David Zavala

My name is David Zavala, and I am currently in the third semester of an accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program at Grand Canyon University. My path to nursing has been fueled by my commitment to providing culturally competent, compassionate, and hands-on care. This motivation is deeply rooted in my diverse professional experiences and educational background in health and community care.

With an Associate’s degree in Natural Sciences from Cerritos College and a degree in Liberal Arts with a focus on Community Health from the University of New Mexico, I have consistently been drawn to roles where I can make an immediate impact. I have served as an ER medical scribe for three years, where I not only gained proficiency in EMR systems like EPIC, Meditech, and Cerner, but also honed my skills in interpreting for Spanish-speaking patients in a medical healthcare desert. This role allowed me to work closely with providers, assisting in critical procedures, documenting complex cases, and interpreting for patients—a responsibility that has reinforced my commitment to accessible and effective healthcare.

Throughout my career, I’ve been privileged to work in diverse environments, from Casa de Salud in Albuquerque, NM, where I learned to draw blood and contribute to women’s health services, to coaching youth football, where I instilled values of teamwork, perseverance, and respect. Additionally, as a former Division 1 football player and college wrestling All-American, I bring a strong foundation in leadership, resilience, and the importance of teamwork.

My clinical experiences have heightened my desire to provide personalized, empathetic care, especially in behavioral health, where I’ve seen firsthand the importance of empathy and professionalism. I look forward to continuing my journey to becoming an expert nurse, where I can support patients through critical moments with culturally sensitive, high-quality care and advocate for safety and best practices in every interaction.

I bring a comprehensive background in both clinical and scribing roles, each enriching my ability to provide nuanced, high-quality patient care. My clinical experience spans med-surg, trauma ICU, adult ER, pediatric ER, labor and delivery, and postpartum units. In Med-Surg, I managed complex patient cases with varied comorbidities, while my time in the trauma ICU and adult ER sharpened my ability to respond swiftly and accurately in critical situations. The pediatric ER highlighted the importance of sensitivity and clear communication, especially with families. Additionally, working in labor and delivery and postpartum care deepened my understanding of the unique needs of mothers and newborns.

Alongside my clinical experiences, I served as an ER medical scribe for three years, a role where I became proficient in EMR systems such as EPIC, Meditech, and Cerner. This experience allowed me to work closely with healthcare providers, assisting with documentation, interpreting for Spanish-speaking patients, and contributing to complex procedures like intubations, sedations, and cardioversions. This dual background in clinical and scribing work has cultivated my ability to deliver precise, compassionate, and culturally competent care across diverse patient populations.

My educational background is rooted in both natural sciences and community health, forming a strong foundation for my nursing career. I hold an Associate’s degree in Natural Sciences from Cerritos College, which provided me with essential scientific knowledge and analytical skills. I graduated Summa Cum Laude from the University of New Mexico with a degree in Liberal Arts focused on Community Health, where I was recognized as a Mountain West Scholar-Athlete and received the Frank O. Greenleaf Fund for Athletic Scholarships. Currently, I am in my third semester of an accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program at Grand Canyon University, where I am further developing my clinical skills and preparing to deliver compassionate, evidence-based care in diverse healthcare settings.