HALO :| Haitian American Leadership Organization

Guerna Blot, RN
Vice President, HANA

Guerna Blot, a native of Cap Haitien, Haiti, immigrated to Miami in 1983. At a young age, Guerna realized caring for people was her calling. In 1990, Guerna entered the realm of Oncology Nursing. Since then she has worked in many hospitals and different settings. A cancer diagnosis often presents a threat to a person’s life. During this difficult moment, she believes she truly makes a difference in the life of those she cared for.

Guerna Blot, a native of Cap Haitien, Haiti, immigrated to Miami in 1983. At a young age, Guerna realized caring for people was her calling. In 1990, Guerna entered the realm of Oncology Nursing. Since then she has worked in many hospitals and different settings. A cancer diagnosis often presents a threat to a person’s life. During this difficult moment, she believes she truly makes a difference in the life of those she cared for.

Guerna began her nursing career at Mount Sinai Medical Center in the oncology unit where she excelled rapidly. Initially as Primary Nurse I, II and III followed by Assistant Nurse Manager and subsequently as a Nurse Manager. In 2001 she received tenure and was promoted to her current position, which is the Nurse Director of the Oncology unit.

Guerna’s nursing experience encompasses many areas including oncology nursing, telemetry and medical surgical. In her 18 years at Mount Sinai Medical center, Guerna engages herself in mentoring new nurses and serves as an advocate for cancer patients.

Guerna is very active and well known in the South Florida community. She is the past president of the Miami Dade Chapter of Oncology Nursing Society year 2007 and the Vice president of the Haitian American Nurses Association of Florida Inc. (HANA). Guerna has served in numerous local and National Committees and Board of Directors. She served as a Board of Director for the Haitian American Against Cancer. She is the chairperson of the HANA newsletter and published different articles. She participates in several activities organized by the American Cancer Society and served as a team captain in several "Relay for Life" one of the events organized by the American Cancer Society to honor cancer survivor, pay tribute to the lives lost to the disease, and raise money to help fight cancer.

Guerna is a frequent speaker on cancer related topics especially on Breast Cancer prevention at different local forums. She is also a host on a panel discussion on Colorectal Cancer Awareness Program Television show which aired several programs on the issue and ongoing. She works to promote community health and well being as well as helps to eliminate health disparities that plague the underserved groups. Guerna finds happiness through helping and devoting time for others.

Guerna’s achievements have been recognized and honored by the National Nurses Honor Society, Sigma Theta Tau. Guerna has been featured in various newspapers for her exceptional work in the community. She has been recognized by her peers and colleagues as the most caring and compassionate nurse. In April of 2007, Guerna was awarded the Nurse of the Year award by the Haitian American Nurses of Florida Inc. for her dedication and commitment to the community. In May 2007, Guerna was profiled in South Florida Hospital News as a caring nurse, accomplished professional, and community advocate. Guerna earned a Bachelor's degree in Nursing in 1990 at Florida International University and a Master of Science in Nursing and a Master of Business Administration in Health Care Management at the University of Phoenix in 2004. She is also an Oncology Certified Nurse.