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