SON Partners with Networking California for Sickle Cell Care
The School of Nursing ( SON ) partnered with Networking California for Sickle Cell Care to train nurse practitioners ( NPs ). Networking California for Sickle Cell Care , California ’ s first and only Sickle Cell Disease ( SCD ) consortium , was created in response to severe shortages of SCD expertise among health care providers .
SCD , an inherited blood disorder that affects the ability of red blood cells to carry oxygen , is a lifelong condition with no cure . According to the CDC , SCD occurs among about 1 out of every 365 Black or African-American births . In the adult population , there is often a great deal of scrutiny and stigma associated with SCD and pain management .
“ We ’ re honored to be part of this inaugural program educating NPs on how to effectively treat and care for people living with Sickle Cell Disease ,” said Dr . Juana Ferrerosa , Director , Doctor of Nursing Practice Program and Assistant Professor . “ I can ’ t tell you how happy our nurses are to be working hand-in-hand with patients , listening to their needs , and ultimately saving more lives .”
Dr . Ferrerosa led the successful effort to obtain approval to offer a Specialty in Blood Disorders within SON .
STUDENT PROFILE
Edwin Cabahug
Edwin Cabahug is a student in the Mervyn M . Dymally School of Nursing ' s Doctorate of Nursing Practice ( DNP ) program . He first graduated from CDU in 2016 with his Master ' s of Science in Nursing , Family Nurse Practitioner and will graduate with his Doctor of Nursing Practice in 2023 .
Cabahug was born and raised in the Philippines and lived in Bakersfield , California , following his arrival in the United States in 2006 . He worked as a Traveler ER Nurse for 19 years and currently works as a Primary Care Nurse Practitioner in Family Medicine at Kern Medical and as a Provider in Walk-In Clinic in Clinica Sierra Vista . Before arriving in the US , Cabahug worked as a Nurse in the Middle East and the United Kingdom .
" Nursing is a passion of mine that is sowed in the depths of my heart . It allows me to serve my community and to be a light during someone ' s dark disease process . Nursing is limitless , with the only boundaries being set by the beholder ," said Cabahug . " As a nurse practitioner , I have set no limits , and I aspire to grow continuously . I want to live an extraordinary life that will enable me to learn broadly , serve generously , and lead courageously as a Doctorate Nurse Practitioner ."
Cabahug said he feels at home with CDU and the resources that the University provides . He intends to use the training and knowledge he ' s gained at CDU to benefit the community of Bakersfield .
“ The Kern County area ' s diversified population includes people of all ages , races , and income levels ," explained Cabahug . " Using the knowledge learned during the DNP program , my overarching goal would be to assist uninsured and underprivileged patients in this area who may not currently benefit from the established system ."
He hopes to eventually own his own health care business and continue to provide compassionate care for underserved communities .
2022 Annual Report Charles R . Drew University of Medicine and Science
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