We were lucky to catch up with Selina Dallas recently and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Selina thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Is there a heartwarming story from your career that you look back on?

I will Always recall the moment I was able to use my personal life experience and clinical expertise to help a patient. It was late at night working in the emergency department and patient came in with chest pain, shortness of breath and feelings of his heart racing. As an emergency room
Clinician I immediately proceeded with our protocol to obtain and EKG, vitals and lab work. Once the EKG was completed I immediately recognized that the patient was in a rhythm named Supra Ventricular Tachycardia. AKA SVT. The patient was scared and anxious not knowing what would happen next. Following the process the physician was notified and we immediately behave to prepare to implement our clinical protocol/process. As the physician was explaining everything to the patient he was listening but not really understanding. As the physician left the room the patient had many questions and just wanted reassurance that he would be okay. As a former patient with this same diagnosis I was able to share my story, share my journey, and provide some relief and clinical security for the patient. I remained with the patient the entire time and he was so thankful.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

I am Selina Dallas the founder of Big Sisters In Nursing a nonprofit organization. I have always been an individual who wanted to help others in any way that I could. I became a nurse after a loved one fell ill and I felt helpless because I did not understand and I did not know what to do. As a nurse you encounter many individuals, some are nice and some are not so nice. I experienced individuals who were not so nice and as a result I vowed that as long as I live and I remain a registered nurse no other new nurse would have to encounter what I experienced. As a result I started my nonprofit organization focused on being a support for those who may need it. Just like you have a big sister you can go to for life problems you now have a big sister in nursing that you can go to for work problems. I am most proud of the number of nurses and patients I have been able to help through various challenges. I want future and current nurses to know that you have support out here for whatever you may need.

What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?

1. Commitment to Quality: I have always prioritized delivering high-quality patient care and ensuring that best practices and evidence-based guidelines are followed throughout the organization.

2. Strategic Leadership: By providing visionary leadership and fostering a culture of continuous improvement, I have been able to drive positive changes and innovations in healthcare delivery.

3. Team Empowerment: I believe in empowering and mentoring my team members, enabling them to excel in their roles, fostering a collaborative and supportive work environment.

4. Community Engagement: Actively engaging with the local community and building strong relationships with stakeholders, including patients, families, and other healthcare professionals, has been crucial in establishing trust and credibility.

5. Professional Development: I continuously invest in my own professional development and encourage others to do the same, staying updated with the latest trends, technologies, and best practices in healthcare.

6. Ethical and Transparent Practices: Upholding strong ethical standards and promoting transparency in decision-making and communication has been fundamental in building trust and integrity.

7. Results-Oriented Approach: My focus on achieving measurable outcomes and driving improvements in patient outcomes, employee satisfaction, and operational efficiency has contributed to my reputation.

8. Adaptability and Resilience: In an ever-evolving healthcare landscape, being adaptable to change and resilient in the face of challenges has been essential to building a strong reputation.

Overall, my commitment to excellence, dedication to patient-centered care, and fostering a supportive, collaborative work environment have been instrumental in building and maintaining my reputation as a respected nurse executive within the market.

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

Aside from training and knowledge, several non-technical qualities and skills are highly beneficial for succeeding in the nursing field. These include:

1. Empathy and Compassion: The ability to empathize with patients and their families, showing genuine care and compassion, is crucial for building trust and providing holistic care.

2. Strong Communication Skills: Effective communication with patients, families, and fellow healthcare professionals is essential for delivering clear information, understanding needs, and collaborating effectively.

3. Critical Thinking: Nurses need to be able to analyze complex situations, make swift and accurate decisions, and anticipate potential issues to ensure patient safety and well-being.

4. Emotional Resilience: Nursing can be emotionally demanding, and the ability to cope with stress, handle difficult situations, and maintain a professional demeanor is vital for long-term success.

5. Adaptability: The healthcare environment is constantly changing, and nurses need to be adaptable and flexible in responding to new challenges, technologies, and protocols.

6. Teamwork and Collaboration: Nursing is a team-based profession, and the ability to work collaboratively with diverse team members, including physicians, other nurses, and support staff, is essential for providing comprehensive care.

7. Leadership Potential: Even in staff nurse roles, leadership skills, such as mentoring, coaching, and advocacy, are important for promoting optimal patient outcomes and driving positive change.

8. Attention to Detail: Nursing demands a high level of accuracy and attention to detail to avoid errors in medication administration, documentation, and patient assessments.

9. Time Management: Nurses often juggle multiple patients and tasks, so the ability to prioritize, organize, and manage time efficiently is vital for success and preventing burnout.

10. Professionalism: Upholding ethical standards, respecting patient privacy, and maintaining professionalism in all interactions contribute to a nurse’s credibility and reputation.

These non-technical qualities and skills, combined with a solid foundation of training and knowledge, are integral to success in the nursing field and contribute to providing exceptional patient care and making a positive impact in the healthcare industry.

Contact Info:

• Website: Www.Bigsistersinnursing.org
• Instagram: Selinadallasinc
• Facebook: Selina Dallas

Image Credits
Robingamblephotography