Alejandro’s career didn’t begin in healthcare. Originally from Elko, Nev., he moved to Reno on a scholarship to study geology but quickly realized it wasn't the right path.
"For a while I felt a little lost and unsure about what direction to take," he said.
That uncertainty began to shift after he took a biology class. "As I continued studying, the idea of working in healthcare started to grow on me, especially when I began learning about the brain."
When Alejandro stepped into a clinical setting, everything started to fall into place.
"I decided to take a phlebotomy course and became certified. Looking back, my first day of clinicals in the Renown inpatient lab was really the first step toward my career as a primary care provider. I was able to see the work nurses and other healthcare staff were doing, and it felt meaningful."
With encouragement from a colleague, he applied to nursing school and began building his career, eventually working as a nurse in the float pool before finding his place in oncology.
Building Connection Through Language and Experience
Alejandro's ability to connect with patients is rooted in his upbringing. Growing up in a Spanish-speaking household, he often served as an interpreter for his mother during everyday situations and medical appointments. "I've always been fluent in both languages, and that has been incredibly helpful in my career."
Today, that experience shapes how he supports patients. Alejandro said, "Being able to communicate with and provide comfort to Spanish-speaking patients has been very rewarding. Receiving medical care can already be stressful, and language barriers can make it even more difficult."
A Defining Moment
While working toward his nursing degree, Alejandro experienced a life-changing moment: he adopted his son, who was born at just 2 pounds, 12 ounces and spent time in Renown's NICU before coming home at around 4 pounds. He is now a healthy, thriving 7-year-old.
"This wasn't part of my original plan, and it definitely made getting through school more challenging, but it was the best decision I've ever made," he reflected.
Balancing school, clinicals, work and parenthood pushed him in new ways but also gave him a strong sense of purpose while also being supported along the way by his partner, who stepped up at home when things became more demanding.
Balancing school, clinicals, work and parenthood pushed him in new ways but also gave him a strong sense of purpose while also being supported along the way by his partner, who stepped up at home when things became more demanding.
During this period of his life, Alejandro made the intentional choice to prioritize his mental health, something he now carries into his work with patients.
"Our mental health has such a strong impact on our physical health, and therapy was essential in helping me manage these challenges."
That experience continues to shape how he approaches care, reinforcing the importance of supporting both mental and physical wellbeing.
Alejandro's journey with Renown spans more than a decade, from completing clinical hours as a phlebotomist to returning as an oncology nurse and eventually completing his nurse practitioner clinicals within Renown's primary care and urgent care clinics. Along the way, he found a particularly meaningful source of support in his clinical lab supervisor, who encouraged him through nursing school and during his adoption process, offering flexibility and guidance throughout.
"I truly don't think I would be where I am today without the support from Renown,” he said. “Additionally, Renown offers flexible scheduling, which made it possible for me to complete my clinical hours, attend classes and continue working without significant conflicts.”
Throughout his journey, he found encouragement among the people around him. "I've been fortunate to work with some incredible peers and leaders throughout my journey."
Continuing to Grow and Give Back
Beyond his work in healthcare, Alejandro is an avid traveler. Over the past four years, he and his family have visited 12 countries, including Iceland and the Canary Islands, where they hiked up to Pico de Las Nieves in Gran Canaria. It's a passion he hopes to pass on to his son, giving him a window into cultures beyond their own.
Today, Alejandro serves as a primary care provider and continues to give back teaching clinicals at Carrington College, supporting the next generation of nurses.
"Take advantage of every educational opportunity that comes your way and always ask for feedback,” he emphasized.
“Being open to feedback is a great way to grow and improve your practice. It's also valuable to pursue advancement in your career and take the steps needed to get there. Try to actively seek advice from leadership or peers who share similar goals. Collaborating with others and building strong professional relationships can really help you grow professionally."
With that mindset, Alejandro continues to grow his own career while helping and leading others to do the same.
