Career Spotlight- Dialysis Nurse
In today's social media driven world, the Baby Boomers, Generation X, the Millennials and the Hipsters have collided. This makes for a gumbo of themes and pictures that fill our daily feeds. Many of us post discussion topics, pictures, articles, videos and memes throughout the day. In the middle of all this entertainment, we often neglect to mention or we choose not to discuss a major role that occupies our lives -our careers.
Well its understandable, social media is supposed to be the carefree place to kick back and relax; who wants to talk about work? The few things we do see on our timeline about work are complaints about how much we owe Sallie Mae, how we are disgusted with our coworkers/boss, or how we are somehow otherwise dissatisfied. Conversely, we praise our jobs and awesome coworkers/boss. Its either high or low, but nothing in between; because the day to day isn't worth a post. Right?
Well, I think we have confused the Millennials and Hipsters. They don't value education, hard work and career development to the degree that we did growing up. We, the hardworking citizens of the USA and abroad, need to do a better job at showing them that there is more to life than aspiring to be "Instagram Models" or marrying into a higher social class and tax bracket. No disrespect to the Instagram Models, but there is more and like professional sports, everyone isn't going to "make it". Those that do have the "it" factor, unfettered talent, or a beast-like work ethic. The rest of us have to remember that social media is fun, and while it looks good, things are not always as they seem. You don't need to get a degree to be successful- but it helps. Sometimes, possessing a great work ethic without formal training or a degree supersedes having those without drive- and people are out here proving it. To adequately position yourself, having both or an abundance of either is very necessary.
This series highlights different men and women, the careers they have chosen and/or businesses they have grown. Millennials, there are options out here and YOU can use this information get up off the couch and DO something. Join me in this series as we take a glimpse into the professional world at real people, with real careers, in the real world.
Highlighted This Week
Joyce Brooks, RN
Dialysis Nurse
Joyce is a Registered Nurse from Baton Rouge, LA. She attended Southern University School of Nursing in Baton Rouge, Louisiana where she earned a Bachelor's of Science degree in Nursing. Joyce is currently working as a Dialysis Nurse with Fresenius Medical Care. Find out more about Joyce's career as a Dialysis Nurse in her answers to the our career survey.
How long does is it take to earn a Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing?
The program is 4 years.
Were there any professional exam requirements post- graduation to work in your field?
In order to work as an RN, after graduation you must take and pass the NCLEX.
How long did it take you to find a job after completion of school/ professional exams?
I had a job 3 months prior to graduation.
How long have you been working in your current position?
I have 12 years experience in Dialysis.
How does this position relate to your schooling?
This position relates directly to my training as a nurse. I work with patients who have different levels of kidney failure. In nursing school we learn about the body's systems. Kidneys are a part of the renal system. When a patient has kidney failure, the kidneys need help to flush dangerous toxins from the body. We use dialysis as a substitute for the kidney's functions where we clinically purify the blood.
What would you say it takes to be successful in this profession?
To stay successful in my job you have to continue learning new treatment modality and commit to continued education.
What are some things that you do to set yourself apart in this profession?
I have worked as Manager in my specialty.
What are the common misconceptions about this profession?
The number one misconception is that nurses make a lot of money. Number two is that it is an easy job.
What advice would you give someone wanting to go into this profession?
Don’t come into the profession for the money. Choose it if it’s your passion to care for people and you love people of all kinds.
What would you say to encourage someone to go into this profession?
Nursing is a giving profession, if you have a positive look on life and a really good relationship with God you can do anything and we’d love to have you in nursing.
What cautions would you share with someone about this profession?
In this profession you can experience burnout and it can be very stressful. Be mindful of that and take care of yourself so you can properly be able to care for others.
How is the work/life balance in this profession?
My work/life can sometimes be unbalanced. In my specialty I have to take calls and those days can run anywhere from 0 hours to 24 hours. However, I do my best to schedule "me time" and time with my family and friends. Being a nurse is very rewarding and was the right career decision for me. I encourage more students to take nursing classes if they want to be in an instantly rewarding career field.
Thank you Joyce for sharing with us about your career in Nursing! Subscribe to Cultured Creole by Email to be notified about future posts with reference to "A Look into the Professional World"!
Merci Beaucoup!
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