Maria Fatima Barros, RN, MSN, CCM is a native of Cape Verde, who grew up knowing that she wanted to help those who had less than they needed. 

 

Known by most as Fatima, Maria arrived in the United States at the age of five, speaking no English at all, and had to overcome all the racial tensions of the 50’s and 60’s as well as the culture shock of the American lifestyle. She was the oldest of many in her family, and she provided care to her younger siblings as well as some of the elders who had health issues. 

 

Educated in the Providence Public School system. Graduated from Community College of Rhode Island in 1975 with Associates Degree in Nursing. Graduated from Rhode Island College with a Bachelor’s Degree and Master’s Degree in Nursing.

 

Maria continued to enhance her knowledge with numerous certifications from both State and National Organizations. A few of the certifications she has received are in Chronic Disease Management, Oncology, Diabetes, Wound Care, HIV/AIDS, Case Management. Gerontology from Brown University, The National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization, National Association for Home Care and Hospice, and The Center for Disease Control to name just a few. 

 

In 1976 she formed a partnership with Marcia Bigney and the two opened their own Home Care Agency known as Nursing Placement, Inc. which is known today as Home Health & Hospice Care of Nursing Placement.  Nursing Placement under the operation and guidance of Maria and Marcia has grown tremendously over the years from a staffing agency into an agency which now provides skilled nursing services, in-home and outpatient therapy services, CNA, homemaker and companion care services, transportation services and hospice care throughout Rhode Island.

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Understanding patient care and creating opportunities for improvement have always been a part of Maria’s daily mission. In doing so she has become part of the political arena with regard to making changes that fill the gaps in the health care system. Some of her work has contributed to the passing of legislature that better accommodates the patients, and helps fill needs that otherwise may have been overlooked. She gives a voice to the underserved, and understanding to those who create laws that affect them. And to that end she continuously volunteers on committees within the State. To name a few she is currently on the committees with “Blackstone Valley and Mount Hope multi disciplinary advocacy teams” and co chairs a committee with “Brown University, Lifespan Cape Verdean HIV/AIDS Project, and “Cape Verdean Medical Society.”

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She has been recognized for her work in the healthcare industry by the State of Rhode Island, The City of Pawtucket, and The Minister of Culture in Cape Verde, The Minority Elder Task Program, The Minority Health Advisory Committee, as well as former Congressman Patrick Kennedy and former Governor Donald Carcieri. Received recognition from the Rhode Island partnership for home care in 2017.

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Maria is not only recognized for the work she does in Rhode Island, but also for all of her work across the ocean in Cape Verde.  She provides monetary support, sends medical supplies and necessities that she personally gathers. Maria strongly encourages others to donate to the cause.