"They" Are Wrong...Don't Listen To Them


Submitted by Career Coach on Mon, 04/19/2010 - 13:43

 

About six years ago, my oldest daughter Dana graduated from Loyola University School of Nursing, took her boards and became an R.N.

Her dream was to be a  nurse in the pediatric intensive care unit at Children's Memorial Hospital in Chicago.

As she shared her dream with others, everyone told her that it doesn't happen that way. They said, "Nobody get's hired for the pediatric intensive care unit at Children's right out of nursing school. Nobody."

They said, "Get several years of good experience, first, and then go for Children's. You have to be realistic and smart about this."

Dana listened to them. After all, they were her friends and some of them were her advisors. So, she listened to them.

Then, she didn't listen to them any longer.

She listened to herself.

She wanted to start her healthcare career, not just at Children's hospital, but in their intensive care unit.

So, she went for what she wanted, knowing it was a stretch. Dana interviewed and sold herself during the interview. Despite not having any experience, Dana got her dream job. She's been there about six years now and loves what she is doing and where she is.

Now, she's working on her master's degree to become a Nurse Practicioner.

Good for her.

How did Dana get to where she is today?

There are many variables involved, no question about it.

But, here's one that we can all be reminded of:

You have to believe in yourself first.

If you do, others will.

If you don't, it can be a crap shoot.

Guess which one Dana chose?

http://www.alanallard.com - Alan is a consultant, executive coach and speaker.


Goes to show...

Submitted by luisanasuegart on Tue, 04/20/2010 - 11:14.

Hi Alan,

Your daughter's story goes to show what we discussed in the "Goals and Behavior Change" forum. It is all about the mindset that you bring into whatever it is you want to accomplish. Had Dana listened to her friends and advisors, she would be missing out on an opportunity that was seemingly meant for her. An important factor in all of this, aside from her determination, is her passion towards working with children during the most critical times. Without a doubt, her enthusiasm must have radiated as she "sold herself" to her interviewer, which ultimately landed her the job. It's a great story to remind us to never undermine ourselves or our instincts.

Thanks for sharing!

Luisana

Hi Luisana, You make a great

Submitted by Career Coach on Tue, 04/20/2010 - 17:31.

Hi Luisana,

You make a great point about passion. One of the main reasons job seekers don't receive an offer is they failed to communicate passion for the opportunity.

There is no substitute for passion, and I'm guessing you wouldn't have moved to New York if you weren't passionate about your work.