From Volunteer to Voice for Her Community: How One NCC Grad Found Purpose and Support at LVHN

For many nursing students, the journey from classroom to nursing career can be daunting, especially during a global pandemic. But for Hayley Cruz, a recent graduate of Northampton Community College (NCC), her path to becoming a nurse was one of resilience, growth and a strong sense of calling. Today, as a medical-surgical nurse on Lehigh Valley Health Network (LVHN)’s oncology floor at Lehigh Valley Hospital (LVH)–Cedar Crest, she’s not only making a difference in the lives of patients but also bridging language barriers to offer comfort and support to Spanish-speaking families.

Her story is one of perseverance, passion and the power of community, all of which have shaped her into the nurse she is today.

From a young age, Cruz knew she wanted to help people. Inspired by her aunt, a nurse, and fueled by a deep sense of compassion, she felt a calling to enter the medical field.

“I’ve always wanted to work in the medical field since I was a little girl,” Cruz says. “I felt this calling to help people and make a difference in someone’s life. Our patients come in feeling sick and helpless. Sharing that time with them and being able to help them are really important to me.”

Throughout high school, she volunteered at a local hospital, deepening her passion for nursing. “I saw firsthand how they provided not just medical care but emotional support for their patients,” she says. “I looked up to them and dreamed about how one day that could be me.”

When the pandemic hit, it created uncertainty for many aspiring nurses. But for Cruz, the decision to attend NCC and pursue a nursing career felt like the right choice.

“I had applied to several nursing programs, but when the pandemic started, I knew I needed a program close to home,” she says. “NCC felt like the right move. The professors were incredibly helpful and truly wanted us to succeed, especially given the challenges we were all facing.”

NCC prepared her with the clinical skills she needed and instilled in her the importance of community. “The professors at NCC always made us feel supported,” Cruz says. “It wasn’t just about teaching; it was about creating an environment where we could thrive.”

After completing her nursing education, Cruz was ready to step into the workforce. She had completed clinicals at LVHN during her time at NCC and had already formed connections within the organization. With her background as a technical partner at LVH–Muhlenberg, it felt like a natural next step to apply for a nursing position with the health network.

“I knew LVHN had the support and resources I needed as a new nurse,” she explains. “From the very first day, the people were welcoming, and I felt like I could ask questions without hesitation. The environment was supportive, and I never felt alone.”

Now working as a night-shift nurse on the med-surg oncology floor, Cruz has experienced the challenges and rewards of a nursing career firsthand.

“Our patients are often very sick, and some don’t get better. But there’s something incredibly special about being with these patients in their most vulnerable state. We’re there for them when they need us the most, offering comfort and making them feel less alone,” she says.

Her ability to speak Spanish has also allowed her to connect with patients and families in a way that brings much-needed comfort during difficult times.

“Being fluent in Spanish has given me the opportunity to bridge the gap for families who might otherwise feel isolated,” she says. “I’ve seen how much of a difference it makes when they can communicate their concerns openly and feel heard.”

Looking ahead, Cruz is committed to furthering her education and professional development. She’s working on her Bachelor of Science in Nursing and has plans to pursue a master’s degree in nursing education.

“When I first started, everything was new, but now I’ve learned so much. I’m able to think critically and recognize when my patients need more attention. It’s amazing to look at how far I’ve come and how much I’ve grown,” she says.

For all nursing students, Cruz has words of encouragement. “It’s tough, but don’t give up. Keep studying, keep pushing through. It’s all worth it in the end. You’re not just learning how to be a nurse; you’re learning how to make a real difference in people’s lives.”

And for new grads unsure about where to start their career, her advice is, “If you’re looking for a place that supports you, where you can grow and make a difference, LVHN is the right choice. The foundation you get in med-surg will serve you throughout your nursing career.”

Cruz’s story serves as a reminder that every step in the nursing journey, from volunteering to nursing school to a rewarding career at LVHN, contributes to something far greater than just a job. It’s a calling, one that she now answers every day with compassion, empathy and a desire to improve lives.