We Are HIMSS Member Spotlight: Ellen Joy Arigorat

This National Nurses Month, HIMSS is proud to recognize nurse changemakers who are dedicated to accelerating our vision to realize the full health potential of every human, everywhere. Today and every day, we are honored to acknowledge the critical role nurses play in elevating the patient experience, advancing care outcomes through innovation, and fearlessly reimagining the future of health and wellness for communities around the world. #wearehimss

Ellen Joy Arigorat is a member of the HIMSS New York Chapter.

What is the biggest challenge you have faced, and how did you overcome it?

The biggest challenge I faced was transitioning from clinical nursing to nursing informatics – I had to navigate the uncharted waters of my new role while finishing my master’s degree. I was going into an existing department that had their process in place, and after understanding the process, the next step was to develop trust among the team members by letting them know I was there to help improve their work process. Change in any form is hard to accept, but with collaboration and open communication, we can learn to adopt it.

How do you support health equity?

My work in health equity involves working with Kalusugan Coalition, a New York-based nonprofit organization whose work focuses on Filipino communities in the tri-state area. Kalusugan Coalition partners with other Asian organizations to advocate, educate, and provide resources to the community, a critical factor in promoting health equity. I have had the privilege of contributing to culturally and linguistically appropriate research, and it has continued impact. I help raise awareness of the need to desegregate data across Asian communities, as each community faces obstacles to health and well-being due to ethnic, racial, and geographical demands. Tell us about a collaboration that makes you proud. I’m proud of my work with the Nursing and Diversity Committees through my local HIMSS chapter. We have been able to champion inclusion and diversity and develop education programs geared toward nursing. I am proud that as nurses, we have risen to the challenges faced in the past two years, and we keep advocating throughout the greater nursing informatics community.

What gives you hope for the future?

The thing that gives me hope is the increase in nursing beyond the bedside. New platforms allow nurses to cultivate competitive ideas in innovation and technology, access support as we safely care for our patients, and help our colleagues succeed.

What's your favorite quote and why?

“Two roads diverged in a wood, and I – I took the one less traveled by, and that has made all the difference.” Robert Frost, The Road Not Taken.

There are moments in my life where things didn’t go as expected or planned. I took journeys of unfamiliarity and uncertainty to find answers and clarity.

If you could pick one superpower, what would it be?

If I could have one superpower it would be teleportation. It would allow me to visit my home in the Philippines and my family around the world. It would also allow me to travel to other countries and cities to indulge in food and culture while decreasing carbon emissions.