As the saying goes, when life gives you lemons…Joanne Leibowitz has made her share of lemonade. The mother of three is on the brink of graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree from the University of Colorado’s College of Nursing at Anschutz Medical Campus through its one-year accelerated nursing program, UCAN. A big accomplishment from big lemons along the way.
In her 20s, Leibowitz started on the edge of healthcare working as a medical sales representative, after earning her first degree in Business Management. She decided to pivot towards a nursing career during the COVID-19 pandemic to “play a more direct role in patient care and help improve patients’ lives.” She began by earning a CNA license, then transitioned into taking science prerequisites for nursing school at Johns Hopkins University.
A deep desire to help those in need was first planted after she went on an international medical mission to Mexico.
“I was able to gather the people in the neighboring villages in Mexico and let them know that we were providing free health care at the local church. That experience really taught me that I want to play a more direct role in health care. As a future nurse, I envision participating in global medical outreach programs, utilizing my full scope of practice," expressed Leibowitz. "I also hope to involve my family in international medical missions. Experiencing different cultures and providing care to those in need can instill compassion, empathy, and a sense of global responsibility in my children, shaping them to help others in meaningful ways."
A Catalyst for Change
Joanne Liebowitz with her husband and children. |
But the mission wasn’t the only reason for her about-face. Cancer and heart disease threatened her family. Her mom and maternal aunt were diagnosed with breast cancer. After a long and harrowing fight, only one survived. Her mother. Her father and male siblings are living with the complications of heart disease.
"I have observed my loved ones undergo post-operative surgeries and bravely face the challenges of cancer treatments. The exceptional attentive care provided by nurses, especially in the cardiac ICU for my father and the oncology unit for other family members, deeply impacted me and left a lasting impression on my loved ones. Their compassionate dedication inspired me to follow a similar path in healthcare," she says.
Additionally, Leibowitz played a vital role in her father's care during his quintuple bypass surgery.
"I was really involved in the pre-surgery process, acting as a liaison between his cardiologist, surgeon, and nurse navigator," she says. "Then, post-surgery I worked with his healthcare team and took care of him when he was discharged."
A Test of Resilience
Halfway through her accelerated program at CU Nursing, Leibowitz faced her own health scare.
"I wasn't feeling very well around the halfway mark of my program," she shares. "At the same time, I found out that my paternal aunt was battling ovarian cancer. Knowing that my mom's side had cancer and now on the other side there was cancer, I went to my physician and got tested."
The results were concerning.
"A suspicious mass was found, so I underwent a biopsy and consulted a medical oncologist about prophylactic low-dose cancer treatment options due to my elevated risk from family history," she says.
Faced with a barrage of tests and appointments, Leibowitz made the difficult decision to take a medical leave of absence from her nursing program. It was a setback, but one that ultimately reinforced her commitment to her chosen path.
"I had a lot of testing, labs to be done, and numerous medical appointments ahead of me," she says. “After speaking with my professors and faculty, I decided to pull away, focus on my health, and then come back when I was healthy to focus my efforts on becoming a nurse."
Fortunately, Leibowitz's biopsy came back negative. Due to her family history, she still faces a 42% lifetime risk of developing cancer – significantly higher than the average 12% risk for those without such a history. She's been offered the option of prophylactic cancer drugs but has chosen to defer that decision until after she completes her studies.
From Patient to Practitioner
The overwhelming experience of visiting many practitioners to manage a health scare deepened Leibowitz's understanding of the patient experience.
"It's a daunting gauntlet of decisions you have to make and research on your own," she explains. "What are my treatment plan options? How will these medications affect me? Then there's the practical side – what will these procedures and treatments cost? Helping my family navigate this has empowered me to be a better advocate for my patients."
It gave Leibowitz a unique perspective on patient care – one that straddles both sides of the hospital bed. It's a viewpoint she believes will make her a more empathetic and effective nurse.
"It's about holding space and showing deep compassion and empathy for patients," she reflects. "They are going through a mentally, physically, and emotionally challenging time. Acknowledging their feelings — the anxiety and fear of the unknown — and reassuring them that these feelings are normal while reminding them that they have support, is crucial to their healing journey."
The Road Ahead
Now back on track to graduate in August, Leibowitz is eyeing a career in either oncology or critical care. She aspires to earn a Critical Care Registered Nurse (CCRN) designation and beyond, ultimately contributing to the field as a mentor to future nursing professionals.
Leibowitz remains committed to making the most of her nursing education. She's an active member of the Nurses Student Association, the National Hispanic Association for Nurses, the national and local chapters of the Filipino National Association for Nurses, and a volunteer at CU’s free student-run DAWN Clinic on campus. She and her classmate, Erin Newton, were sponsored by CU’s College of Nursing and Dean Elias Provencio-Vasquez, PhD, RN, FAAN, FAANP, to present their research project about the DAWN Clinic (a student-run clinic) at this year’s National Student Nursing Association’s Annual Convention held in Orlando, Florida.
"Being plugged into the nursing community is essential," she says. "It not only helps with networking but also connects you with others who are experiencing the same challenges. These organizations offer invaluable resources, like scholarships and mentoring opportunities, which can significantly enhance your professional growth. I’ve had the added benefit of making good friends along the way."
As she looks to the future, Leibowitz is excited about finally stepping into the role she's worked so hard to achieve. Her journey — marked by family illness, personal health scares, and a determination to make a difference — has prepared her for the challenges and rewards of nursing.
“Embrace the journey and find joy in the simple things along the way, even through challenging times,” reflects Leibowitz.
