We recently connected with Ana Santos-Burks and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Ana, thanks for joining us today. What was the most important lesson/experience you had in a job that has helped you in your professional career?
One of the most important lessons I learned in my professional career came from my first job as a nurse in Baltimore, Maryland. I was surrounded by strong, experienced nurses who took me under their wings. Fresh out of nursing school, I found myself working in an environment where drugs and HIV were prevalent, and many of my patients were young individuals who had faced tough life circumstances.
During my first three months, my nurse manager called me into her office every single day to point out something I had done wrong. Each time, I would go home crying, dreading the next day. However, I soon realized that these daily critiques were invaluable lessons that were shaping me into a better nurse. Each correction and new perspective helped me grow and improve my skills.
One day, at the end of those three challenging months, I arrived at my unit expecting another call to the office. Instead, my manager approached me in the hallway while I was preparing medication. With a hand on my shoulder, she whispered, “I took you as a little bird, you are now flying like an eagle. I hope you do the same and touch other nurses’ lives as we have touched yours.” It was at that moment I understood what it truly meant to be a nurse. This experience taught me resilience, the importance of continuous learning, and the value of mentorship. These lessons have been foundational in my career, allowing me to not only excel in my practice but also to support and guide others just as I was supported.
Ana, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
For those who may not have read about me before, let me introduce myself. My name is Ana, and three years ago, I was 250 pounds overweight. I struggled with depression, anxiety, fatty liver, diabetes, and low self-esteem. Despite seeking help from my healthcare provider, I was given the same standard advice: increase activity, follow diets, and avoid fatty meals. I realized I needed to take my health into my own hands.
This realization led me to seek the help of a weight management specialist, who performed an Endoscopic Sleeve Gastroplasty (ESG) procedure to assist with my weight loss. After losing 40-50 pounds, I was then placed on medical weight loss injections, which continued to transform my life. Today, I am healthier than ever, no longer considered diabetic, and have achieved a normal weight for my height.
Inspired by my own journey, I am now dedicated to helping others become healthy and feel confident about themselves. I provide support and guidance for individuals seeking to improve their health and well-being. The most rewarding part of my work is seeing others succeed and extend their lives. Helping people achieve their optimum health is my proudest accomplishment.
What sets me apart is my personal experience and understanding of the struggles associated with weight loss and health issues. I offer empathy, support, and practical solutions that I have personally tested and found effective. I want potential clients, followers, and fans to know that I am here to support their journey towards better health and confidence.
We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.
Embarking on the journey from a stable 9-5 job to running my own business has been one of the most challenging yet rewarding experiences of my life. When I first left my job, I was confident and financially stable, with bills paid on time and no significant financial worries. However, pursuing my dream meant dipping into my savings and maxing out my credit cards, which quickly became a significant source of stress as my personal finances took a hit without seeing immediate profits from my business.
One of the hardest lessons I learned was the stark difference between being a nurse and being a businesswoman. In the nursing profession, my focus was on patient care and medical expertise. Transitioning to a business role required a complete shift in mindset and skills. I had to revamp my business model, change the name of my business, and make the tough decision to let go of some patients who didn’t respect my time and efforts. This was not only a financial decision but an emotional one as well, as it felt like I was cutting ties with people I cared for deeply.
Despite these setbacks, I remained resilient. I invested in learning new skills and sought advice from mentors who had walked a similar path. It was a lonely road, often filled with self-doubt and anxiety, but I held onto the belief that my perseverance would pay off.
One pivotal moment in my journey was when I realized that my business needed a complete overhaul. The old model wasn’t working, and instead of giving up, I decided to take a risk and make significant changes. I revamped my services, improved my marketing strategy, and focused on creating a brand that truly reflected my vision and values. This process was grueling and filled with trial and error, but it was necessary for growth.
Through this journey, I’ve learned the true meaning of resilience. It’s about facing adversity head-on, adapting to new challenges, and continuously striving for improvement despite the obstacles. Today, my business is starting to gain traction, and although the road ahead is still challenging, I am more confident than ever that my efforts will be worth it in the end. This experience has not only made me a stronger businesswoman but has also reinforced my passion for helping others in a way that aligns with my entrepreneurial spirit.
Other than training/knowledge, what do you think is most helpful for succeeding in your field?
Other than training and knowledge, several factors are crucial for succeeding as a nurse practitioner:
1. Continuous Learning: Stay updated on the latest medical trends and advancements. This not only improves patient care but also enhances your professional development. Regularly reading medical journals, attending conferences, and participating in workshops can help you keep pace with new treatments and technologies.
2. Effective Communication: Listening to your patients is vital. Acknowledge their concerns and address them clearly. Health care is a shared decision-making process, so ensure your patients understand their conditions and treatment options. Avoid using medical jargon, as some patients may nod in agreement without truly understanding.
3. Empathy and Compassion: Show genuine care and empathy towards your patients. Understanding their emotions and challenges can help build trust and rapport, leading to better patient outcomes. A simple smile when appropriate can also make a significant difference in making patients feel comfortable and valued.
4. Patient Education: Never assume that patients know what you are talking about. Take the time to educate them about their health conditions, treatment plans, and any necessary lifestyle changes. Use simple language and visual aids if needed to ensure they fully comprehend their situation.
5. Interpersonal Skills: Develop strong interpersonal skills to interact effectively with patients, their families, and the healthcare team. Good teamwork and collaboration are essential in providing holistic and efficient care.
6. Adaptability and Resilience: The healthcare environment is dynamic and often stressful. Being adaptable and resilient can help you manage unexpected situations and maintain high-quality care under pressure.
By integrating these practices into your daily routine, you can enhance your effectiveness as a nurse practitioner and provide the best possible care to your patients.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.zendripsiv.com
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Image Credits
SM2 Studio