I am a Nurse Anesthesiologist, with a passion for nursing education, beauty, and travel. I believe there is a lesson to be learned from everything in our lives, and began this blog as an outlet to express those lessons and the emotions that come along with them – in addition to creatively keep myself busy after a traumatic hiking accident in 2016.
I graduated with my BSN at 21 years old in San Diego, CA. I started as a new grad in a high acuity Cardiac/Surgical/Trauma ICU and worked there for 4 years. It was here that I became extremely passionate about education and leadership. While in San Diego, I was a board member for the local AACN Chapter as marketing chair, and managed their social media accounts and website for 3 years. I then relocated to Phoenix for a change in scenery and to start life together with my husband! I worked in a very similar ICU as I did before, with patients of all kinds – medical, surgical, neuro, cardiac, and transplant. Lastly I finished my bedside career in a high-acuity CVICU downtown.
Another passion of mine is to TRAVEL as much as I can. I love emerging myself in new environments and culture. I have been to 20 countries and hit 4 continents so far.
I am so grateful to have connected with so many of you and appreciate you reading what I have to say. Your support of my blog means more than you know!
-Marissa
Sassy Anesthesia in the Media
(previously Lipstick & Lifesaving/Labate)
“Protecting Skin While Protecting Health” – June 16, 2020, 3M
” A Passion for Care: Nursing in an Arizona ICU During the Coronavirus Pandemic” – May 12, 2020, 3M
“51 Faces of American Healthcare Workers” – April 28, 2020, Allure Magazine
Feature in “The Greatest” Music Video – April 17, 2020, James Blunt
“A Nurse’s Calling” – April 8, 2020, Faces of the Frontline
“Meet Trailblazer Marissa Labate” – April 23, 2019, Voyage Phoenix Magazine
“#GirlBoss: redefining what a boss looks like” – March 12, 2019, Voyage Phoenix Magazine
“Getting the Most Out of a Nursing Conference” January, 2019, Nurse Advisor
“10 Instagram Accounts Every Travel Registered Nurse Should Follow” – February 14, 2018, Cirrus Medical Staffing
“Lipstick & Lifesaving” – October 20, 2017, Mission Times Courier
“Finding Healing Through Writing” – August 2, 2017, Sharp Health News
“Your Voice Matters” – July 2017, AACN’s Bold Voices Journal, Vol. 9, No.7
“When You’re New to the ICU” – May 2017, AACN’s Bold Voices Journal, Vol. 9, No.5