USF Nursing preceptor inspires students [VIDEO]
To students, USF College of Nursing preceptor, Raye Minardi, is a hero. She is a role model. She’s someone they look up to.
Minardi, who is an advanced nurse practitioner in oncology at Moffitt Cancer Center, is a clinical educator and mentor to USF nurse practitioner (NP) students. She’s been doing so for more than eight years.
“Minardi is a true inspiration,” said Whitney Griffith, doctor of nursing practice (DNP) student at USF Nursing. “As a preceptor and mentor, she is one-of-a-kind. Her remarkable teaching abilities, leadership skills, compassion for students and concern for patients, are incomparable.”
Since 2009, Minardi has also been taking USF Nursing students on medical mission trips to Honduras and Dominican Republic. Griffith went on one of those mission trips last year.
“Helping her take care of patients in the Dominican Republic, was one of the most memorable experiences in the USF Nursing graduate program,” Griffith said. “Her service to patients in need is a great example for me and other NP students. She is selfless.”
Women’s health and prevention is Minardi’s passion. She’s been helping cancer patients at Moffitt Cancer Center for more than 19 years. She has also developed a cervical cancer screening program in the rural areas of Dominican Republic where healthcare services are out of reach.
“USF Nursing greatly values Minardi’s commitment, passion and dedication to our students,” says Brian Graves, PhD, assistant dean and director of clinical education resource development and acute care concentration at USF Nursing. “We appreciate her outstanding work with our NP students and providing them with a wealth of global mentorship and knowledge.”
“Everything I do is for the students,” says Minardi. “Seeing them succeed is my greatest reward. For me, it’s a privilege and honor to serve, so I am honored to pass my passion of caring for patients on to them.”
Every summer, Minardi tests dozens of women for cervical cancer in the Dominican Republic. She, then, brings all samples back the United States to get appropriate evaluation. She also relays the results back to the women to make sure they receive adequate treatment-if needed.
“That’s why Minardi is a true example to us all,” Griffith says. “Despite language barriers and geographical and logistical difficulties, she finds a way to assist these patients in dire need of basic health care needs. And she does it all on her won.”
Her commitment as a preceptor was recently recognized by National Organization of Nurse Practitioner Faculties (NONPF). She received the 2016 Preceptor Gold Star Award at the NONPF 42nd Annual Meeting on April 16 in Seattle, Washington. Griffith was one of the students who nominated her for this award.
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Story written by Vjollca Hysenlika
Video by Vjollca Hysenlika & Ryan Noone
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