Alumnus Takes On Reality TV Show

Michigan State University College of Nursing alumnus Ronald Coronado, CON BSN '92, was one of six featured traveling nurses on the Nursing Access reality TV series, “13 Weeks.” Follow his adventures as this nationally-acclaimed documentary takes you on the front lines of modern healthcare.

Coronado represents the roles of traveling nurses and all their hard work; he also brought Spartan recognition and pride to the series. While on assignment, Coronado and his newly introduced housemates resided in a multi-million dollar beachside mansion in Southern California.

Coronado graduated from the university in 1992 before moving to Hollywood, CA where he has lived since 1995. He was a traveling nurse for many years and experienced the profession all across the country.

For Coronado, the medical field has always been his primary professional passion. However, since a young age, he has also had a desire to pursue his interest in the performing arts. After participating in the 1990 Michigan State University theatre production of “Chorus Line,” the idea of returning to the theatre has remained in the back of his mind.

While that hope was accomplished through the “13 Weeks” reality TV series, it was not Coronado's first television debut. He has been seen making appearances on shows such as “As the World Turns,” “General Hospital,” “Port Charles,” “Bold and the Beautiful,” and films like “Fifty First Dates.”

Not only was Coronado compensated for his time on screen, he was also rewarded for serving as a medical consultant for many of these programs. He would teach actors how to do tasks such as perform CPR, deal with injuries, and pronounce proper medical terms. Coronado says that because he is a professional nurse, he is often inclined to do hospital related roles, making it a “two-for-one” deal with both acting and his medical background.

After being accepted for the series, Coronado contacted the College of Nursing to share his good news. The experience he received from Michigan State University and the college prepared him to pursue this opportunity. He explained that he was committed to being honest and planned to “take the gloves off for people to see the nitty-gritty of being a nurse.”

Throughout the series Coronado can be seen wearing Michigan State University Nursing gear. “I am very proud of being an alumnus from the program and I am happy I was able to reach out and be visible on the show for the college.”

“If there is ever an opportunity for anyone to do something like this and to highlight the profession of nursing, they should absolutely do it. I have no regrets about doing ‘13 Weeks'. It wasn't an easy road all the time, there were problems, but I am so glad that I was there. I am so glad that I was a part of this project.”

In 2005, Coronado was honored Nurse of the Year by the Philippine Heritage International and last year accepted an appointment on the College of Nursing Alumni Association Board as the California State Champion. He takes pride in this honor and is working hard to ensure that California alumni from all classes stay connected to each other, the college and the university. He also hopes to reach out to the recent graduates and let them know that he is a resource for them in the California area. He is willing to answer any questions and provide assistance for his fellow Spartan professionals.

Currently, Coronado is a CNIII at Cedars Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles, CA, with hopes of returning to the big screen. His medical specialties include: all adult ICU, NICU, PICU, CTICU for adults, pediatrics and neonates, ER, and PACU. Coronado is planning on returning to school to receive his master's in Nursing Education at California State University, Los Angeles.

To view episodes of Ron Coronado's adventure visit: http://nursetv.com/13_weeks.html