Victoria (Vicki) L. DeLaFuente, MSN, RN, PHN

Victoria “Vicki” DeLaFuente, MSN, RN, is an accomplished nursing professional with over 30 years of experience spanning neonatal, pediatric, adult, and geriatric care. She currently serves as a School Nurse at Northside ISD in San Antonio, Texas, where she applies her clinical expertise to support the health and well-being of students. Vicki’s extensive background includes roles as a Clinical Nurse Educator at UC Davis Health and Nursing Faculty at Galen College of Nursing, where she facilitated learning with warmth, humor, and a focus on student success. Her professional journey is grounded in a passion for patient advocacy, education, and fostering healthy communities.

Vicki’s career began with her BSN from the University of Nebraska Medical Center and continued with her MSN in Nursing and Education from California State University, Sacramento, where her thesis explored the role of families in supporting military members during deployment. She served six years as an Active Duty nurse in the Air Force Nurse Corps, gaining invaluable lessons in teamwork, discipline, and service. This experience, along with her family values and faith, has shaped her dedication to supporting both patients and the broader military community.

Beyond her clinical and academic work, Vicki is a committed mentor and educator, helping nursing students achieve their full potential. She is passionate about lifelong learning, research, and advancing nursing practice through both teaching and leadership. Outside of her professional pursuits, Vicki enjoys reading, writing, and traveling, finding inspiration and balance through exploration, creativity, and continued personal growth.

• California State University-Sacramento – MSN, Nursing / Education
• University of Nebraska Medical Center – BSN, Registered Nursing

• Registered Nurse (RN)
• Basic Life Support (BLS)
• Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS)

• Sigma Theta Tau
• American Nurses Association
• Texas Nurses Association
• Nursing Community Foundation
• Student Nurses Association

• Night to Shine – Special Prom for special needs population
• Active volunteer roles within nursing associations and community events

Thesis: Wearing Their Boots Back Home: Spouses’ Perspectives on Deployment