Irene Lee

Irene Lee, BSN, RN, CCRN, is the proud recipient of the Nurses Educational Funds, Inc. Isabel McIsaac Scholarship. Irene is a second-degree nurse, having completed a bachelor’s in science in metabolic biology at University of California, Berkeley before earning a bachelor’s in science in nursing at the University of Pennsylvania. Currently, she is studying to become a Family Nurse Practitioner at the University of Pennsylvania, focusing on primary care for underserved populations. 

Irene’s healthcare career spans various settings, including long-term care, reproductive health, acute care, and community clinics. Currently working as a neuro-trauma critical care nurse, Irene remains committed to providing high quality and compassionate care to patients and families at vulnerable times. She shares this passion with her colleagues through interdisciplinary teamwork and continuing education. Caring for patients in severe disease states, often resulting from inadequate preventative care and health education, motivates her to expand her impact on nursing and healthcare.

Her pursuit of an FNP degree was also sparked by her Asian American upbringing and volunteering as a Chinese language interpreter for immigrant patients with limited English proficiency. Witnessing firsthand how language and cultural barriers affect patient care and outcomes, Irene prioritizes providing bilingual healthcare. As such, she is completing primary care training at Chinatown Medical Services, which largely serves an immigrant population. Her long-term goal is to be a primary care provider who not only delivers excellent care but also empowers communities through advocacy and education.

Currently, Irene also serves as a representative on the hospital’s Community Outreach Council. She helped to organize a youth mentorship program for local high schools, aimed to increase exposure to professional and economic opportunity in effort to address social determinants of health. Outside the clinical setting, Irene stays engaged healthcare justice, joining in social movements and promoting health equity. She recently published an opinion-editorial in support of Pennsylvania House Bill 2374 to expand abortion access. Additionally, she volunteers with Chosen 300 Ministries to provide meal services for individuals facing housing instability. She views being involved in the public and political sphere as integral to her role as a healthcare provider. 

Looking ahead, Irene aims to be a nurse practitioner who not only practices clinically but also ignites social change. She believes nurse practitioners are uniquely positioned to address the primary care shortage in the United States and promote social justice, motivating her to strive for clinical excellence and community advocacy. Deeply grateful for the scholarship award, Irene hopes to honor the legacy of Isabel McIsaac through her dedication to the future of nursing.