GBMC Nurses Pursue Higher Education

Claire Cafirma, MSN, RN, CNOR, Director of Perioperative, Endoscopy, and Interventional Radiology Services at GBMC HealthCare, knew from an early age she wanted to be a nurse. Growing up in the Philippines, she felt that she needed to leave her country to get the best experience for her career and support her sister's dream to go to School of Medicine/become a doctor.

After receiving her bachelor's degree in Nursing at age 19, Claire spent time as an Operating Room Nurse in the Philippines and Saudi Arabia, then came to the United States. Four years later, at 34, Claire earned her master's degree in Leadership and Management. Four years later, with the help of GBMC, and generous donors of The H. Norman Baetjer Jr. and Jeanne H. Baetjer Center for Nursing Excellence, Claire can now confidently pursue her Doctorate in Nursing.

Claire is not on this journey alone. Each year, The Baetjer Center for Nursing Excellence provides educational opportunities for many nurses. We are proud to be able to support our nurses of every level to continue their education and professional development, which is ultimately a gift to our community.

Claire is grateful to everyone who has supported her on her journey in nursing, especially the donors who contribute each year to support GBMC’s nurses. She would like to sincerely thank everyone who has given to The Baetjer Center for Nursing Excellence at GBMC, not only on her behalf, but for all the nurses who have benefited from these donations.

You can support Claire and her nursing colleagues by making a gift to support Nursing at GBMC. A gift to support nursing ensures we can continue to employ the most qualified nurses, and they can continue to be lifelong learners.