For National Nurse Practitioner Week, meet three UCF College of Nursing alumni, faculty and nurse practitioners who are shaping the future by educating future generations of leaders.
From across the lifespan and across specialties, three nurse practitioners share insights from a collective 50 years of career experience and how they leverage their real-world experiences to mentor future generations at UCF’s College of Nursing.
Elizabeth Yousef ’18MSN, AGACNP, APRN-BC
Adjunct Professor, 8 Years as a Nurse Practitioner
Specialty: Acute Care
Current Practice: Emergency Department, Level 1 Trauma Center
What do you love about being a nurse practitioner?
I’ve always loved helping people, and being a nurse practitioner allows me to do exactly that. I am able to make a difference in someone’s life, especially when they are scared, vulnerable or simply need someone to listen.
Best part of working in your specialty:
Emergency medicine has challenged me, taught me so much, and allowed me to grow both personally and professionally.
I love the fast-paced environment, the variety of patients, and the opportunity to make a difference every single shift. No two days are alike. After eight years, I still find the profession just as rewarding as when I first started.
On shaping the future as an educator:
It is such a rewarding experience. Continuing to practice clinically allows me to bring real-world experiences into my role as an educator at UCF. I love sharing those experiences and my clinical knowledge with future nurse practitioners.
I also love watching students grow from being nervous and unsure of themselves to becoming confident, knowledgeable providers. Seeing their progress and knowing that I played a small part in their journey is incredibly fulfilling.
Advice for future nurse practitioners:
Being a great nurse practitioner is about more than clinical knowledge. It’s about compassion, critical thinking, listening to your patients and treating people the way you would want your own family treated.
“I believe staying actively involved in patient care helps me better prepare future nurse practitioners for the challenges and rewards of this profession.”
Leslee A. D’Amato-Kubiet ’13PhD, APRN, ANP-C, ACHPN, CMDCP
Senior Lecturer
28 Years as a Nurse Practitioner
Specialty and Current Practice: Hospice and Palliative Care
What do you love about being a nurse practitioner?
The opportunity to make a meaningful difference in people’s lives while building lasting human connections.
Throughout my career, I have laughed, cried, listened, learned, and been continually inspired by the resilience and strength of the people I have served. Those experiences are what make this profession so fulfilling.
Best part of working in your specialty:
It is a true honor and privilege to support patients and their families during one of life’s most vulnerable moments, providing comfort, guidance and compassionate care along their final journey.
What I cherish most are the relationships I have built along the way. I have had the privilege of meeting extraordinary people, sharing in moments of joy and sorrow, and learning the value of listening with empathy and presence.
On shaping the future as an educator:
Encouraging curiosity, critical thinking, and a commitment to lifelong learning is one of the most rewarding aspects of teaching.
I love witnessing those “aha” moments when a student truly grasps a complex concept or connects classroom knowledge to patient care, and challenging students to think more deeply, ask questions, and seek out answers rather than simply accepting what they already know.
Watching students grow in confidence and competence as they develop into compassionate, skilled nurse practitioners is incredibly fulfilling. Knowing that they will go on to improve the lives of countless patients and families through the care they provide is both humbling and deeply rewarding.
“All of the experiences I have had as a nurse practitioner continue to inspire me and reaffirm why I chose this profession. I really love what I do!”
Geraldine Luzincourt ’20DNP, MSN, APRN, FNP-C
Advanced Practice DNP Program Director
18 Years as a Nurse Practitioner
Specialty: Family Nurse Practitioner
Current Practice: Hospice and Palliative Care
What do you love about being a nurse practitioner?
I was inspired to become a nurse practitioner to provide advanced nursing care to individuals across the lifespan. Nurse practitioners play a vital role in improving access to healthcare and helping meet the needs of people within our communities.
Best part of being a family nurse practitioner:
Working with both pediatric and adult patients has allowed me to address a wide range of needs, from preventive care and chronic disease management to end-of-life care.
I value being able to contribute to patients’ health and well-being at these different stages of life.
Advice for future nurse practitioners:
Embrace opportunities to learn and explore different fields of medicine.
“What I have enjoyed most in each of my nurse practitioner roles is the opportunity to increase access to care and support patients across the lifespan.”
On shaping the future as an educator:
Remaining actively engaged in patient care allows me to stay current with clinical practice and bring real-world experiences into the classroom.
I am passionate about educating future healthcare providers and helping them develop the knowledge, skills and confidence needed to lead in an ever-evolving healthcare environment.
Knowing that my teaching can positively influence the care they provide and the populations they serve is incredibly rewarding.
Article by Julie Harper ’01
Photos by Melanie Cedeño-Lopez ’23
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