We recently connected with Thamara Jean and have shared our conversation below.

Thamara, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. If you had a defining moment that you feel really changed the trajectory of your career, we’d love to hear the story and details.

Great stories from inspirational figures have usually stemmed from devastating events. 5 years in the field of nursing and from the beginning, I noticed the shift from service based to more of a business mindset. As a hard worker and compassionate caregiver, the pandemic was its own Pandora’s box. It taught us valuable lessons and having experience burnout motivated me to find another avenue of passion so I went into critical care. I started travel nursing last year to explore new states and of course increase my income but my intentions were always towards providing my patients top quality care. A trajectory moment that I faced was on my last assignment at my first religious hospital in Central Florida. Being a Christian myself, I was excited to work alongside people who believed in some of the same values as I. It dawned on me as I was working in a severely understaffed unit outside of my scope that I wasn’t contracted to flourish and serve but to fill a gap through a bait and switch. When I did the right thing by advocating for my safety and my patients, the chief nursing officer herself terminated my assignment. I always advocated for what’s right and it broke the rose colored glasses I had on the most trusted profession and I truly saw the good, the bad and the ugly. I undervalued myself many times to appease people who would replace me in a heartbeat for questioning and going against the grain. I went into nursing with the sole purpose of improving the quality of life in others. And while that still is a goal. This experience ignited a motion in me to speak up for nurses, to instill confidence in them but to also now focus on creating a safe space in nursing through education, coaching and support. Doing the right thing does not always get the response you would think but that should not stop us from trying anyways.

Thamara, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I am a traveling critical care nurse. I knew since 16 that this was the path for me. I started off in high school in a medical academy transitioning to college where I paced myself to earn my AA. While in college,I discovered my other talents of leadership and mentorship which I brought with me to university. I attended Florida Atlantic University for their college of nursing and earned my BSN. While in college I worked for the Vice President and interacted with many leaders and board members. I volunteered and gained positions in many organizations earning Change Agent of the year in 2017. I went on nursing excursions to Guatemala and Ecuador to provide services to people in rural areas. In the medical field, I used my leadership insight to advocate for my patients and other staff. I worked longer and harder not to be the best but to give my best to those I served. I got into content creation as a creative outlet and my following grew over the years. What sets me apart according to my patients and online followers is that I have an old soul and it shows in my work and interactions. I’m very transparent because I believe there is something rare and valuable in sharing life stories that encourage and uplift others. I hope to eventually build a brand that uplifts young women or new nurses to find their voice. And that taking the road less traveled has trials and failures but the growth and rewards that lie ahead are worth it. I encourage others to live holistically and to always look for ways to grow. Risk and perseverance have always shaped the world, imagine if we could look past our own fears and realize what we too can accomplish.

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

The lesson that I can make it on my own. Not realizing it takes a community to achieve a goal. A visionary needs mentors and support. I grew up thinking if I worked hard enough that I could achieve anything. While it was partially true, it was not realistic. Knowledge is power not only because of what you but more importantly who you know. In college I signed up for a class because of convenience, not knowing I selected the worst rated professor. Not because he could not teach but because he was on tenure so he would just theorize his love for math which led nowhere. I failed the class with a D, a F was too much paperwork he said. This grade brought down my whole average which prevented me from applying to an Honors program I wanted to register for. I came home so I was defeated and spent the week crying. I blamed the professor but actually it was my error for not investing to know who would instruct me especially since I chose the class. My ego was shattered and around campus, I saw ads for peer mentors and as someone who was never taught to ask for help, I reached a point where I was open to trying anything. My mentor was the best thing, I could’ve asked for. Not only did she provide me with resources but connections. I not only learned how to pick quality professors but I received recommended insights on professors, study material and even registration tips. My college experience grew exponentially because my network also grew. When I went to my university, I also looked for a mentor who helped me connect with department leads and I began to know directors on a first name basis. I have watched people drown and not know it because they allow their pride to defeat them. This is why I share my journeys and lessons as I go because I never know whose life it may inspire or transform. A great mentor is not required but it is key to great success.

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

The humility to ask for help and seek help from anyone. The saying closed mouths do not get fed is true. You have to look for learning opportunities everywhere you go. I’ve learned lessons about life from my dying patients that I still carry with me today. From my successful patients, I see the constant story about them stepping out on faith in the midst of fear. I encourage you to find someone who has aspects of yourself that you resonate with and reach out to them. I interact with successful business women because the environment and discussions amongst these women change my perspective and habits. I’v e asked for lots of advice from successful and genuine people and it has shaped my practice but also my mindset. Due to my humility, I’ve learned from older nurses and even janitors who have worked at the hospitals for decades about tried and true methods. And now I have people I look forward to seeing at the workplace. People who have given me tips and tricks that may not necessarily improve my practice but also improve my image. I remember an older nurse teaching me old school tricks in case the new supplies were’nt able to clean out a clogged feeding tube. At a travel assignment, the new nurses couldn’t figure it out and asked for help and I was able to show them what I learned which they can add to their skill set. When I asked why everyone doesn’t know this, they simply stated some people assume they know it all and can’t be taught unless they have a higher degree. This reminded me to always stay humble.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tammyjay07/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tammie.jay214
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeanthamara/

Image Credits
CandidPhotographybyCanes Loui Photography MaliqueJohnson Photography KG Photogrpahy