Many people who choose a career in health care have an innate desire to care for others, to serve people. The combination of passion and years of education and training can make a career in health care thrilling, but it can also be challenging. Because of this, establishing a personal mission statement — understanding and articulating your “why” — helps those of us in health care connect with our passion and it serves as a regular reminder of why we chose a career in health care.
I urge our team members to consider and share their whys. Leslie Thaggard, R.N., a pre-admission testing registered nurse, was kind enough to share her story. She shared this thought: “How can I make each person whom I come in contact with better?” This is her simple, yet important and invaluable mission.
“Whether they just need someone to listen to their concerns or calm their fears (as many come to us for their own life-changing event), or they need help simplifying our process so they know what to expect as a patient, I think about how I can make their life better,” Leslie says. “This thought has been my mission and it’s what has brought me to work here at Lee Health every day since 1984.”
The idea of listening to someone else and figuring out what will help make their life easier or better is a wonderful mission — certainly for a health care provider, but also for a family member, friend or co-worker. Applying that idea — what can I do to make someone else’s life better — to conversations and interactions with others can transform relationships, work environments and the overall culture and vibe of a place.
Lee Health is lucky to have people like Leslie on our team, and we appreciate her taking the time to share her why. If you haven’t thought about it, take some time to contemplate your why and consider what your personal ideals are, and then you can focus on living your mission every day.
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