Laritza Varona, MSN, APRN, FNP-C, CNRN is a healthcare professional and educator with over a decade of experience in health education. Her journey in nursing began in 2011 at Management Resources Institute, where she played a played a crucial role in the successful initiation of the nursing program. She graduated from the Miami Regional College's Nursing program in 2018 and she obtained a Master’s degree in Family Nurse Practitioner. This credential enabled her to excel in primary healthcare over the years and as a Neurological Nurse Practitioner for more than two years, providing comprehensive neurological evaluations and management for patients with neurological conditions. Her expertise and success in the field allowed her to obtain a nursing certification in Neuroscience. In addition to her accomplishments, Laritza expanded her qualifications by completing a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Postmaster Certification last year. She is now in the final stages of achieving her Doctor of Nursing Practice.

Laritza’s dual roles as a Nursing Faculty member and Nurse Practitioner reflect her passion for teaching and patient care. She strives to share her extensive knowledge, experience, and inspiring the next generation of nurses. She guides nursing students through their studies, not only with exceptional academic rigor, but also with deep empathy, dedication, and a commitment to fostering the next generation of compassionate healthcare professionals. 

Beyond her professional accomplishments, she has been a mentor and a pillar for supporting her nursing students and colleagues and their professional growth. Her guidance, encouragement, and wealth of knowledge have played a crucial role in shaping the academic goals of many students. Her resilience, leadership, and impact on students and patients make her a role model in nursing education. Laritza's exceptional contributions to Miami Regional University and the nursing field went far beyond academics—she instilled in her students the values of kindness, empathy, and the importance of human connection in healthcare. Her legacy would continue to inspire generations of nurses to come, and for that, she would always be remembered as a true champion of the DAISY Award.