ALUMNI profile
Gabriel Mangual-Reyes CLASS OF 2015
Gabriel Mangual-Reyes understood the importance of education and always knew his next step following high school would be to attend college . Shortly after graduating from Zephyrhills High School ( 2004 ) he enrolled at PHSC . Although he was unsure of a future career path , he felt committed to somehow make a difference in the world . After completing his first semester at PHSC , Mangual-Reyes pursued a personal calling and enlisted in the United States Marine Corps .
While serving , he was assigned to a helicopter squadron on the USS Kearsarge in support of mission Continuing Promise . Mangual-Reyes ’ initial job was to ensure all navigation and communication systems on the helicopters were working properly . Shortly after deployment , he was offered the opportunity to assist physicians , nurses , and veterinarians translating communications with local residents in foreign countries . Working alongside health care professionals , Mangual- Reyes became interested in nursing . “ I felt it was the perfect career for someone like me ,” he said . “ I wanted to be an advocate , a healer , an educator and the many other things that come along with being a nurse .”
After being honorably discharged from the Marine Corps in 2010 , Mangual-Reyes decided to pursue a nursing degree . He earned his Associate in Science in Nursing from PHSC in 2015 and soon thereafter started working as a registered nurse for Florida Hospital Zephyrhills .
Mangual-Reyes was quickly recognized for his extraordinary work . In February 2017 , he received the prestigious DAISY Award which honors nurses who not only exhibit exceptional clinical skills and leadership , but also strong patient care and compassion .
A few months later , Mangual-Reyes was honored as the 2017 Nurse of the
Year for Florida Hospital Zephyrhills at the hospital ’ s 8 th annual Nurse of the Year celebration ceremony . He was nominated for the award by patients , their family members , peers and hospital leadership . When questioned how he felt being recognized as Nurse of the Year , he replied , “ It was a great feeling . I can honestly say that nursing is not a one-person type of thing though . Positive patient outcomes are achieved through the collaboration and teamwork of many people . I am just thankful to be surrounded by a team that gives me the resources to be a great nurse for my patients .”
Mangual-Reyes never knows what awaits him when he walks into the Intensive Care Unit to start his shift . Regardless of situations he may face , he will continue to go above and beyond for his patients and their families . His future plans include continuing his education in nursing and to potentially teach one day .
30 PHSC Perspective