14 UTSW nurses to join the ‘DFW Great 100’
For 34 years, the Dallas-Fort Worth Great 100 Nurses organization has celebrated excellence by honoring outstanding nurses in North Texas. This year marks a significant milestone for UT Southwestern, as an impressive cohort of 14 RNs join the esteemed Great 100.
The organization annually recognizes 100 registered nurses who were nominated by their peers for being exceptional role models, leaders, community servants, compassionate caregivers, and significant contributors to the nursing profession.
“I am absolutely thrilled to see 14 of our incredible UT Southwestern nurses being honored on this list – more than we have ever had before,” said Susan Hernandez, D.N.P., M.B.A., RN, Associate Vice President and Chief Nurse Executive. “They have been such unwavering sources of support and strength to patients, families, and our organization as a whole. Their dedication is essential, and their impact is immeasurable.”
Associate Chief Nursing Officer of Nursing Excellence Christi Nguyen, D.N.P., RN, FACHE, NEA-BC, CENP, said she was ecstatic to witness UTSW’s representation not only in patient care but also in leadership and research. “These three facets of nursing are incredibly important to us at UT Southwestern, and I am immensely proud of our nurses for embodying these values to the extent of receiving recognition from the DFW area.”
Nurses will be inducted at the DFW Great 100 Awards gala on May 3 at the Morton H. Meyerson Symphony Center.
Take a moment to learn about UTSW’s 2024 Great 100 inductees as they share what drove them to become nurses.
Shelley Aleni, M.S.N., RN-BC
Nurse Manager
Years as a nurse: 16
Specialty: Perianesthesia
Why did you become a nurse? The birth of my son changed my career path from data processing to nursing. I was inspired by the care and compassion of the nurses who helped me during that time, and it motivated me to pursue a career where I could make a difference in people’s lives. That experience also opened my eyes to the importance of quality health care and the impact it can have on individuals and families.
How does it feel to be joining the Great 100? It is such an incredible honor and achievement. It feels surreal to be included among such a prestigious group of health care professionals who have made significant contributions to the field. I am humbled and grateful, and I am excited to continue making a positive impact on patient care.
Carlo Carpio, B.S.N., RN, CCRN-CMC-CSC
House Staffing Supervisor
Years as a nurse: 19
Specialty: Intensive Care Unit (ICU)
Why did you become a nurse? As a child, I knew I wanted to pursue a job in health care, and my journey eventually led me to pursue a career in nursing. My parents also called me a social butterfly and a “people person”, and I was able to apply these social skills in nursing. I like to take care of critically ill patients and I am always eager to learn about ICU equipment and ICU patient populations.
How does it feel to be joining the Great 100? I am so honored to be included in the Great 100. I am grateful that people acknowledge my work and effort as a critical care nurse.
Robert Castillo Jr., D.N.P., M.H.A., RN, CCRN, R.T. (R)(T) (ARRT)
Nurse Manager
Years as a nurse: 9
Specialties: Cardiovascular Intensive Care Unit (CVICU), Dialysis, Nursing Leadership
Why did you become a nurse? I have always wanted to take care of people, so as I began my career, I always looked for opportunities that would allow me to do so. I have worked in many areas of health care but also knew I would at some point become a nurse. I have continued to expand my knowledge and experience in nursing leadership. This has allowed me to help support and develop other nurses and future nurses, so that they can be an integral part of that same patient care that I loved so much.
How does it feel to be joining the Great 100? Just asking myself this question makes me feel many emotions. I am so excited, honored, and still in disbelief that I was chosen for such an amazing honor and privilege. I am also reminded to continue supporting my nursing profession and to be proud of what I love to do – be a nurse!
Ruben Castillo, D.N.P., RN, CCRN, NE-BC
Director of Nursing
Years as a nurse: 25
Specialties: Critical Care, Nursing Leadership
Why did you become a nurse? When I was 18 years old, I was involved in a car accident. During my recovery, I was looked after by a male nurse. After the wonderful care I received, I realized being a nurse was an interesting profession that would allow me to learn how to provide support to patients and families. Little did I know it would offer me so much more: the ability to give back to the community, to mentor, to pursue continual learning, and to have career stability.
How does it feel to be joining the Great 100? Words cannot express how excited I am to be selected as one of the Great 100 members for 2024. This is one of those recognitions that happens once in our careers, and highlights individuals for the time and dedication we give to our patients, families, and the profession.
Kimberly Collier, B.S.N., RN, CNOR
Director of Perioperative Services
Years as a nurse: 37
Specialty: Perioperative Services
Why did you become a nurse? I was always destined to work in the health care field. When I was a small child, my mom would catch me watching medical shows. My interest only grew, and by eighth grade, I decided to become a nurse. Surgery always amazed me, so it was no surprise that my first job after graduation was in the operating room (OR) as a surgical nurse. Deep down, I believe it was the ability to care for individuals at their most vulnerable and be their advocate that drew me to be an OR nurse.
How does it feel to be joining the Great 100? Amazing! It is great to know that through it all, it has been worth it. There are defining moments in everyone’s careers that make you feel really good about what you do. I have had a few moments in my career, and this one is truly remarkable.
Kelsey Davidson, B.S.N., RN
Nurse Manager
Years as a nurse: 10
Specialty: Critical Care (Medical ICU and Cardiac ICU)
Why did you become a nurse? I shadowed an RN for a semester in high school and I was amazed at the skill level, knowledge, autonomy, and compassion I witnessed from that nurse. From then on, I knew I wanted to be a nurse.
How does it feel to be joining the Great 100? It feels wonderful and I am still in shock! The past 10 years as a nurse have flown by and I feel like there is still so much more to learn. I am honored to be a part of this amazing group of Great 100 nurses.
Kaitlyn Dupriest, B.S.N., RN, CCRN
Assistant Nurse Manager
Years as a nurse: 7
Specialties: Neuroscience, Critical Care, Progressive Care Nursing
Why did you become a nurse? I have always been passionate about helping others, and nursing provided an avenue to practice this every day. I started my career as a nurse extern while I was still in nursing school and had the opportunity to be mentored by some amazing nurses throughout my time at UTSW. There are endless opportunities to continue to grow in the nursing profession, and at UTSW I am learning something new every day I come to work.
How does it feel to be joining the Great 100? I feel so honored to be recognized for this award, along with the other incredible nominees from our organization. I am thankful to my leaders, mentors, peers, and family who have helped shape me into the nurse that I am today.
Christopher McLarty, D.N.P., APRN, ACNP-BC
Associate Vice President and Chief Nursing Officer
Years as a nurse: 19
Specialty: Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
Why did you become a nurse? Ultimately, the patients are my “why”. My career has provided incredible opportunities to have a meaningful impact on the people we serve, including caring for them and their families through what could be the most stressful time of their lives. I also appreciate that the profession provides so many avenues to learn, grow, and reinvent yourself – and that learning never stops.
How does it feel to be joining the Great 100? I’m both grateful and humbled to join such a respected group of clinicians and leaders.
Lisa Smith, B.S.N., RN, CCRN
Assistant Nurse Manager
Years as a nurse: 8
Specialties: Neurosurgery and Neurology
Why did you become a nurse? I enjoy the combination of art and science that makes nursing unique. Working in critical care allows for new challenges and opportunities for personal and professional growth.
How does it feel to be joining the Great 100? Many of the leaders who have mentored me throughout my career have been recognized in past Great 100 lists. I’ve always looked up to those individuals and it is an honor to now be included in that group.
Charlene Stein, M.H.A., RN, OCN
Director of Oncology Clinical Operations
Years as a nurse: 15
Specialty: Oncology
Why did you become a nurse? When I was 16, my father passed away from esophageal cancer after a five-month struggle with the illness. Seeing how those nurses took phenomenal care of my father, and truly tried to be a shining light during the most challenging time, made me want to strive to make a difference in the lives of oncology patients. That life experience of losing my father to cancer really shaped me into who I am today, and why I am the person I am today.
How does it feel to be joining the Great 100? It is a true honor to receive this award. I am proud to be a nursing leader, dedicated to making a positive impact by guiding and mentoring my team to truly provide the highest level of excellence to our patients every day. Receiving this award reaffirms my passion in nursing and leadership. It fuels my desire to continue to endorse continuous improvement, research, and excellence, while promoting joy and serving our patients and our community wholeheartedly.
Lija Thomas, M.S.N., RN, Dip.P.C
Registered Nurse
Years as a nurse: 25
Specialty: Medical/Surgical
Why did you become a nurse? My nursing journey was sparked by a simple yet powerful drive to care for others – a quality my father embodied in every act of kindness he showed as an ordinary man in our community. His example taught me the value of compassion and the difference it can make in someone’s life. Every day in nursing, I strive to channel that same spirit. There’s an indescribable fulfillment that comes from a patient’s smile – a silent affirmation that I’ve played a part in their healing. This career is my way of extending my father’s legacy of caring, offering comfort and healing where it’s needed most.
How does it feel to be joining the Great 100? I am absolutely blessed and humbled to receive such an honor. This recognition is a collective achievement, honoring my efforts and the support and teamwork of those I’ve worked with. This accolade is a milestone that fuels my passion further and encourages me to uphold the legacy of excellence in nursing.
Shinto Thomas, M.S.N., RN, PCCN
Nursing Director
Years as a nurse: 25
Specialty: Cardiothoracic nursing – LVAD and Heart and Lung Transplant
Why did you become a nurse? During my childhood, I witnessed the exceptional care my mother received when she was hospitalized on multiple occasions. The nurses who took care of her showed remarkable clinical knowledge, politeness, and sensitivity. Their assistance made a big difference in our family’s experience during a difficult time. I wanted to become a nurse so I could have a positive impact on people’s lives and contribute to a supportive health care team.
How does it feel to be joining the Great 100? It is such an honor to be recognized as a Great 100 nurse. Being a part of such a distinguished group of nurses is both encouraging and humbling. I am incredibly grateful to be a part of an amazing team that encourages and strives to bring out the best in each of us. Throughout my nursing career, I’ve met many role models whom I aspire to be like, and I want to work to bring positive changes in our profession. I have been truly blessed!
Julie Varkey, M.S.N., RN, CMSRN
Assistant Nurse Manager
Years as a nurse: 22
Specialty: Medical/Surgical
Why did you become a nurse? I truly believe that nursing is a calling. At a young age my mother instilled in me a servant’s heart. She dreamed of me becoming a nurse. Although I initially wanted to become a teacher, my desire to make a difference in others’ lives was so strong that I ended up pursuing a nursing career. It became my passion. I’ve been in nursing for 22 years, and to this day, it continues to be a rewarding profession. As a nurse, I now get to function as a teacher, mentor, and advocate to my patients, staff, and nursing students.
How does it feel to be joining the Great 100? I am truly honored and blessed to be named a DFW Great 100 nurse. I am grateful for my team, family, friends and leaders for their support and valuable time.
David Wyatt, Ph.D., RN, NEA-BC, CNOR, FAORN, FAAN
Chief Nursing Officer, University Hospital
Years as a nurse: 30
Specialties: Leadership, Perioperative Nursing
Why did you become a nurse? I was drawn to how nurses were able to make such a significant impact on patients, as well as the amazing variety of specialties and opportunities.
How does it feel to be joining the Great 100? It is an amazing honor to be a part of this group alongside all of the past recipients.