From Mistakes to Mastery: Finding Strength in Challenges

You ever experience something so bad that it sends shooting pain through your stomach?

Oh, I’ve had my fair share of those moments.

I remember a time when I really messed up, and I thought it was the end of the world—like I was about to lose my job over a late report.

At that time, my personal life was in shambles: my marriage was failing, my mother was ill, and I had no support system where I was living.

I was just a mess.

This is one reason I tell my Directors of Nursing and all my clients to be present in whatever you are doing at that time.

It is the reason why I am an advocate for not working from home.

I’ll never forget receiving a call while my children were in the backseat, being loud and chaotic.

I felt like I was losing my mind.

What my nurse told me didn’t even register—I was completely checked out.

Thankfully, no harm came to the resident, but it was definitely a reportable event involving resident-to-resident altercations.

I got suspended for a couple of days due to not reporting the abuse timely.

It was very difficult for my administrator as well because she also knew this was not like me.

I had to ask myself: What do you want to do? What’s your plan?

With my oldest son out of the country and my second son away at college, I was left with my two younger kids, just hanging on, trying to survive the reality of becoming a single mother again.

I remember talking to my regional nurse consultant during this time.

She said, “This is not you. What’s going on?” That was when I broke down and started crying.

I felt like I had messed up and was carrying so much on my shoulders.

So why am I sharing this?

Because I’ve made mistakes in my career as a Director of Nursing.

Each one has transformed into lessons that allowed me to thrive as a nurse leader, educator, mentor, and coach—and believe it or not, a better mother.

I got over my “poor me” party and took accountability for what occurred.

I shared those mistakes with my team, showing them that even leaders mess up.

This created a culture of teachable moments and an environment for continuous learning.

They would often say, “Wow, you know so much!” And I’d respond, “It’s because I’ve made many mistakes that turned into lessons. No failures, just lessons.”

So, when you think your world is coming to an end, remember me.

Know that there is light at the end of the tunnel.

You’ve got this!

Life is a series of lessons, and every setback is an opportunity to grow.

Embrace the journey, learn from your experiences, and remember that we all have the strength to rise above our challenges.

Keep pushing forward, because brighter days are ahead.