We Make Nurses Stronger

I am the oldest of 6 children in a single mother household. My mother is a registered nurse and my hero. Because of nursing, my mother was able to elevate our lives out of poverty. Her nursing knowledge taught me life skills that have continued to keep me healthy and safe. She taught me the value of service and how it can transform lives. 

My favorite part of the job is the energy felt from the human connection experienced through patient care. I am wiser because each connection teaches me more about the zest of life. It keeps me humble and grateful for the present and the future.

I learned to embrace life every moment of every day. I have learned that my health is my wealth, that I should cherish this priceless gift because once it is damaged it cannot be repaired; all the money in the world cannot repair a sick, debilitated body and mind. I learned that I can age with strength, grace and dignity while maintaining a fierce independence. I learned to forgive and live because life is too short, too precious and too amazing!

Nursing has made me stronger. I live a life of truth with integrity. I am extremely patient and tolerant. I am less critical and judgemental towards others. I am more open minded to others points of view and I listen with empathy. I am a kinder, gentler person. I accept everyone regardless of our differences. I love the humanness of everyone.

When I was a new graduate, I struggled to adapt as a nurse. Despite my mother being a nurse, she did not give me any tips, tricks or strategies to guide me through the first 5 years of my career. My internship and preceptors did not prepare me for the emotional, mental, physical, financial, or relationship rollercoaster I would encounter. I made numerous mistakes and I had no resources or support system to rely on. I felt alone and I struggled with transforming into the kind of nurse I wanted to become. The experienced nurses were unkind, condescending and impatient. There was no guidance to help me navigate what I did not know and what I wanted to learn. I had to self-educate myself by sink or swim.

Nurses are the face and the force of healthcare. With that comes great responsibility to our families, our communities and ourselves. We should be resilient enough to withstand burnout—yet we are not. Stronger Nurse is for the person who wants to stay strong when they are in a pickle. Stronger Nurse was created to empower the next generation of nurses. Stronger Nurse is a supportive community for aspiring nurses, new nurses and graduate nurses. I don't want anyone to suffer from the debilitating mental anguish usually experienced during the early years of nursing.

Being a stronger nurse means you are courageous. It means that you are fearless. You challenge yourself, take responsibility for your actions, and proactively seek solutions. One day, my family, friends or myself will require care from a nurse. When that happens, I want a Stronger Nurse. 

As a kid, I wanted to be an artist when I grew up. I loved to color and draw. As an adult, I have started to develop my skills as an artist. It is a form of meditation for me. I enjoy coloring books, acrylic and watercolor painting. I get my inspiration from the local arboretum. When I paint, I wear a beret.