Monday Morning Mentor Episode 1: The Nursing Instructor Who Believed In Me

Every nurse has a story. Just like all my nursing students, my nursing journey began with a little fear, constant stress/anxiety, and a whole lot of self-doubt! Oh, and that one unforgettable nursing instructor that changed everything!

I still remember the first time I walked into my nursing fundamentals class - overwhelmed, stressed, and trying to manage school with a 2yo and 6mo baby at home. I seriously questioned if I made a mistake choosing this path. The pressure of clinicals, the endless chapters of reading, and the terrifying thought of making a mistake on a real patient made me question myself daily. Add in a lack of sleep and running on caffeine - I constantly felt like I was falling short.

And then I met HER - my clinical instructor.

At first, I thought she was absolutely AWEFUL. One of those instructors who ate their young. She was loud and full of energy (complete opposite of my personality). She had a presence that demanded your best. I remember talking to my classmates about her, dreading going to class because she was so intense and pushed us everyday.

As stated before, I had a newish baby at home and the demands of being a mom while trying to navigate nursing school were more stressful than I can put into words. At times, I felt my nursing journey was going to be impossible. My instructor saw right through the exhaustion I tried to hide behind my scrubs. She noticed when I came to class a little too quiet and my facial expressions spoke for my mouth (she even called me out on it). She saw when my eyes were red from a lack of sleep and when I hesitated in class because my mind was split between my patient and worrying about my kids or deputy husband at home.

One day, something changed. Instead of judgement, she offered grace. She pulled me aside during clinicals and gave me the most incredible encouragement. That moment meant everything. She didn't make me feel like I had to choose between being a mom/deputy wife and being a nurse, she helped me believe that I could be both. She cheered me on when I passed exams when I thought I'd fail, guided me through clinical skills with patience, and constantly reminded me that strength doesn't = perfection. Sometimes strength is just showing up.

Because of her belief in me, I didn't quit. I pushed through the doubt. I learned how to balance chaos with grace. She inspired me to become a nursing instructor myself!

Now, as a nurse (and educator), I strive to be THAT person for someone else - the steady hand, the encouraging voice, and the one who sees the future in others when they don't see it in themselves. I know now that sometimes the greatest gift you can give someone isn't knowledge, it's belief.

Kirsten (TEACH) - THANK YOU! Thank you for believing in me when I didn't believe in myself. You helped me rise. You helped me become the nurse and instructor I am today. I blessed to have you in my life as a colleague but more importantly as a FRIEND!