Meet Elisa Garcia, MSN, AGNP-C | Nurse Practitioner & Entrepreneur

We had the good fortune of connecting with Elisa Garcia, MSN, AGNP-C and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Elisa, the decisions we make often shape our story in profound ways. What was one of the most difficult decisions you’ve had to make?
I think one of the most difficult decisions I’ve ever had to make is going against the grain. I spent several years in school being taught a specific model of medicine, how to be a “real” nurse, and what was expected of me in this field — and when I finally got to the position I dreamed of being in, it was devastating to realize that it wasn’t what I thought it would be — nor was it the picture that was painted in school, and certainly not what you see on TV.

I realized that, in order to be happy and at peace, I had to leave behind the traditional nursing role because I no longer wanted to participate in a system that I felt was failing people in so many ways. I am not saying I don’t believe in modern/Western medicine, because I do believe we have made some incredible advancements in technology and treatment and it is great for emergencies and traumatic events — but I do not believe that model is designed to prevent or manage chronic illness appropriately, and I know many people battling with chronic illnesses would agree with me.

Although there are some parts of traditional nursing that I love, and I am grateful for the knowledge and skills that the experience gave me, it’s definitely not easy walking away from something that you spent so much time immersing yourself into.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing in 2015, and immediately began working as a registered nurse that year. Throughout the next several years, I gained experience in critical care, conscious sedation, peri-operative nursing, and so much more. In 2019 I became a travel nurse, and did that on and off until I opened my business. I went on to graduate as a Master of Science in Nursing in 2021 and became a board-certified nurse practitioner. I opened my business located in Johns Creek, Reforma IV Therapy & Med Spa, in June of this year.

It definitely has not been an easy road. As I mentioned before, I was devastated to find out that the traditional nursing role was not what I thought it would be. I thought that going to different specialties and travel nursing would help me get over the dissatisfaction I felt with bedside nursing, only to realize that the issues within our healthcare system was a nationwide problem (a global problem, really). That may come as a surprise to some, but as someone who had little experience in the medical field prior to university, I never saw the challenges that nurses and other healthcare providers faced — and it is certainly not a topic that is covered in school. Needless to say that I was feeling very disappointed with our healthcare system and Western medicine, and the pandemic definitely threw me over the edge.

Around my second year of nursing, I began to do a lot of research on non-traditional roles in nursing, discovered how versatile our field is, and how little it is covered in school. Most people think of a hospital when they think of nurses, but there is so much more to it than that. Nurses can work ANYWHERE — the sports and entertainment industry, the legal field, national and state parks, forensics, information technology, research, as authors, educators, and entrepreneurs — I could go on forever with the list. This showed me an important lesson — there were no limits to what I could do, and I did not have to confine myself to the small box that nurses are put into. This is a lesson that nurses, and even those who are not, should understand early on — especially when you are feeling hopeless.

This is the same mindset that I have with my business. While many medical spas and wellness centers are popping up in different places around the country and are mimicking each other, it’s nice to know that I do not have to follow that blueprint and confine myself again. I have so many dreams and ideas of what I want my practice to become in the future, and while that vision may seem far away — I know that I will get there eventually. I am excited to continue serving the community in ways I never could working in a hospital somewhere.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
As someone who has lived in and around Atlanta their entire life, this is a tough one! I am a huge fan of the outdoors, and there are so many beautiful places to see and hike around. I would definitely take them to check out Sweetwater Creek State Park, Piedmont Park, The Beltline, and add North Georgia to the itinerary. My favorite places in North GA are Cloudland Canyon, Tallulah Gorge, Raven Cliffs, DeSoto Falls… I could keep going on and on. So many gorgeous places!

Food is also AMAZING in Atlanta. I’ve traveled to so many states and I would say we are top 5 when it comes to our food scene. We have it all — Latin, Asian, African, you name it. One of the first places that comes to mind is Buford Highway — so many great spots like Las Delicias De La Abuela, SoKongDong, and Food Terminal to name a few. I also really love going to the Gwinnett County area — it’s one of the most diverse counties in the country and food options are endless.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I give credit to my parents for raising me the way they did, for guiding me, and for supporting me in every way possible. The statistics are definitely against someone with my background, but they always made sure I had the things I needed, and shaped me to have the right mindset and qualities for success.

I’m blessed to have such a supportive family, especially my husband — who reminds me how far I have come every day, and is my rock.

Lastly, I give special thanks to Monica Swint (@MonicaSwintConsulting on Instagram) and Irnise Williams (@YourNurseLawyer on Instagram) — both of who are mentors and major pillars in my journey as a nurse entrepreneur.

Website: https://reformamedspa.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/reformamedspa/

Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/elisa-g-314206230

Image Credits
Jordyn Ari Photography