Q&A with Erick Torres, RN

We couldn’t be happier to welcome back Erick Torres, RN to the agency as our new Director of Nursing. Erick earned his Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing at Miami Dade College and brings six years of nursing and nurse management experience—including two-and-a-half years at Health Care for the Homeless from 2021-2023 and more recent stints at Community of Hope in DC and Baltimore Medical Systems. A true team player, Erick’s years in our Pediatric & Family Clinic demonstrated his enthusiasm for the work, easy rapport building with clients and passion for collaboration. Get to know him more in the Q&A below.

What first drew you to the field of nursing?

From a young age, I was always drawn to the idea of helping others, which led me to explore various ways to make a positive impact in people’s lives. Nursing, in particular, seemed like a perfect fit for my values and aspirations. Growing up, I had several friends and family members in the nursing field, and I saw firsthand how rewarding and fulfilling the profession could be.

A year-and-a-half after leaving your role here as Pediatric Nurse Coordinator, why were you interested in coming back to Health Care for the Homeless?

During my first time here, I was incredibly fulfilled by the work I did and the relationships I built with both clients and staff. I genuinely enjoyed being a part of this team, and the mission of Health Care for the Homeless resonated deeply with me. I made the decision to step away to gain more experience in management, with the hope of one day returning in a more expanded role.

While away, I gained valuable experience managing teams of 25-30 staff members, including Certified Medical Assistants, nurses, community health workers, and dental assistants, across various FQHCs. These centers served diverse populations with a wide range of needs, which allowed me to hone my multitasking and problem-solving skills in dynamic environments. I am excited to be back because I truly love the staff here, and I’m passionate about the work we do. I’m thrilled to bring a more comprehensive and empathetic approach to contribute even more to the important work we do together.

As Director of Nursing, what are you most looking forward to and what are some of the main priorities for the year?

I am most excited about collaborating more closely with all the different teams that I’ve had the privilege of getting to know over the years but haven’t worked alongside directly before.

One of my main priorities for the year is to establish partnerships with local medical programs to create externship opportunities for medical assistants and nurses. We’re in talks with Fortis Institute in Towson and Morgan State University’s School of Community Health to start. These externships will allow students to get an introduction to our organization, experience firsthand the important work we do, and hopefully become inspired to join our teams once they’ve completed their programs.

Additionally, I am excited to support the expansion of our MAT (Medication Assisted Treatment) programs and the start of our street medicine team. Key efforts to ensure we’re meeting clients where they are.

What are one or two ways you anticipate improving equitable and inclusive care for clients?

One way I plan to enhance care is by collaborating with other teams, like our Community Health Workers, to strengthen cultural competency initiatives for medical staff. For example, we recognize that managing diabetes effectively requires a tailored approach that considers not only medical needs but also cultural beliefs, practices and health literacy levels. We’re focused on engaging clients at higher risk, such as Hispanic and Black female clients, among other minorities, that have high prevalence of diabetes.

By understanding the unique barriers clients face (culturally, genetically, socially, etc.), our entire team is better equipped to create personalized care plans to improve both health outcomes and continued involvement in care. And to foster an inclusive environment where everyone feels respected and valued.

Additionally, I am actively working to integrate nursing more deeply in a few areas: cross-training medical staff in MAT as we continue to expand; maximizing new nursing capacity as part of the MDPCP program; strengthening continuity of care for clients in our housing programs. Through this cross-departmental collaboration, we can improve care.

For staff who haven’t worked with you before, what should they (and others) know about your leadership style?

My leadership style is built on open communication, collaboration, and a strong commitment to supporting the growth and development of those around me. I believe in fostering an environment where everyone feels comfortable sharing ideas, concerns, and feedback. I’m also very focused on empowering my team by providing opportunities for professional growth and development. I enjoy mentoring and supporting others in reaching their full potential, whether that means offering guidance on new skills or helping staff navigate challenges in their roles.

What are you reading that you’d recommend to others in this work?

Stories from the Shadows by Dr. James O’Connell. It offers powerful, first-hand accounts from the streets, capturing the lived experiences of people experiencing homelessness. Dr. O’Connell’s insights into the health care challenges faced by this population make it a great read for anyone working in this field. His stories are not only deeply human but also shed light on the systemic issues that contribute to homelessness, and they remind us of the importance of empathy, dignity, and respect in our care.

What helps you find balance or joy outside of work?

Immersing myself in nature. I’m an avid hiker and enjoy exploring new trails and outdoor spaces. I also value the time spent with my dogs (I have three rescues: A German Sheppard named Valkyrie, a Doberman named Ghibli and a mix breed named Freya).

Congratulate Erick when you see him next!