Today we’d like to introduce you to Danielle Barbour

Hi Danielle, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.

For as long as I can remember, I have ALWAYS loved helping people. As a child, I would visit elderly relatives with my parents on the weekends, and I remember always enjoying helping them. I would love to use my toy medical kit and treat everyone around me. These experiences cultivated my heart for people and their overall well-being. My desire to care for, encourage, and see to the overall well-being of people led me to strive for a career in nursing.

I graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from The University of Alabama at Birmingham in 2008. As a Registered Nurse, I worked on a Post-Surgical Unit for about 4 years and then worked as a travel nurse. In 2017, I graduated with a Master of Science in Nursing from Troy University. Shortly after graduation, I passed my licensure exam and became a Board-Certified Family Nurse Practitioner. I have worked in Primary Care, Urgent Care, Behavioral Health, and Pediatrics. Currently, I am working as a Nurse Practitioner specializing in Obesity Medicine.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?

Although I am so grateful for my journey thus far, it has not been without some challenges. After two years of working as an RN, I decided to apply to graduate school to pursue a career as a Nurse Practitioner. However, I applied for two years, applied to a few different programs, and didn’t get accepted. Receiving those rejection letters crushed me. I even called and spoke to a representative from one of the schools I wanted to apply to, and I was told that I wasn’t qualified. She said that I would not be accepted into ANY program, and the curriculum would be too difficult for “someone like me.” She advised not to apply anymore. That was incredibly discouraging for me. I remember working as a travel nurse in Georgia, and one of the physicians pulled me to the side. She asked me if I had ever considered a career as a Nurse Practitioner. She encouraged me to, because she was watching me and noticed my work ethic and how I treated patients. She told me that she could see me excelling in that career. I was in shock, so I never told her how that was a goal of mine. For her to tell me that gave me the encouragement and motivation I did not know I needed! That was my last travel nursing assignment; after praying about it, I applied again and I was accepted. Not only that, but I excelled throughout the program. So much so that I was inducted into Sigma Theta Tau, the only nursing honor society.

Another challenge in my journey has been working during the COVID pandemic- specifically during 2020-2022. During this time, I was working mainly in the Primary and Urgent Care settings. It was tough – both physically and mentally. Don’t get me wrong, I absolutely love what I do, but burnout is real and that season was incredibly difficult – I even questioned if healthcare was for me anymore. I am thankful to God for giving me the grace and ability to do what I do. My faith in God and my relationship with Him definitely plays a part in how I choose to view situations and challenges. I believe that I’m graced to do what I do on a daily basis. Challenges are going to come, but I have to remain confident that I am more than able to do this.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?

I have been a Family Nurse Practitioner for 7 years, and I currently work in Obesity Medicine. I have been working at a wellness and weight loss clinic for about a year, and I love it. I love helping patients reach their wellness goals, and helping them get to the root of any health or wellness concerns they may have. I would say that I am known for my bubbly and optimistic personality, for sure. I am most-definitely a “people person,” and I am passionate about educating others about their overall health and well-being. I provide empathetic and compassionate care for my patients, and I believe that is something that sets me apart from others.

I love to uplift and encourage others, especially my patients. In 2019, I released my first book, “Daily Doses: 31 Days of Inspiration for Healthcare Professionals.” It is a devotional I wrote specifically for those working in healthcare. As healthcare professionals, we give and endure so much, and I wanted to create a resource that we can use for encouragement.

During the pandemic, I developed even more of a passion for educating my patients about their health – whether it was understanding their lab results or knowing how to manage blood pressure and cholesterol by understanding the basics of nutrition. However, working in a busy primary care practice did not allow for me to take the time do this, and that did not sit well with me. My passion is to provide quality care for my patients and I began to pray about what I could do. I became a Certified Health Coach in 2021, and my goal is to work with women, empowering them to embrace a healthy body and radiant soul.

I am also a part-time Clinical Nursing Instructor for nursing students. Giving back to the nursing profession is something that I enjoy. I remember my instructors who were so encouraging and supportive to me in my journey, and I want to be that for our future nurses.

I am most proud of my resilience. I have been in the nursing field for 15 years, and I have experienced my share of highs and lows. As a result, I am the healthcare provider I am today and I can honestly say that I have become stronger as a result of these experiences. It has not always been easy, but it has definitely been worth it.

Is there anyone you’d like to thank or give credit to?

For as long as I can remember, my family has always supported me. My husband, parents, grandmother, and younger brother are my biggest cheerleaders. However, I also have a huge support system in my aunts, uncles, cousins, and best friends. The love, support, encouragement, and prayers I have received from these people have played a huge role in my life and career.

Over the years, I have worked with some amazing physicians, nurses, and nurse practitioners – way too many to name! They have contributed greatly to my growth as a health care provider.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: ali.danielle
• Facebook: Danielle Barbour

Image Credits

Shuneil Gadson