Humans of UNAC/UHCP: Gerard Corros, RN

“Pursuing a Business Administration degree was instrumental in enhancing my understanding of healthcare management—providing the tools to analyze data-driven decisions, advocate effectively for clinicians, and assume leadership roles that influence positive change in our workplaces.

“As a nurse with an Associate Degree in Nursing, I was deeply involved in patient care but found myself increasingly curious about the decisions made by management. I wanted to understand their perspectives, especially how they used data to shape our work environment.

“The Business Administration program shed light on the importance of data in healthcare. I learned how management could collect and analyze information from sources such as employee feedback and surveys to identify areas for improvement. This approach fosters more meaningful conversations between staff and management, leading to better collaboration and patient care.

“A turning point for me was during a management meeting when I realized that many decisions were business-driven and needed to be integrated with clinical practice. This understanding became crucial for effectively advocating for my fellow clinicians and ensuring that administrative choices were a true benefit to patient outcomes.

“Balancing work, studies, and family life was challenging. Time management emerged as the biggest enemy, requiring a collective effort from loved ones to achieve success. My wife, also a labor leader at Kaiser Riverside, provided unwavering support. We both recognized the need to enhance our effectiveness as clinicians and leaders.

“My journey into leadership roles felt like a natural progression, influenced by active participation as a local officer. An unexpected opportunity arose when colleagues nominated me for a position on the Board of Directors, just five minutes before the roster was finalized. Despite the surprise and limited preparation time, the support from my peers and family reinforced my decision to accept the role. I am humbled by the trust placed in me and remain committed to leveraging my business acumen to advocate for clinicians and bridge the gap between clinical practice and management.”

—Gerard Coros, RN, is also a member of the 2025 UNAC/UHCP bargaining team for “Blue Book,” which covers registered nurses, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants in the Kaiser Permanente Southern California region.