NYC Gazette

An externship is a rite of passage for many nursing students, and for Brandon Inahuazo (Meyers ’25), this opportunity to participate in patient care under the supervision of registered nurses brings him one step closer to his dream career in pediatrics.

Working in the Pediatric Oncology/Hematology Unit of NewYork Presbyterian’s Morgan Stanley Children’s Hospital in Washington Heights this summer, Brandon enjoys interacting with young patients to understand how they are feeling and what he can do to help. “Since this is my first time working with children in a healthcare setting, I’m most excited about learning how to have natural and meaningful conversations with the children and their families and visitors,” he says. “It is such a privilege to be working with these children.”

Equally inspiring are the dedicated nurses who “advocate for patients and families to ensure they receive the best possible care,” Brandon says. While treating childhood cancer requires a team of providers working together to manage patients’ care, "it’s nurses who are with them around the clock and truly understand their needs,” he adds.

As a Flynn Foundation fellow, Brandon also recently presented a research project, “Chemotherapy-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy in Pediatric Oncology Patients,” for nurses at Weill Cornell Medical Center.

Brandon's typical day involves assisting with patient tasks such as running labs, taking vitals, preparing sterile equipment, and priming IV bags. Other responsibilities include preparing rooms for new admissions and observing how nurses give hand-off reports.

During his lunch break routine, he spends time either in the courtyard or break room depending on the weather.

He expresses gratitude towards all the nurses who have taken him under their wing: "They’ve taken the time to explain how different pumps work and break down how and why they do this and that." He also mentions meeting an oncology-hematology attending who allowed him to observe procedures—a significant perk of his externship.

Inspired by his background as a first-generation Latino student raised by immigrant parents, Brandon finds comfort in movies like "In the Heights," which remind him of his family's resilience and love despite challenges.