DUKE STARS — Nancy Navarra
 Name: Nancy Navarra
Years of service: 15
Title: CCRN, Clinical Nurse IV
Department: Neonatal Unit, Duke University Hospital
Nancy Navarra arrived at Duke looking to escape the long, cold winters of the Northeast. She found a more temperate climate, and she also found a place warm to the idea of helping staff learn and grow, which is why Navarra has established roots at Duke.
"Ironically, my first year here in 1992, there was a blizzard," she said, laughing. But luckily the snow didn't push Navarra further south. Now in her 15th year at Duke, Navarra said she definitely picked the right place.
Originally from the Philippines, Navarra traveled around before finding a home at Duke.
"This is the fourth hospital I've worked at in the U.S. I also worked at hospitals in Saudi Arabia and the Philippines, but Duke has been the best in terms of professional development," Navarra said.
Almost immediately, she was given numerous opportunities to get involved within her department. Navarra said the inclusion made her feel like more than just a number, and she's enjoyed having a voice. She said she appreciated all the advice and mentoring she received from her leaders, which encouraged her to get involved. Her involvement has been key to her success at Duke.
In 1996, Navarra joined the DUMC Clinical Ladder Review Board, her favorite of many committees and boards she has served on during her years at Duke. One of the major accomplishments of the board was a change implemented to the staff promotion policy that helped to get more people involved in the process by encouraging feedback from peers rather than supervisors alone.
"I'm really proud of that change. That's something that will stay here long after I'm gone," Navarra said. "I like being a part of groups that make things happen. It takes a lot of time and energy, but it's fulfilling. I'd rather have a say and take part in changes than just sit back and complain about them."
Navarra has taken that attitude and shared it with her co-workers. In 2000, she took on the role of professional development coordinator for the staff in her department. She said she constantly encourages peers to join groups and make use of the Clinical Ladder to progress in their careers.
"Nobody that works here is going to be stuck in a rut in terms of their career — there are tons of opportunities for the taking," Navarra said. "I have seen so many nurses and staff members go on to new and bigger things at Duke. I encourage everyone to get involved and make changes that will make a difference."
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