CAREERS IN HEALTHCARE: FULTON HOMES EDUCATION CENTER
Fulton Homes Education Center is a postsecondary education school providing training in CNA, CMA, Phlebotomy and CPR/First Aid. FHEC Program Director and Co-Founder Nesha Jones, BSN, RN, shared her insights on what it takes to work in healthcare.
How did you decide on a career in healthcare?
I was inspired to be a nurse at a very young age! Growing up, my grandmother battled health issues and I was her little helper and “nurse”. As a child, my mind was set and I knew being a nurse was a part of my definite purpose in life.
What do you find to be the most rewarding part of your job?
Nursing comes with many rewards! The most rewarding part of nursing for me is being able to care for people when they are in some of their most vulnerable states in life. A lot of times when people are admitted to the hospital they don’t know what’s going on with their bodies and suddenly healthcare providers are working within their personal space. This can be scary and make one feel as though they have “lost control”. I loved connecting with my patients in their journey to wellness and helping them through some of the most difficult times in their lives.
What do you find to be the most challenging aspect of your job?
As healthcare providers, our goal is to see our patients get better and be well! A definite challenge in nursing is facing the reality that we will have patients in spite of our efforts, who will not get better and be well. I have found even through times such as these, there’s still opportunity to impact a difficult experience.
There are 3 essential skills nurses must have to be effective: effective communication, organization/time management, practicing empathy.
- Communication between the nurse and patient begins before one word is spoken. It is vital to display effective communication during the introduction phase as this stage helps the patient develop trust. When we establish trust, a therapeutic nurse-patient relationship is formed opening a window for us to provide care.
- Organization and time management skills go hand-in-hand. Nurses must learn time management skills to successfully handle their daily responsibilities while maintaining a professional environment during interactions with patients, family members, and colleagues. As nurses, we must be able to adapt quickly, reprioritize, organize, and manage unexpected challenges.
- Empathy is the ability to understand and share the feelings of others. An empathetic nurse can connect with his or her patient by understanding what the patient is going through. Acknowledging the patient’s emotional state, listening, and engaging with unbiased communication empowers the patient to express feelings related to their healthcare.
As you look into the future, what excites you about the next 5-10 years of the healthcare industry?
Looking forward, I’m excited about the advancement of technology in healthcare. Over the next 10 years, innovative procedures in medicine will advance increasing desired patient outcomes!
What advice would you give to Avenue Scholars students who aspire to work in the healthcare industry?
Healthcare is a vast pool of opportunity! I advise scholars interested in the healthcare industry to get exposed to the area of interest. This may mean taking a course, completing job shadows/internships, or volunteering. Getting exposed to healthcare is the best way to see if it is a true fit for you. Next, begin taking the essential steps to align yourself with the career in healthcare you wish to seek.
I took the steps of 1. getting CNA certified 2. getting CMA certified 3. becoming a registered nurse.
Work smart scholars and PLAN ahead! Establish a DEFINITE end goal and plan out the necessary steps to obtain that goal! Believe you CAN, and you WILL!
Best of luck on your journey to success!
See More Interviews and Profiles from Avenue Scholars: