Jaden Romero: From nurse tech to charge nurse

Jaden Romero, an RN on the acute oncology med surg floor, joined the Ochsner Lafayette General team in 2022 as a nurse tech. He was immediately drawn to the dynamic and diverse nature of med surg nursing.

“I think the reason I love med surg is because I like to be a jack of all trades,” Jaden said. “You get to see everything like critical care, recovery and patient progression. It’s the foundation of nursing.”

Initially, Jaden planned to stay in med surg for just a year or two. But his career path evolved. Today, he’s committed to the field as he works toward his family nurse practitioner degree. Along the way, Jaden discovered more than a passion for nursing. He found a love for teaching and leadership.

Dana Guillory: Finding her true calling in med surg

For Dana Guillory, nursing wasn’t just a career choice; it was a calling. Now an RN on the med tele unit, Dana knew from the beginning that this was the path she was meant to follow.

“I always knew I wanted to be a nurse. I can’t imagine doing anything else,” she said.

Dana’s nursing career began as an LPN working in clinics and long-term care, but she realized something was missing.

“I wanted to be on the floor, helping patients and applying everything we learned in school,” she said. “That’s what brought me back to school to become an RN.”

When Dana transitioned to med surg, she found her perfect fit. The fast-paced environment, the variety in patient care and the support of her team made med surg feel like home.

“Med Surg is fun. You never know what you’re going to get. One day it’s a surgery patient, the next it’s treating someone with cardiac issues or educating them about chronic illnesses. There’s so much variety under one umbrella.”

Growth you can see and feel

The growth opportunities at Ochsner are both tangible and inspiring. For Jaden, they’ve exceeded every expectation.

“I didn’t realize how much opportunity I’d have here,” he says. “In just three years, I’ve become a charge nurse, collaborated with the talent acquisition team, and started teaching as a clinical instructor through a partnership with the University of Louisiana.”

Jaden’s professional growth is matched by Ochsner’s support for his education.

“They’re contributing to my tuition. It’s a big help. You see people here advancing all the time. I’ve seen folks go from dietary to CNA to RN. The growth here is real, and the support is too.”

Purpose in every shift

For both nurses, the heart of their work comes down to one thing: the patients.

“The patients are my favorite part—hands down. It’s why I do what I do,” Jaden said. “I love people. I love connecting with them. I work in the same community I grew up in, so I get to care for people’s moms, aunts and even old friends. In Louisiana, we always say, 'How's your mama and dem?' I love talking to patients and getting to know who they are as people. It really builds a connection."

Dana shares that sentiment, especially when it comes to being there for patients during hard moments.

“Sometimes you’re seeing someone at their worst. Just being that support and letting them know we’ve got their back. That’s everything. And then seeing them get better and go home? It’s the best part. It’s a lot of hard work, but it’s so rewarding.”

Why med surg?

While some nurses see med surg as a stop along the way, nurses like Jaden and Dana have forged fulfilling careers here. Med surg is a fast-paced, team-driven environment full of variety and challenge. It’s a place to build your confidence, find your voice and connect deeply with both patients and colleagues.

Med surg isn’t just the start of a nursing career. It’s the foundation for personal and professional growth. For many, like Jaden and Dana, it becomes a home where everything falls into place.

Explore rewarding careers in med surg nursing today.