Nevada Nurses Foundation

Sandra "Sandy" M. Olguin, DNP, MSN, RN, received her Bachelor's and Master's in Science degree from the University of Nevada, Reno (UNR) and her Doctor of Nursing Practice degree from Touro University Nevada. In 1989, she relocated from Campbell, California, to Reno, Nevada. In her tenure as a Nevada nurse, she has held nursing positions as a staff nurse, nurse leader, and nurse educator. As a member of the Nevada State Collaborative against Workplace Incivility and Bullying, she provides workshops to individuals and Health Care Organizations. After receiving a Nevada Nurses Association (NNA) scholarship, Betty Razor afforded her with many opportunities to give back to NNA. In 2014, she, Betty Razor, Margaret Curley, Rev. Dr. Denise Ogletree McGuinn, Dr. Susan Growe, Dr. Elizabeth Fildes, and Dr. Scott Lamprecht influenced the creation of the Nevada Nurses Foundation with the intention to grow quality care providers in Nevada. While she is passionate about and grateful for being a nurse, giving back to her community and the profession of nursing through the Nevada Nurses Foundation has been most rewarding.

Denise Ogletree McGuinn, APRN, RN, D. Minn., has extensive nursing and healthcare experience, including over 20 years as a military officer. She holds several degrees from numerous universities including the Walter Reed Army Institute of Nursing and has been a nursing professor. She is a co-founder of both a nonprofit mobile and stationary children’s clinics and currently works as a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner.

Nicki Aaker MSN, MPH, RN, is a graduate of the University of Nevada, Reno. She holds a master's degree in nursing and is nationally accredited as a public-health clinical nurse specialist and as a nurse executive. She also holds a master's degree in public health. Although Nicki is originally from Wyoming, she has lived in Carson City with her family since 1994. She loves the area and appreciates all the amenities it has to offer. She likes the small town-feel, the weather, and all the great people. She also recognizes all the great outdoor opportunities, such as biking and walking trails.

Caren Jaggers, DNP, MSN, APRN, FNP-C, graduated with her ADN from Truckee Meadows Community College in 1995. Although she has a wide variety of experience, including Med-Surg, Oncology, ICU, Pediatrics, and L&D, most of her experience as an RN is in the Emergency Department. She completed her MSN through Graceland University in 2012, and she has been a practicing FNP since then. In May of 2020, Caren graduated from the University of Nevada Reno with her DNP. Though she still plans to practice, she has been blessed to be teaching part-time as Family Nurse Practitioner, LOA Professor with University of Nevada – Orvis School of Nursing since January, 2020, and her ultimate goal is to teach full-time at a school of nursing. Caren is an active member of NNA, ANA, NAPNA, AANP, and Sigma Theta Tau. By assisting the NNF in its commitment to promoting professional development of nurses through recognition, grants, and scholarships, she is helping to ensure quality healthcare and healthcare providers in Nevada.

Dave Tyrell, RN, has been a nurse with University Medical Center in Las Vegas since October of 2006. He started working as a new grad in Med/Surg then moved to IMC in 2008. In August of 2010, Dave was promoted to clinical manager of IMC. Before becoming a nurse, Dave held management/leadership positions with several private companies. Dave received a Bachelor of Science degree from UNLV School of Nursing in 2006. He is an active member of the Nevada Nurses Association and has served as the President of the Southern Nevada District 3. He enjoys photography and has recently rediscovered running for exercise. Born and raised in New Jersey, Dave moved to Las Vegas Nevada in 1995. Dave is married to Lynn Comis Tyrell and the proud father of four daughters, Andrea, Nicole, Lee and Jordan.

Arvin Operario, MBA, BSN, RN, has extensive nursing and health care experience that spans almost three decades in nursing practice, leadersip, and nursing education. He has held multiple nursing positions in three countries including Philippines, Canada, and the United States, and currently works as Nevada Director of Patient Experiences at Optum Care. He was also appointed by Governor Sisolak to serve a 4-year term as a Commissioner for the Nevada Commission for Behavioral Health. He has been an active member of different nursing organizations advocating for advancement of nursing practice in Nevada.