10 Questions with Flavio de Oliveira Jr.

The beloved nurse at Seaside Pediatrics in Yarmouth forms special bonds with young patients through his caring personality and imaginative approach.

A teddy bear and a dose of patience work wonders with young patients. 

Because of this caring approach, little ones frequently ask for “Flavi” before their immunization or vaccine visit. 

Flavio de Oliveira Jr., RN, at Seaside Pediatrics in Yarmouth, will often give a pretend shot to a toy bear first to help put a child at ease. 

“Pediatric work is all about imagination,” says Flavio. “I will tell the child, ‘This is what we’re going to do and the teddy bear isn’t going to cry.’ I put a Band-Aid on the bear and say, ‘The teddy bear didn’t cry, and neither will you.’ This might take an extra 10 minutes, but it makes a huge difference.” 

Flavio, 48, started his healthcare journey later in life. Originally from Brazil, Flavio came to the U.S. in his 20s speaking very little English. “Not knowing English held me back a little, but then I learned the language,” says Flavio. “People told me college is expensive and I wouldn’t be able to afford it, but I always kept pushing. I decided to investigate and see what needed to be done. It’s not impossible. Everything has a path. It could take me 10 years, it could take me 20, but I am going to start this path.” 

Meet Flavio

After working various jobs outside healthcare, Flavio enrolled in the Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) classes at Cape Cod Community College and earned his nursing degree.  

During his 10-year career with Cape Cod Healthcare, Flavio has worked across the spectrum and helped patients at many different stages in life, from age 0 to 100. He started as an interpreter at Falmouth Hospital, then transitioned to a CNA role at JML Care Center. At one point, he also worked in the novice nurse transition program in Cape Cod Hospital’s Emergency Room. 

While taking his nephews to their appointments at Seaside, he got to know the staff and learned from the office manager that they were looking for a bilingual nurse. He applied and started working at Seaside in 2017. Today, he works mainly as a triage nurse, talking to parents on the phone about their children’s ailments—from sunburns to sore throats—and helping with resolutions and referrals. He also manages and supervises seasonal vaccine clinics. 

We recently sat down with Flavio over his lunch hour at Seaside Pediatrics to learn more about his role as a nurse, what inspired him to get into healthcare and what a perfect day off looks like for him. 

1. What was your very first job?

A landscaper. I probably lasted for five hours and decided well, ‘That’s not for me’ (he laughs). From there, I went to McDonald’s. I started at the bottom and worked my way up to supervisor. I was also a manager at Cumberland Farms. People kept talking to me about how I should try different things in life.  

2. What inspired you to get into healthcare?

I’ve always been a people person. I like to talk to people and I like to help people. Working in healthcare is a great opportunity to help your community—especially since I speak three different languages (Portuguese, Spanish and English). That is when I decided, how can I put all of this together to help the community? 

3. What do you like most about your job? It must be fun watching kids grow up.

Every day is different. It’s not a repetitive job and it’s rewarding working with kids and the parents. When I was a medical interpreter, I was able to be part of the birth. I see those same kids now—walking, talking, running around. To witness the life cycle is amazing.

4. Do you have a mantra or quote you live by?

When you do good things, great things come back to you.

5. What would a perfect day off look like for you?

A beach day. I love taking my two basset hounds, Consuelo and Frida, to the beach. During the summer, I have to go all the way to P’town because it’s the only place that allows dogs. If not for the dogs, I love to go to Sandy Neck.

6. If you had one superpower, what would it be?

To fly. I would love to be in certain locations quickly. 

7. Favorite movie?

“Life Is Beautiful,” an Italian movie.

8. Favorite TV show?

“Big Bang Theory.” I like Sheldon.  

9. What three words would your coworkers use to describe you?

I asked around before this interview, and they responded, “Kind, smart and funny.”

10. If not on the Cape, where would you live? 

I would love to live in Florida. I love Islamorada in the Florida Keys. It’s a beautiful place.