Maritess Nepomuceno, MHA, RN
Associate Director of Clinical Operations, UCSF Cancer Services on the Peninsula
Here is what Maritess's nominator had to say about her:
I would like to nominate Tess for her extraordinary leadership accomplishments within our team. She is an incredible leader, always placing exceptional patient care at the forefront while somehow managing to also maintain the wellbeing of her staff, in all the forms that looks. She is the living example of UCSF PRIDE Values. Since joining the Peninsula team a short several months ago, she has evolved clinical operations, opened a second infusion center, and recruited for a dozen positions. With the collaboration of her leadership team, she has endured all the challenges put forth on this venture including but not limited to strikes, power outages, and unique staffing challenges. She is a mentor for future nurse leaders. Tess is always smiling on even the hardest of days. I truly cannot think of anyone more deserving of this spotlight!
Nominated by: Christa Sundberg
Exceptional leadership skills, hardworking, dependable, and dedicated to delivering excellence. Such a visionary. Tess creates a friendly work environment while empowering those around her!
Nominated by: Jacqueline Quiles
Her dedication and hard work to help bring the Cancer Center and Infusion Center at the Peninsula Outpatient Center to life! Making sure each of her teams have everything they need before the go-live day. From infusion nurses to practice nurses to advance practice practitioners to medical assistants. Aside from preparation, Maritess also made herself available during the first week of go-live to help troubleshoot any challenges.
Nominated by: Jenny Li
Maritess's Bio:
Growing up in an immigrant family household, “work hard” was basically the mantra that drove my childhood. I spent much of my professional career in the service and hospitality industry but pivoted to nursing later in life after being inspired by the nurses around me in a volunteer position I held at SFGH. Oncology fell into my lap and it has been a long-life partnership ever since. After almost a decade at the bedside, I decided to pursue leadership and my master’s degree in healthcare administration. Being a natural born leader (“only-daughter, only-child syndrome” I like to call it), I knew that I wanted to take care of people who took care of others.
Life has not always been easy, but I like to say that my superpower is finding the silver lining in any situation. After several years of dealing with infertility and a cancer diagnosis, I have learned that life is precious, tomorrow is not promised, and that we can choose the light in our most darkest of days. This resiliency has bled into my professional career, and I am proud to say that I have collaborated on several projects that have improved staff workflows and patient care in the outpatient setting, specifically the adult infusion realm. I was the first Infusion Research Nurse liaison at the Adult Infusion Centers at Mt. Zion and Mission Bay, helped open and grow the Weill Neurosciences Infusion Center, and opened a new cancer center in Burlingame at the Peninsula Outpatient Center. On a day-to-day basis, I continually strive to navigate change, growth, and the UCSF mission among my team. I am particularly drawn to topics such as AI in healthcare, improving communication as a leader, and building strong teams.
What advice would you give yourself early on in your career? To a woman entering your field today?
Spend more time listening than you think you have to. Take a breath. Learn the difference between reacting and responding. A good first impression and confidence go a long way. Look people in the eye and smile. Remember people’s names. And lastly, do not be afraid to be you.
What has been an important success in your career? Have you had a key breakthrough moment?
It took me a long time to develop my confidence as a leader. I can’t pinpoint a specific moment, but one day it just “clicked”. I stopped caring about what other people thought about me. I allowed myself to take up space and forbade myself from feeling small. Studying other leaders around me, I asked myself what type of leader I wanted to be, and I focused on that. I told myself it was ok not to know everything, and it was ok to ask questions. Recently, conversations that I used to dread weren’t so scary anymore. I no longer see conflict or confrontation as a bad thing, but opportunities for improvement.
What do you like to do outside of work?
I love to travel, but more than anything, I love planning the travel! I love listening to podcasts while walking my dog. I love to read and am trying to learn how to knit. More importantly, I love a good day of rest!
How do you think the role of women in the workforce has changed throughout your career?
I think women have always run things, but we’re at the forefront more now – more visible, appreciated, and admired! In my career as a nurse and a nurse leader, women have always shaped my growth, and I think more women are being recognized as true pioneers in the industry – especially those from different backgrounds and ethnicities!
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