Olivia Burris' journey to health care is deeply rooted in her faith, family and a passion for healing and caring for others.
Raised in the Caribbean by a single mother, Burris shares her great inspiration has always been her mom.
“Even though she never had a career or went to school, she is the most brilliant woman you'd ever see," she said. “She would encourage me by saying, 'Livy, you have one shot at this, one shot at life.' She is my entire world and focus."
Her passion for medicine and healing others began when she was a child and cared for her mother, who was experiencing chronic illness. To help with her mother's symptoms, she used traditional remedies like fever grass and turmeric.
That sparked a lifelong commitment to ensuring her mother, and others, would receive care from her when they needed it. Her compassion and drive led her through nursing school in Jamaica, where she gained hands-on experience in urology and neurosurgery.
Inspired by Dr. Ben Carson's groundbreaking work in neurosurgery that he wrote books on, she had dreamed of becoming a neurosurgeon since she was a child.
“While I didn't have that opportunity or luxury, I went through nursing school and it was fantastic," she said. “When I came to America, I had never had the idea to become a nurse practitioner, I had thought I'd become a doctor after a certain time."
However, she was encouraged by seasoned nurses who showed her the autonomy and impact nurse practitioners can have.
She completed her Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree at Northern Caribbean University in Mandeville, Jamaica. She received her Master of Science in Nursing degree from the University of St. Augustine for Health Science in Florida.
As a neurosurgery nurse practitioner, she performs and assists with surgeries involving the cervical, thoracic and lumbar spine and treats brain conditions including tumors, hemorrhages and traumatic injuries. She also checks-in with patients through hospital rounding, outpatient follow-ups and post-operative care.
“Before meeting with my patients, I say a prayer within my heart. I ask for guidance to see the right symptoms and go into patient visits with a humble spirit," Burris said. “I also recognize that the patient in the bed could be my family member – it could be my mother. I truly care for my patients and want the best for them. I will listen to you and no information or detail you share is too small."
Outside of work, she enjoys fitness, hiking, cooking and baking. Her faith is the cornerstone of her life, guiding her decisions and keeping her grounded. She is committed to growing in her specialty, making a meaningful difference and being a trusted, dependable member of her team.