Nyack College School of Nursing alumna, Tahira Ilarraza has joined the faculty of SUNY Rockland Community College (RCC) in Suffern, NY. The 2013 Nyack graduate will teach two lecture sections of “Fundamentals of Nursing” and clinicals. In addition to her role at SUNY RCC, she will continue working at Montefiore Nyack (formerly Nyack Hospital) as a member of the per diem staff on the postpartum unit and medical surgical unit.
While she was completing her studies at Nyack College, for nearly a year and a half she worked as a patient care associate at Montefiore Nyack. She also trained and worked as a telemetry monitor technician. Shortly after earning her Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) and passing the rigorous National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX), she was hired by Montefiore Nyack to work on the medical surgical unit.
Tahira credits her Nyack College experience as a time of invaluable preparation. She explains, “It takes true intentionality to go into a shift every day and provide patient-centered care in a Christ-centered way. I am so thankful to have studied nursing in a school that values the love of Jesus and the powerful difference it makes. Nursing is a beautiful profession that provides the opportunity to care for people, some of whom are at their lowest point.”
In addition to being a wife and mother of two beautiful little girls, she serves alongside her husband, John-Paul Ilarraza, a 2011 Nyack College alumnus. At New Life Tabernacle, a Rockland County ministry where her husband is the lead pastor, Tahira facilitates a bible study for women of all ages. She shares, “It has been such a joy to see God speak, grow and stretch us through His Word.”
There’s much more in store for Prof. Ilarraza. She plans to pursue certification as a lactation specialist and her goal is to complete a Doctorate in Nursing Practice to become a family nurse practitioner.