Leticia Boutros, MSN, APRN, CPNP-PC

I've always felt a connection with children. Communicating with kids has always come easy for me. I have always worked in some capacity with children. Since middle school, I tutored elementary school kids. While in High School, I worked at Summer School Programs. I have always aspired to have a career working with children. I was hospitalized when I was 9 yrs. old, and I remember being away from my family. I clearly remember the great care and compassion that the nurses had for me. I still have the vivid image of a nurse with her white cap as she checked on me during her shift. "Doing for others" is the aspect of nursing that impacted me personally. This led me to healthcare. While I considered medical school at one point, I did not want to move away from my family to study, therefore, nursing was the profession for me.

During nursing school, my pediatric rotation was at CHLA. It was love at first sight. I decided immediately that CHLA was going to be my future permanent workplace. This has been true for over 35 years. My nursing career began at our CHLA hematology-oncology unit. I enjoyed working with this complex population and within three years I was promoted to RN III. Soon after, I transferred to the Post Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU) where I learned about post- anesthesia and post- operative care of pediatric patients. By my 4th year in the PACU, I decided to return to school. I learned about a new program at California State University Los Angeles- the first of its kind in Southern California and applied immediately. It was the Acute Care Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Program. After graduation, I was hired in a dual role as General Pediatrics and Urgent Care NP. These were years of tremendous learning. I enjoyed working with pediatricians and ED physician colleagues. A few years later, when my children were school aged, I returned to the Perioperative Department, however, this time, I returned as an NP at the Surgical Admitting Department. As a PACU nurse, I was already familiar with the role of the NPs. The preop preparation by the NPs was highly regarded by the anesthesia and nursing teams, and I was pleased to be a part of this group.

I am in a unique position. I am both a manager and provider. I am responsible for the clinical operations of the Surgical Admitting Department; however, I am fortunate that I can also provide patient care. My love of patient care has never ceased. I enjoy the contact I have with patients and their families. Patient education is a large part of our work, and I find this to be an especially important. Parents value the information we provide them. The relationship between a patient, family and provider is very special. While I have been at CHLA for many years, my personal interests have always evolved around my children. Now that my husband is retired, and we are empty-nesters, I am exploring new interests. For now, I am enjoying time with extended family. I play a musical instrument and enjoy creating art using various media.