Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Tara Washington. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Tara , thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Was there a moment in your career that meaningfully altered your trajectory? If so, we’d love to hear the backstory.

I actually have two moments. I think my most defining moments in my career were when I realized I needed help, and when I realized I wanted to live and walk in my gifting. In winter of 2021, we were absolutely drowning in the first surge of Covid. There was sickness everywhere, and everyday I was confronted with death, despair and utter hopelessness. None of the treatments we were using for severe Covid really helped. We tried, they died. And that would just repeat day after day. After a series of personal losses; and being absolutely beat down by being surrounded by death all day everyday, I made the decision to take my life. I couldn’t take it anymore. However after sitting on the side of the 101 with a knife to my carotid, I made the decision to get help. That path led me to taking 3 months off work, leaving bedside nursing, and seeking intense therapy. After two years of clawing my way back, I’m now back in the Emergency room, and happier than I’ve been in years. Im stronger, wiser and walking fully in my gifting, which is healing.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

This is kind of a funny story, Initially I had planned to pursue the arts. I used to do set construction for plays at my visual and performing arts school. But I can’t do the starving artist bit. I chose nursing instead since I have a heart to care for people. What sets me apart in my field is the fact that I am still emotionally present. So many people underestimate the effect the pandemic had on the empathy of healthcare workers. I still fight to lead with kindness. I still believe in the power of small comforts like warm blankets in the ER or making my patient laugh. This often leads to me creating more work for myself, but it’s worth it to me. I still love the arts, and I write, but currently only for my pleasure. Maybe one day I’ll monetize my creative gifts, I’m just shy lol.

Putting training and knowledge aside, what else do you think really matters in terms of succeeding in your field?

You have to care. And you really have to understand what caring for someone entails. It means you will be screamed at. It means you will see a plethora of death. It means you will encounter heartbreak. Nursing is not for the faint of heart. But I promised myself the day I feel nothing is the day I walk away. The unfortunate reality is that most people have encountered a nurse or doctor who clearly doesn’t care and it is the absolute worst. I won’t do that to myself, or anyone else.

How do you keep your team’s morale high?

Check in on each other! After nearly making the choice to commit suicide, several of my coworkers did kill themselves. And one coworker found her son when he took his life. So many people hide a mountain of pain under the smiles. I vowed to ask, “how are you?” When I get the typical “I’m fine”, I push. No really, how are you doing? In the work space, I make sure my coworker know I am a resource to them. Can’t get an Iv? I got you. Need to talk a walk because someone is making you angry? I got you. No one on my team is ever working alone if I am on your team

Contact Info:

• Other: Nothing yet! I’m honing my craft, professionally and creatively. Maybe spotlight one day, but not today 🙂

Image Credits
None. Just for context, the one of me pummeling a mannequin is from Tiger Muay Thai in Phuket, Thailand. Taking rest is part of being a great nurse!