In 2026, our Nurse of the Month feature will shift to Clinician Spotlight! For our final Nurse of the Month, we chose Loida Leal – a beloved nurse described “always one step ahead.” Says her leadership, “No matter how high the stakes, she always stays grounded and never loses her compassion or clinical intuition. She makes us all better just by being on the floor.”
Hi Loida! Let’s start with this: Why did you become a nurse?
I became a nurse because I wanted a career where I could make a meaningful difference in people’s lives every day. Being the oldest and being a product of a broken home and a broken system, I developed at a very early age the desire to advocate for others and stand up for what I believe is just. I’ve always been drawn to helping others, and nursing allows me to combine compassion, problem-solving, and hands-on care.
I became an ER Nurse because I enjoy variety, problem-solving, and never knowing what the next shift will bring. The ER keeps me engaged, constantly learning, and challenged in the best way. I tend to thrive in fast-paced environments and enjoy the challenge of caring for patients during some of the most critical moments of their lives. I’m passionate about thinking quickly, working as part of a team, and making an immediate impact when it matters most.
What did you do before Tribal Health?
Before working at Tribal Health, I worked in a variety of healthcare settings that helped me build a strong clinical foundation and gain a deeper understanding of patient needs from many different perspectives. I worked in Labor & Delivery, where I had the privilege of welcoming new life into the world on a daily basis. I also served as a school nurse, caring for the needs of school-aged children and adolescents.
I also worked in home health and with a Managed Care Organization (MCO), where I managed a team of nurses who visited geriatric clients in their homes to assess their needs and coordinate appropriate care.
During the COVID pandemic, I worked as an ICU nurse, where I was often the only person at a patient’s bedside—holding their hand and doing everything possible to help families say goodbye to their loved ones during their final moments.
Most recently, I worked as an ER nurse, which I truly believe my entire nursing journey had been preparing me for.
What’s your favorite part of your job?
Being able to work, where I can serve patients within their own community while honoring their values and traditions. Providing emergency care that is both clinically skilled and culturally respectful allows me to build trust through compassionate, patient-centered care.
It’s incredibly meaningful to know that the work we do helps strengthen not only individual patients, but the community, especially during moments of crisis. Building relationships, trust quickly, providing skilled and compassionate care, and working alongside dedicated colleagues makes the work both challenging and deeply rewarding.
I feel blessed knowing that throughout my nursing career, I’ve formed lasting connections with some of the most intelligent, compassionate, and driven people, and those relationships are one of the most rewarding aspects of what I do.
Okay, I have to ask. If you could time travel and give advice to your younger self, what would it be?
I would tell my younger self to believe in my abilities. Not every step has to be perfect or figured out right away. Growth comes from the challenges, and each experience, especially the difficult ones—will shape you into a stronger, more confident nurse and person.
How would you describe the team at Tribal Health?
It’s amazing how, in moments of crisis, a group of people—often strangers—can come together seamlessly and work with such focus and unity. The team at Tribal Health is supportive, dedicated, collaborative and deeply committed to the community they serve. Everyone works together with respect, open communication, and a shared sense of purpose of providing culturally responsive, quality care.
There seems to be a strong emphasis on teamwork, cultural humility, and patient-centered care, which creates an environment where staff support one another and patients truly feel cared for.
What do you like to do do outside of work?
I enjoy spending time with family and friends. I also make time for activities that help me recharge – whether that’s being outdoors, riding my motorcycle, or simply sitting on a balcony listening to the ocean waves.
Any fun holiday plans?
I’m looking forward to spending time with my loved ones, relaxing, and enjoying the season—whether that’s traveling, sharing meals, or just taking a well-deserved break.
Sounds nice – thanks, Loida!
