%20(3).png)
THE MUG 10
TEN QUESTIONS THAT UNLOCK REAL STORIES OF SUCCESS.
.png)
AT A GLANCE
.png)
I am able to make my patients feel comfortable and well cared for while using my analytical brain to give them the best dermatologic care possible.
My ability to go one step at a time—you might stumble but you keep going.
WHAT IS YOUR
UNIQUE GENIUS?
how did you become interested in this career?
I WAS THE GO-TO FOR ANYTHING MEDICAL
When I was younger and people would ask what I want to be when I grow up, I always envisioned something in medical. I've always wanted to help people and I'm levelheaded in a crisis.
.png)
IN WHAT WAYS IS THIS JOB
A PERFECT FIT FOR YOU?
I'm willing to learn.
I'm humble.
I'm empathetic.
.png)
I find that it's the right fit for me because my options are endless. Straight out of school, I went into correctional nursing. I worked at a medium security prison in Massachusetts. It was great, but I needed more hands on experience. My goal was to get into a hospital—and here I am. I love it because there's so much you can do.
WHAT SKILLS DOES IT TAKE TO BE SUCCESSFUL AT YOUR JOB?
WILLINGNESS TO LEARN
The biggest skill is the willingness to learn and being able to put your ego aside. You can't compare nursing to anything because there are new things you have to learn every day. The key is to evolve and constantly better your craft. Make it the best and make it your own.
I am able to make my patients feel comfortable and well cared for while using my analytical brain to give them the best dermatologic care possible.
WHAT DO YOU WISH YOU KNEW WHEN YOU WERE YOUNGER?
APPRECIATE THE SMALL WINS
Every little goal you accomplish is a win. The win may be that you were able to put gas in your car, but accept that and relish in it. Be happy for everything you have but still be hungry for more. You have to be a little greedy for the things that you want.
I am able to make my patients feel comfortable and well cared for while using my analytical brain to give them the best dermatologic care possible.
IN YOUR BODY OF WORK, WHAT ARE YOU MOST PROUD OF?
PURSUING MY PASSION
I worked in Human Services for over 13 years and I hit my ceiling of what I could do and I was burnt out. I needed something where I wasn't just coming in and punching a clock every day—something that I really had a passion about. So I went to a trade school for nursing and 18 months later, I graduated and haven't looked back.
WHAT'S THE MOST CHALLENGING PART OF YOUR JOB?
ACTIVE LEARNING AND PROBLEM SOLVING
Being able to figure out the best option to move forward is also the the most challenging part of my job. As a nurse, and as a person, you're not going to know how to do everything. You could come into something that completely baffles you and you have to think back on your training.
WHAT'S 1 THING PEOPLE DON'T KNOW OR UNDERSTAND ABOUT YOUR JOB?
THERE'S A LOT THAT GOES INTO NURSING
There's a lot we do down to getting [the patients] something to drink, giving [them] a shower, assisting in everyday care, medications, [reaching] out to the provider and seeing what other actions need to take place. So we're a jack of all trades.
WHAT WAS A DEFINING MOMENT OF YOUR LIFE?
HELPING MY SISTER
There was a time when I was babysitting my younger sibling. She fell and broke her arm and I made her a sling, put some ice on it, and gave her some Tylenol. Being able to care for her until my mom came home to take her to the hospital was kind of cool.
INDUSTRY STATISTICS
NURSING
PROJECTED GROWTH
Projected Growth: 4%-7%
Projected Openings: 58,800
AVERAGE ANNUAL SALARY RANGE
$37,150 - $63,790
TOP SKILLS FOR THIS JOB
Service orientation
Coordination
Social Perceptiveness
Active Listening
Monitoring
Active Learning
Empathy
Levelheaded
WORK ENVIRONMENT
Face-to-Face Discussions
Responsible for Others' Health
In Close Proximity to Others
Importance of Being Exact
TRAINING + DEGREE REQUIREMENTS
Some college or certificate after high school