We were lucky to catch up with Portia Effinger recently and have shared our conversation below.

Portia, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Was there a moment in your career that meaningfully altered your trajectory? If so, we’d love to hear the backstory.

First off, I believe everyone eventually has that defining moment where something big made them realize their why or what really matters the most. If I had to sum up my moments both personal and professionally with one word, I’d say “Grief”. I am who I am because of the significant losses and internal struggles I’ve chosen to overcome.

When considering my decision to persure grief support while nursing, one story sticks out distinctively. I will never forget working in the Pediatric Emergency Department, and having the opportunity to check in this young boy, classified as a behavioral patient under observation for a suicidal attempt. He spent hours there until he was fully awake and able to articulate his thoughts. In his moment of vulnerability he shared with me, his nurse, “most days I feel like my life isn’t worth living”. 14 years young, I thought to myself there’s no way he has endured that much. As the conversation continued he expressed the loss of his grandfather shifted his whole life, since his death he had been struggling with depression, and his mom always passively pushed it off as ” we will get through it”. This African American kid, encouraged to disregard his valid thoughts and having no outlet lead him to a 3 day emergency stay. His story lit something on the inside of me. When I saw him, I saw my little brother. When I saw him, I saw children who struggled with grief and lacked adequate resources to help them navigate through their healing. Unfortunately, this scenario is way too common. For this particular story, no one person is to blame here however, the lesson to be learned is that children’s grief awareness is imperative. This encounter was one of many that fueled my mission. I knew in that moment, our community needed alternative resources, and I wanted to be one.

The wisdom I’ve gained over the years from being apart of stories such as this, taught me, grief is a unique spiritual experience and should always be treated as such. My loss evolved me, it taught me to take risk, to seize the moment, to embrace my fears and go for “It” anyways. Because of my grief, I’m more present, laugh more often, and love even harder, but not each individual has the same experience. Some individuals struggle longer than they desire, and that is where grief education and coaching can be helpful. Through the witnessing of other’s grief, normalizing conversations surrounding loss and life has became my passion. Since 2019, I purposely humble myself daily to support the grief journeys of others, and I have fallen in love with every moment.

Portia, 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 are not familiar with my story, I am an individual who is intrigued by healing as a result of uncomfortable conversations. I am a nurse by profession who has chosen to specialize in grief support, coaching, and advocacy. Mental health and healthy healing is my brand. I’d like to think just as nursing chose me, so did grief coaching. Grief awareness coupled with observed healthcare system gaps, powered my passion to recharge the world.

As I reflect, it was my intentional recharges after significant losses that have molded my day to day practice. In 2013, I experienced the loss of my best friend and Goddaughter. Just a week before her due date, she didn’t make it due to pregnancy related cardiac complications. In 2017, after being in a medically induced coma for 2 months, I lossed my stepfather due post cardiac surgery complications. 2020 took several lives, including the life one of my biggest cheerleaders and supporters with metastatic breast cancer. In 2021, my God sister transitioned suddenly due to Lupus related complications. These are just a few losses that made me practice differently, these stories are my why. With the many stories I’ve had the opportunity to witness, I’ve learned grief assessments and support are an essential part of overall healthcare.

In 2019, I started a community based nonprofit that supports youth whom have experienced the loss of a parent or primary caregiver. I created an avenue for youth dealing with grief to form a solid support system while navigating the routine struggles of life itself. I continuously aim to creatively reach them where they are. Our monthly support sessions have touched the lives of hundreds and supports dozens of youth on a routine basis, while emphasizing the importance of their mental health journey. With such high demand, I have recently began coaching teens and adults outside of our TRP monthly sessions virtually who desire personalized grief support.

What sets what I do apart is that this is a bold statement for the uncomfortable, yet inevitable. Everyone at some point has to encounter grief, but no one wants to talk about it. As the wise saying goes, what isn’t revealed can’t heal. Through community outreach and awareness initiatives both locally and internationally, I am here to change perspectives at their core beginning with the lives of our youth. The Recharge Project Incorporated and now Grief Love & Co. aims to change how the world sees and experiences grief.

I am most proud of how my grief work has evolved. In just three years, this organization has grown! We have touched the lives of individuals around the globe from Atlanta to Africa. From taboo conversations, mental health school tours in Uganda, to retreats and day camps to raise grief awareness, this would not have been possible without my supporters.

My initial goal was to bridge the gaps from the clinic to the community, and with my current ongoing initiatives, I believe my team and I are well on our way. Word of advice, If you don’t remember anything said in this article please remember to find you a healthcare provider that cares about you, as you navigate the sometimes rocky terrains of life, you deserve it.

Do you think you’d choose a different profession or specialty if you were starting now?

If I could travel back, I would choose nursing every single time. Overwhelming, difficult, physically and mentally taxing are just a few terms that come to mind when thinking of the hard days. On other days, being a healthcare professional gives me life; the opportunity to daily humble myself, as I have the chance to watch miracles right before my eyes. We have front row seats to observe, from tragedy to triumph, from pain to purpose routinely. I have had the opportunity to witness some amazing stories, some I may not have ever witnessed had I not been bedside. The rapport built, trusting conversations, and opportunity to positively give back to my community recharges me. With over a decade of service, I view my work as so much more than a mere job, but a ministry of love and healing. I am an educator, mentor, philanthropist and so much more, but of the many titles I hold, nurse practitioner and grief coach are by far my favorites.

Other than training/knowledge, what do you think is most helpful for succeeding in your field?

Other than training, there are a few things I believe are helpful for succeeding in my field. The first key is to never stop listening. It’s impossible to be successful at anything in life if you’re not a great listener. It’s vital to listen not only with your ears, but with your heart. This is what truely heals. So many times people simply want to be heard. Secondly, never stop learning. Each person or case you encounter has the potential to teach you something new to mold your craft, let it. By doing so you will become a better version of yourself. Lastly, remember to always remember you! This is so important. When in a service profession, it’s so easy to lose yourself in the service of others. Giving yourself to others, pouring into the lives of many reaps such amazing benefits, but you must always remember your cup needs to be refilled as well. Self care is essential and necessary. Pour into others as often as you’re called to do so, but always remember to RECHARGE your own battery! The world deserves the best version of you and so do you.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.therechargeproject.org
• Instagram: https://www.Instagram.com/therechargeproject
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/therechargeATL/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/portia-effinger-msn-aprn-fnp-c-90487891
• Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/TherechargeATL
• Yelp: The Recharge Project, Inc.
• Other: Please check out: Grieflove.co Instagram/thegriefNP Tiktok/thegriefNP