy as an officer in the Navy Nurse Corps.
When I was doing clinicals, I found out for sure that was my passion. It was my favorite part when I was interacting with patients. It is challenging, but it's the reason why I am here; to help people in some way.- Dr. Johana Bermudez, Former DNP Student
Dr. Bermudez Vera was in the Navy Nurse Corps for almost eight years. Her first duty station was in Portsmouth, Virginia. From there, she deployed to Afghanistan for about nine months where she was with a small unit that worked to stabilize patients before sending them via MEDEVAC to a larger hospital. After Afghanistan, she went to Okinawa for a couple of years, and finally, she came back to the United States and was stationed at Camp Pendleton. There, she decided to pursue a higher degree, something where she could work with patients on a one-to-one basis. She applied for DUINS, which is duty under instruction, but ended up resigning her commission before she was accepted.
“I have lived in many different places and I have become resilient to all the challenges that life brings you in general.”
Encouragement from USD Faculty and Staff to Finish the Program
Once separated from the Navy, Dr. Bermudez Vera used funds from her G.I. Bill to attend the USD Hahn School of Nursing and Health Science. She chose USD because some of her co-workers told her it was the best program.
“One of the things I found about USD is all the instructors, staff, everybody that works there is amazing. And when I wanted to quit, the support from everyone was a big motivation for me to keep going with this program.”
While all her professors were so helpful, she developed a special bond with Dr. Semira Semino-Asaro.
“Part of why I was able to finish this program is thanks to her. She wasn’t just an advisor; she was an understanding and supportive person and I could not stop thanking her for all she did to help me.”
She is now an alumna of USD Hahn School of Nursing. She has not looked for a job yet; instead, she wants to focus all her energy on studying for her board exams. She prefers to do things one at a time; that is how she has gotten to where she is today. That and the belief that opportunity surrounds most of us; we just have to make the sometimes unnerving decision to take the first step.
“Always go with what our heart tells us, our intuition, and our true desires; doors will open. If you always act with a good heart and best intentions, the limit is the stars.”
Interested in taking your nursing career to the next level? Explore the Doctor of Nursing Practice degree program at the University of San Diego.
