“I had to realize that confidence comes with experience and we should never compare ourselves to others. Everyone learns at their own pace. ”
Tell us a about your current professional role(s) and what brought you to this line of work?
I currently work as a Registered Nurse (RN) in the ER. What brought me to nursing is my naturally kind and nurturing personality. The career of nursing honestly fits me perfectly and it just comes naturally. I truly cannot see myself in another career besides the one I'm in.
When it came to building my brand, it really wasn’t planned. I literally had a friend tell me one day that I should make an Instagram page geared towards nursing. Initially, I hesitated and thought I didn’t know if that was good for me. After much thought and prayer, I felt that God called me to do it. So, I literally asked for some advice on how to build a brand from a fashion Instagram influencer and it literally took off from there. It’ll be 2 years in May since I started my Instagram page geared towards nursing and I have over 8,000 followers (and counting). Instagram allowed me to have a platform to help inspire, encourage, and educate others. I wake up every day grateful for the opportunity that God has given me, and all the doors that have been opened because of it. I’m honestly amazed at the growth and the love from those who support me!
When it came to me blogging, I initially only had written one blog—and it was tips on how to prepare for nursing school. In the year of 2019, I decided that I was going to launch my own website to provide another outlet to reach more people. In addition I also wanted an outlet to blog and my website provided me a space to do that. Now, I currently I have several blog posts about different topics that include my NCLEX experience and even traveling.
As a woman and leader in your industry, how do you prioritize your many roles?
The way that I prioritize is by trying to have a balance in everything I do. I make sure to spend time with my family and God. Family and faith are my top things, so when those things are in order, everything else falls into place easier for me.
What is your proudest professional achievement and why?
My proudest professional achievement is when I had a patient who felt that I gave them such amazing care, that they went out of their way to call my manager and rave about me. That made me feel so great and it reminded me that I'm definitely in the right profession.
Have you ever felt like an "impostor" during your career? If so, tell us about the experience.
I personally have never felt like an impostor. My journey to become a nurse was by no means easy. I know that God helped to lead me along the way, and to me, nothing happens by accident. I know for a fact that where I am today is meant to be and was a part of God's plan.
Tell us about a time when you felt that your career had stalled. How did you get unstuck?
A challenge I initially had to overcome as a new grad nurse was having confidence. I think often as a new nurse, we may question if we are really doing things correctly and try to compare our skills to nurses who have been in the field for 10 years or more. I had to realize that confidence comes with experience and we should never compare ourselves to others. Everyone learns at their own pace.
What habits have you followed that led to the overall growth of your career?
A habit that I use daily and helped me to become a better nurse is that, before every shift, I claim that it will be a good one. By doing this, it helps me to prepare mentally for my shift. I also stopped comparing myself to other nurses and went into every shift determined to be the best that I can be.
How do you embrace femininity in your professional and leadership roles?
The way I embrace my femininity is that I make it a point to come to work well groomed and smelling good. Sometimes, I wear my hair down or in a ponytail. I don't wear much makeup, but when I do, my makeup routine consists of blush, eyeliner, and lip gloss.
What is one interesting fact about yourself that you can share?
I love to sing and have performed in talent shows in high school and college.
What is one piece of advice you would share to a woman who has fallen into complacency at work, but knows she could be doing so much more with her career?
I would say to that complacent person that it’s important that you follow your heart. You don't want to look back and regret not going after your dreams. Don't be afraid and just go for it. You never know what you can do until you try.
This article has been edited and/or condensed for clarity.
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