Showing up as your full and authentic self in the workplace.

When I started my first year as a Registered Nurse, there was a rush of emotions. Anxiety was a constant one. I had alot of fear being a new graduate nurse ad trying to exceed high expectations. Stress along with working with very few people who looked like me was very unfamiliar. Back then, people's ideas and opinions of me would really cripple my confidence. "What if I forgot to chart something." "What If I'm not successful with this IV attempt. "What if I can't answer all of the questions quickly enough when the physicians call."

I end up spending years CONFORMING to the workplace instead of ADAPTING to the workplace. I spent years showing up to work as a watered down version of myself, smiling when I didn't want to, and distancing myself when I already felt isolated. As I look back at who I was 5 years ago, I wish I spent less time being bothered about others' opinions, where I fit in, and what was to be expected of me from my peers. It kept me in a box that affected my personal and career growth.

I am 30 years old now. So much growth has happened in 6 fast years. From learning my self worth, becoming more confident, gaining self trust and loving the process of growing as an RN. I had to trust that I was just as competent and skilled as my counterparts. I deserved to be in the workplace and I worked hard to be here.

As a new graduate nurse, or even as a seasoned nurse, we will not have all the answers, and that's okay! We won’t be great at everything. It's ok to tell your patient "I’m not sure." It's ok to have to ask a coworker to help you with a task or to ask them to complete a med pass for you because you're struggling getting caught up. It doesn't make you any less of an RN. We all have strengths and weaknesses. I know that I suck at IVs, but guess what, ya girl is a beast when it comes to straight caths!

The gem I want other nurses out there who feel overwhelmed, not good enough, and isolated is remembering "YOU TAKE YOU EVERYWHERE YOU GO." No matter if you're at church, at work, or out to eat with your friends. Show up as your best self! Whoever does not like it, or is intimidated by it, is only a reflection of them. The key to showing up as your best self? CONFIDENCE! Another one TRUST! Trust that you have eaRNed the right to be where you are. You pulled all-nighters studying and creating flash cards, freaking out over exams, getting up at 5 a.m in the morning for clinicals, just like everyone else. You. EaRNed it.

Quick Take Aways to Be Your Authentic Self

1. Develop and build your confidence. Confidence is the key to almost everything in life you guys I swear. If you feel good about yourself, knowing who you are. It's hard to allow yourself to show up anywhere the lesser version of yourself.

2. Self-trust. Trust that you can be yourself, and people will like and appreciate you for it. For anyone who does not seem to like who you genuinely are, who cares, its only is a reflection of how they feel about themselves.

3. Believe you are an asset. You are an asset to those around you, and to those you serve. You are highly valued by the people you love and you are skilled at what you do.

Be your Best!

Love you guys, Kelei