Graduating Into Purpose: Nurse, Entrepreneur & Dreamer
- Camila Fernandez
- Sep 26
- 3 min read
If you had told six-year-old me that I would one day graduate as a Registered Nurse, gain hands-on clinical experience as an ICU Nurse Extern at Moffitt Cancer Centre, and run my own business, she would have smiled with wide-eyed wonder, though she couldn’t have imagined the journey ahead.
Hard Work, Heart & Hustle
Today marks a milestone I once only dreamed of. I have officially earned my Bachelor’s in Nursing from Rasmussen University, all while continuing to grow Elite Nannies & Services.
Balancing a demanding nursing program with managing my business, Elite Nannies & Services in Tampa, Florida, was no easy feat. Countless sleepless nights, long tiring days, and even the occasional mood swings tested my resolve, but every challenge was worth it. Alongside my studies, my medical residency experience provided hands-on exposure to patient care, critical decision-making, and the realities of working in high-pressure clinical settings.
These experiences, combined with my entrepreneurial journey, have shaped me into the professional I am today: resilient, compassionate, and ready for the next chapter.
A Dream Rooted In Care
Caregiving has always been at the centre of my heart. Born in Colombia and raised in Tampa, I grew up fascinated by the medical field and committed to helping others. That passion led me to pursue a Bachelor’s degree in Health Sciences at the University of South Florida, which opened doors to incredible opportunities at Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital and later in the aesthetics industry. Those experiences shaped my understanding of empathy, attentiveness, and wellness, values that continue to guide everything I do today.
Building Elite Nannies & Services
At just 22, while working full-time and preparing for nursing school, I made one of the scariest and most rewarding decisions of my life: starting Elite Nannies & Services. With no background in business, I spent months researching, planning, and envisioning how to provide childcare that went beyond just filling a role. I wanted families to feel secure, supported, and uplifted.
Nearly three years later, Elite Nannies has grown into a trusted agency in Tampa Bay, known for personalised, thoughtful placements where caregivers become an extension of the family. Every nanny is carefully chosen, CPR-certified, and aligned with our mission of respect, trust, and professionalism.
Walking Into The ICU
At the same time, I never let go of my dream of nursing. Today, I am working as an ICU Nurse Extern at Moffitt Cancer Centre. Stepping into the ICU each day, I’m reminded why I chose this path: to be there for people during their most vulnerable moments and to make even the hardest days a little lighter with compassion and care.
My Village of Support
I wouldn’t be here without the unwavering love and support of my family, friends, and mentors. From cheering me on during my hardest days to reminding me of my purpose when I felt overwhelmed, their belief in me has been my anchor. I’m also deeply thankful to my faculty and colleagues, whose guidance has shaped both my academic and professional journey.
The Road Ahead
As I reflect on the endless hours of dedication, the sacrifices, and the doubts, I realise that every step was preparing me for this moment. The future is bright, not just for me, but for the families we serve through Elite Nannies & Services, and for the patients I’ll continue to care for in the medical field.
To the little girl I once was, who dreamed of making a difference, I did. And to the woman, I am saying - this is just the beginning.
❤️🩺 Vamos por más.
