HumAnes of UCLA: Tsione Holly, FNP, MSN, ANP-BC
Introducing Tsione Holly, FNP, MSN, ANP-BC, Nurse Practitioner, Regional Anesthesiology and Acute Pain Medicine
May 29, 2023
First off, thank you so much for participating in this series. Where did you grow up?
My parents were born in Ethiopia and immigrated to the United States in the early 1970s. My father played soccer for the Ethiopian National Soccer Team and earned a full scholarship to play soccer at UCLA. I was born at UCLA Medical Center. I was raised in Santa Monica, California, and graduated from Santa Monica High School. I went to USC for college and also obtained my master's degree in nursing from USC.
For how long have you worked with Pain Management? Did you work anywhere else before starting at UCLA?
I have worked as part of the Acute Pain Management team for the past 15½ years. The Acute Pain Service has grown tremendously since I started, and I have enjoyed watching it expand to what it is today. Prior to beginning my career here at UCLA, I worked in primary care at the Wadsworth VA Hospital. I enjoyed taking care of the veterans and miss the direct impact that I had on their health care and well-being.
What inspired you to work with the Pain Management team?
My inspiration for working in the field of pain management occurred while working with the veteran population. It became evident to me how many veterans have poorly managed chronic pain that started after an acute injury or surgical procedure.
What is your favorite thing about working with every anesthesia resident and acute pain fellow at UCLA?
My favorite thing is the great pride I feel in making a small contribution to everyone's educational goals. It brings me so much joy to see everyone complete the anesthesia residency/fellowship program and then become an attending anesthesiologist, thereby contributing to the betterment of our field.
Do you have any children? Where are they and what are they studying?
I have two children, a rising sophomore and a senior in college. My oldest son attends the University of Virginia, and he is double majoring in mathematics and finance. My youngest son attends Bowdoin College in Maine, where he plays football and is majoring in computer science.
Do you have any pets?
Growing up, I owned a Labrador Retriever named Boo Boo. I do not currently own any pets; however, next summer, my husband and I are finally going to get a dog. We are currently leaning heavily towards a German Shepherd.
What is your favorite piece of furniture in your house?
My favorite piece of furniture in my house is my chest of drawers holding my linen tablecloths, embroidered napkins, napkin rings, and placemats. I pride myself in being constantly ready for a casual lunch or fancy dinner at all times.
Tell us how your aromatherapy/music relaxation program has evolved with pain management? How did it start and how long have you been doing it?
The aromatherapy/music relaxation program started two years ago, together with Drs. Parisa Partownavid and Emily Nasser. It started as a way to reduce the level of anxiety the patients felt during epidural placement. We found that if we played relaxing music along with aromatherapy, the patients exhibited less anxiety and required less anxiolytic medication. Many patients now ask for aromatherapy and music relaxation prior to surgery.
What are you planning on doing for your next vacation?
For my next vacation, I am planning to go to New York. My older son will be doing an internship in Manhattan over the summer. I am looking forward to visiting him while enjoying all the great sights, incredible food, and seeing a Broadway play.