Cyrus Batheja, EdD, MBA, BSN, PHN, RN
United Healthcare
What advice would you give your younger self?
Be patient, all good things take time.
What advice would you give your younger self?
Be patient, all good things take time.
What advice would you give your younger self?
I would offer the Zen precept, “Leap and the net will appear.” Courage is a necessity to create a life of meaning.
Where is your favorite vacation spot?
Nantucket Island, Massachusetts. It’s a wonderful mix of spectacular beaches, nature, and many venues where our beloved golden retriever family member is also welcome!
What advice would you give your younger self?
Have faith in yourself! Your education and experience have helped you develop valuable expertise to enable you to carve out a successful career. Don't be afraid of new opportunities, even if you're being asked to do something you haven't done before. Also, stretch yourself beyond your 'day' job and volunteer for activities that you are interested in. Seek out a mentor, and take time to listen to others' experience.
What advice would you give your younger self?
Find an area of clinical interest in nursing that you are both passionate and curious about, further your education and experiential learning in the area. Become curious. Explore unanswered questions that you have or develop in that clinical area, join professional specialty organizations related to that area of focus, and pursue professional networks –all to enable you to become a subject matter expert.
Where is your favorite vacation spot?
Maui, HI.
What made you want to pursue a career in nursing?
My aunt is a retired ICU nurse. Early on, she inspired me to pursue nursing. She served as the matriarch and the eternal caregiver of our immediate and extended families.
What advice would you give your younger self?
Don't be afraid to take calculated risks
What advice would you give your younger self?
Identify what brings you the most joy and meaning in your work. It can be tempting to be drawn into projects or positions where others tell you you're needed or they say you have particular talents. But this can distract you from a career trajectory that may ultimately be your greatest source of contribution and satisfaction in life. It's important to make clear decisions about your priorities and stay in charge of your career.
Where is your favorite vacation spot?
My favorite spot is anywhere in nature where I'm surrounded by wildlife, large powerful trees, vocal birds, and foliage of all kinds. The beauty and peacefulness of nature always help me 'vacate' and revive my soul!
What advice would you give your younger self?
Get your doctorate before SS benefits and Medicare kick-in, but you are never too late to get it.
Where is your favorite vacation spot?
Provincetown, MA.
What advice would you give your younger self?
Life is precious so savor each day and experience. Keep your family close and celebrate the little things as well as the major milestones. Choose a career that you love and excel in your profession. At the end of each day take a moment to be thankful for the opportunity to help others. Make friends and be kind. Live, love and laugh.
Where is your favorite vacation spot?
I love the ocean- the rhythm of the waves, the peacefulness of nature and the many memories of good times. My favorite island destination is St. John, U.S. Virgin Islands.
What advice would you give your younger self?
Savor every experience along the way! And remember that relationships are the most important aspect of your professional and personal life; your relationships are the key to success.
Where is your favorite vacation spot?
Anywhere on or near the water- particularly anywhere we can stay on our boat, Tonic.
What advice would you give your younger self?
Learn to say "no" to those things that aren't important to you.
Where is your favorite vacation spot?
Coronado Island, San Diego, CA
What advice would you give your younger self?
Balance your desire for important work and commitment with a focus on family and relationships; one cannot live without the other.
Where is your favorite vacation spot?
Any place that includes a beach, sand and palm trees.
What advice would you give your younger self?
Follow your passion, seek first to understand, and balance action with patience.
Where is your favorite vacation spot?
Hawaii! I had the great fortune to live in Hawaii for 22 years and love returning to the islands to visit friends and my favorite places.
What made you want to pursue a career in nursing?
From the time I can remember, I wanted to be a nurse. I think this decisive career pathway was developed through the role models in my life. My grandfather was a surgeon, my mom a physical therapist and my aunt was a pediatric nurse. In the 1950’s my aunt left Babies Hospital in New York City to become a nurse in Alaska. She travel throughout the state, lived in rural villages, and started her own business to help people do a better job of parenting children. She lived a life of personal and professional adventure; her stories and experiences inspired me to want that kind of career and life for myself. Early in my career, I came to realize the impact nurses can have on children and families. And I loved the tremendous resilience that children have managing and coping with illness. When I became a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner, I knew that I could influence the health and well-being of children and families through my wellness teaching and guidance. What could be more gratifying than setting a child on the right path to a life of health and wellness? Throughout out my entire career opportunities to take amazing roles presented themselves to me, like becoming a nurse educator. After I completed my Master’s degree and pediatric nurse practitioner program (PNP), I traveled across the country and ended up in Hawaii. Initially, I was seeking a position as a PNP, but no positions were open (at that time, only 2 PNP were employed on the islands). I happened to see an ad in the newspaper for a nursing faculty at the University of Hawaii, I interviewed and was hired on the spot! After my first semester teaching eager nursing students, I realized that I really enjoyed the privilege of influencing the next generation of nurses. The autonomy of the position, the ability to be creative, and the variety of the work day also were very appealing to me. Within 6 months of starting to teach nursing, I was hired as a part-time PNP and continued to practice as a PNP and have a faculty appointment throughout my career.
What advice would you give your younger self?
Don't be so quick to have your life figured out. Opportunities & experiences happen when you least expect it. Have the courage to embrace them.
Where is your favorite vacation spot?
Big Sky, Montana - My family has vacationed there since I was young. A tradition that continues with my 5 brothers and our families.
What advice would you give your younger self?
Start the research doctorate as soon as you complete the masters degree and start your research as early as possible.
Where is your favorite vacation spot?
Tortola, British Virgin Islands.
What advice would you give your younger self?
Celebrate and trust the unique gift you are and meant to share in this life.
Where is your favorite vacation spot?
Nature in all forms and places.
What advice would you give your younger self?
Don’t take your academic nursing leadership career for advancing education, research and practice so serious – lighten up – breathe more- reflect more- laugh more- ENJOY a healthy balanced work-life MORE.
Where is your favorite vacation spot?
Daufuskie Island – a wonderful get away that FEW people know about – it is a beautiful historic 7 mile island that is a 45 minute ferry ride from Hilton Head, SC. After the Civil War it became inhabited primarily by freed slaves – the book “The Ocean is Wide” by Pat Conroy tells a wonderful story about his work to integrate the Gullah children in the SC public school system.
What advice would you give your younger self?
Stop worrying. It serves no purpose.
Where is your favorite vacation spot?
The Caribbean - any island, any time.