Blesilda Zapanta RN, MS, BSN, CNOR
Blesilda Zapanta RN, MS, BSN, CNOR
Director of Perioperative Services
NYC Health + Hospitals/Metropolitan
30+ years of service
“I wanted to do something in my career that is challenging, interesting and makes a difference in people’s lives.”
Caring for New Yorkers during the COVID-19 pandemic has been challenging, but nurses like Blesilda Zapanta have risen to the challenge.
“In 2020, in spite of the precautions I took to avoid getting sick, I contracted COVID-19,” she said. “After recovering from the virus, I came back to work to assist in patient care and staffing.”
“I am caring and compassionate. Multitasking can be learned and practiced but caring about people and being able to empathize with them runs deeper,” she said.
Zapanta’s nursing journey began in high school when she volunteered to help the poor and the underprivileged. “This volunteer work became my source of inspiration. I chose nursing because of my passion to help people,” she said.
Zapanta earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing in Manila, Philippines. Six months after graduation, she applied for an opening at Metropolitan Hospital and was accepted under a working visa program. Upon receiving a scholarship sponsored by NYC Health + Hospitals, she began studies for a Master of Science in Human Services Leadership at St. Joseph’s College, Brooklyn.
At Metropolitan Hospital, Zapanta has led Perioperative Services in attaining clinical improvements as well as department operational efficiencies.
Her future goals include pursuing a DNP/Ph.D. in nursing and a Nurse Executive-Advanced certification. She views continued learning as an essential component for nursing excellence.
“The emergence and adoption of intelligent technologies will be challenging to the nursing profession and their role in the health system of the future. The changing health care system calls for nursing involvement in the research, design and adoption and use of digital technologies.”