Chinyere "CeCe" Iwuagwu
Dr. Chinyere (CeCe) Iwuagwu has been in various healthcare settings for over 17 years mostly in governmental hospitals/institutions (county, state, federal), long term care and private magnet hospitals providing quality nursing care. She began her nursing journey in 2004. Her nursing career path stemmed through a combination of practical, working experience and degree programs that helped develop a deeper understanding of the practice of nursing.
After obtaining a Master of Science degree in Nursing from California State University Dominquez Hills in 2009, she earned a doctorate in Public Health with emphasis in Health Advocacy and Leadership from Capella University in 2017. Dr. Iwuagwu’s nursing career spans several years in various settings, and she has extensive experience as a registered nurse in multiple specialties, including medical surgical, telemetry, progressive care, mental health, home health, long term care, infection control, infection prevention, epidemiology, public health, research, mentorship, teaching, quality management, leadership, and consultancy. She holds specialty certifications as a Progressive Care Certified Nurse (PCCN) and as a Certified Medical Surgical Registered Nurse (CMSRN).
She is a member of the American Association of Critical Care Nurses (AACN) and Sigma Theta Tau International (STTI), Honor Society of Nursing. She currently serves as a Contributing Faculty member/Subject Matter Expert (SME) for Master of Science in nursing program at Walden University. Prior to joining Walden University, Dr. Iwuagwu served as a mentor to several nurses and guided their career paths. She also mentored several students in BSN, MSN and MPH programs in nursing leadership and public health. As a way of giving back to her alma mater, Dr. Iwuagwu voluntarily mentors Capella University graduate students enrolled in doctoral programs.
Dr. Iwuagwu's primary areas of research interest revolves around bloodborne pathogens -human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV). Dr. Iwuagwu serves as a peer reviewer for International Journal of Maternal and Child Health and AIDS (IJMA). Professionally, Dr. Iwuagwu has assumed several roles within the field of nursing and public health including clinical nurse, public health nurse, HIV/HBV/HCV coordinator, assistant nurse administrator, quality management consultant and nurse consultant.
She is a lifelong learner and strongly empowers others to succeed. Her favorite tagline is “perseverance conquers all” she believes that perseverance can only lead to success if you continuously get up and try again and never give up! After all, according to Eleanor Roosevelt, "The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams".
She is happily married to Dr. Iwuagwu, EdD who is her backbone in life and greatest supporter. They are blessed with three amazing children. She enjoys reading, cooking, baking and spending time with family and friends. California is a perfect place to call home.
Dr. Iwuagwu is a woman of eclectic range of interests; a multipotentialite you may call her, and she is actively pursuing them all. Please feel free to reach out, feel free to connect.
Courses Taught
NURS 6003 - Foundations for Graduate Study
NURS 6201 - Leadership in Nursing
Education
DrPH, Capella University
MSN, California State University Dominguez Hills
Public Service
Meal time Mates, Volunteer -
Awards / Honors
Certificate of Appreciation , United States Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Long Beach, CA, 2020
“Great Catch Award”, United States Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Long Beach, CA, 2019
5 North “Employee of the Month” for Outstanding Performance, Service and Dedication” , Cedars-Sinaí Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, 2018
Certificate of Appreciation, Department of State Hospitals - Metropolitan, Norwalk, CA, 2015
Certificate of Appreciation, Department of State Hospitals - Metropolitan, Norwalk, CA, 2015
Circle of Friends recognition program, Cedars-Sinaí Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, 2014
Nurse of the Year Award , Department of State Hospitals - Metropolitan, Norwalk, CA, 2011
Sustained Superior Accomplishment Award, Department of State Hospitals - Metropolitan, Norwalk, CA, 2010
Publications
Iwuagwu, C. I. (2017). Preventing the Spread of HIV/AIDS amongst Homeless Youth in California..
Presentations
Iwuagwu, C. I. (2016). Traffic Light Color Rating Scale; A communication Tool Amongst Nurses. Cedars-Sinaí Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA