Type Of Business:
Elementary School
Major Product/SVS:
Primary Education
Favorite Business Publication:
Health Alert
Hobbies/Sports:
Traveling, Reading, Spending Time with her Family
Education Degrees:
Bachelor of Arts, Jersey City College (1971)
Affiliations Awards:
Passaic County Nurses Association; New Jersey State Nurses Association
Place of Birth:
Paterson, NJ
Date of Distinction:
10/13/2009
Work History:
School Nurse, Washington School, Hawthorne NJ; School Nurse, Saint Aloyosius School, Jackson NJ; School Nurse, Oliver Street School, Newark NJ; Hawkin Street School, Newark NJ; School Nurse, Broadway Junior High School, Newark, NJ; School Nurse, Dr. William H. Horton School, Newark NJ; Nurse, Beth Israel Hospital, Passaic, NJ; Emergency Nurse, St. Joseph Hospital, Paterson, NJ
What do you feel separates you from the rest of the professionals in your industry?:
Ms. Zarra believes that the many years in her field, the life lessons that she has learned and the joy and satisfaction she receives from being able to influence the lives of students for the better separates her from her peers.
What has been the most outstanding thing you have done thus far in your career?:
Ms. Zarra believes that her greatest career achievement thus far is the knowledge she is able to bring everyday to her family life classes, which she teaches to fourth- and fifth-graders.
Expanded Biography:
Ms. Zarra is the mother of two children a daughter who is now 33 years old (who is now also a mother herself as she gave birth to a baby girl in September of 2009) and a 24-year-old son, who graduated from the School of Visual Arts located in Manhattan two years ago. He now works in the visual department of a medical firm, and plays in a band called "Those Mockingbirds."
Twenty four years ago when she was pregnant with her son, a month before he was to be delivered into the world. Ms. Zarra discovered a lump in her left breast. In this drastic turn of events she was consequently scheduled to have a cesarean section delivery and 72 hours later have a left mastectomy.
Fortunately her son was born healthy, and the the doctors were successful in removing the lump. While she and the baby both stayed in the hospital for two weeks while she awaited the results of her biopsy. She made up her mind that she would live as though today is tomorrow.
Today, Ms. Zarra still lives by that mantra. She knows better than most that there are no guarantees that life would be a smooth and joyful trip. She believes that people should "live in the now, accomplish your dreams and aspirations, and don't be afraid of failure."
Throughout the duration of your career, what was the one highlight that stood out the most?:
The most gratifying aspect of her career is seeing her students succeed.
Charity:
St. Jude Children's Research Hospital
Number Of Years In Profession:
46
Number Of Years In Current Position:
23
What Does He/She Attribute Success To:
She attributes her success to her love for her profession.
Why did you become involved in your profession or industry?:
She became involved in her profession through her genuine interest in medicine and desire to help others.
Position Responsibilities and Duties:
Nursing, Managing the Facility, Coordinating Student Health and Safety Programs
Education Certifications:
Registered Nurse, Patterson General Hospital School of Nursing (1964)