How One Nurse is Changing Lives in Cardiac Rehab: Monica’s Story

As Mount Sinai Medical Center celebrates 75 years of excellence, we honor the individuals who live our mission every single day. Monica Vengoechea Leon, an Outpatient Cardiac Rehab Nurse, is one of those remarkable team members.

“Working at Mount Sinai has been one of the best experiences in my professional life,” Monica says. “From the moment I started, I felt I was in the right place. The hospital’s inclusivity, where people of all ages and backgrounds are given opportunities, stood out to me from day one. What makes Mount Sinai special is that excellence is not just required, it’s inspired.”

To Monica, the positive work environment, the support from her colleagues, and the breathtaking view of Miami Beach make coming to work every day a pleasure.

Monica’s journey to Mount Sinai began when she came across a job fair posting. At the time, she was seeking a role where she could bring her medical background to the U.S. healthcare system. Originally trained as a physician in Venezuela, Monica later became a Registered Nurse after graduating from HCA Florida Mercy Hospital and earned her Nurse Practitioner degree at Miami Regional University. Though she had concerns about her age, language fluency, and transitioning into a new specialty, those fears were quickly eased once she started at Mount Sinai.

“From the start, everyone was incredibly welcoming, especially Fernando Gomez [Patient Rehabilitation Manager] who made me feel right at home,” she recalls. Despite initial hesitation about working in cardiac rehab, Monica quickly realized she had found a role she loved. “This position gives me great exposure to cardiology and allows me to develop deeper relationships with patients during a critical phase of their recovery.”

Now a nurse specialist, Monica is known not only for her clinical expertise, but for the compassion and care she brings to every interaction. Her impact has not gone unnoticed: patients frequently express their gratitude through heartfelt messages to leadership, and some have even shared their experiences with The Joint Commission, praising Monica’s extraordinary care from admission through rehabilitation.

What stands out most to Monica is how valued and supported she feels at Mount Sinai. Her initial reservations—whether she’d fit in, be understood, or have the same opportunities as others—have been replaced by a sense of belonging and purpose. She’s become an advocate for the hospital’s diverse and inclusive environment, which she says has made all the difference.

“I am proud to be part of this team and look forward to continue growing here,” Monica says.