b'EDUCATION GUIDE|losing our ability to provide the care that is needed. Communication is also very tough. II will admit that I bring frustrations of workhave always been someone that can take neg-ative feedback from my leaders. It may make home too often. With all previous positions, Ime angry at first, but once I let it settle in, I can take that constructive criticism to make was able to punch out and leave work at work.myself better. At times, I have expected staff With being a director, I feel decisions you maketo be able to do the same. I have a very dif-ficult time with excuses or blaming others.and interactions that you have with staff stick How has your role in leadership with you much longer than they should. changed since COVID-19 has emerged?DIRECTOR: With our current situation, our needs from a department standpoint have dramatically dropped. Right now, we are having to manage costs while still being Having type 1 diabetes led you toThroughout my life in sports, I was alwaysable to help our patients as much as possi-become a certified diabetes educatorconsidered a leader, but I did not do soble. Direction from organization leadership (CDE)are you enjoying your career path? in a vocal way unless needed. I rememberis changing daily. Trying to keep our team DIRECTOR: Yes, I am enjoying mycoaches saying that I led by example andinformed as much as possible while ensur-current career path. As an ED nurse withcould sway the emotions and play of mying they feel safe is important. There are also type 1 diabetes, I was often asked to pro- team by bringing consistency, determina- a lot of emotions and work processes that vide education to patients in the Emergencytion, and passion. As a leader in a profes- are changing that make it difficult to com-Department. At that point, I started to won- sional setting, I am still learning how toplete our normal tasks.der if it was possible to make a living work- reach each individual. It is very evident that ing as a diabetes educator. As an inpatientwe are all different beings and are not allWhat do you do to relax after a tough diabetes educator, I was able to meet severalmotivated by the same things. day?families and patients that were in the sameDIRECTOR: I will admit that I bring situation as me. Being scared, confused,What do you find most gratifying aboutfrustrations of work home too often. With sad, angry, and many other emotions asbeing in a leadership role? What do you findall previous positions, I was able to punch they were being told they or a loved one hadmost stressful about being in a leadership role? out and leave work at work. With being a new type 1 diabetes. I think telling them myDIRECTOR: The most gratifying partdirector, I feel decisions you make and inter-story and showing them that I played collegeof leadership for me is the teamwork.actions that you have with staff stick with hockey, went to nursing school, got married,Identifying patient needs and workingyou much longer than they should.had kids, and now I work as a professionaltogether as a team to make decisions andTo relax, I enjoy going for walks with my gave them a lot of hope about their future. committing to those decisions to imple- family or going out to eat. In the summers, ment change. I do not feel my job is to makeI love walking on the beach or going to play What do you find most gratifying aboutevery decision. I feel my job is to identify andgolf. I think activity keeps your mind off of being a CDE? reduce barriers to providing the care that weconstant tough decisions.DIRECTOR: Giving people the tools to beprovide. Sometimes that may be a process successful with diabetes. Many people thinkissue, or sometimes that can be fear fromWhat advice do you have for nurses or a diagnosis of diabetes is a death sentencestaff or misunderstanding. My preference ishealthcare professionals who are contem-or that their life will no longer be fun. I havethat staff and those providing the care makeplating a position in leadership?found many ways to be in good health andmore decisions than myself, that way theyDIRECTOR: Really, I think that people enjoy myself. I like showing others how to doown the decision and process and are moreconsidering leadership really need to think the same. likely to follow it or believe in it. about why they are doing it. It is usually not The hardest part for me is the balancea great pay increase.What drew you into a leadershipbetween the needs of patients, providers,You need to be able to communicate well position? staff, and the organization. We need to con- and make decisions that are difficult to DIRECTOR: When I joined my currentsider all aspects and keep happy to stay rele- make. If you enjoy working on processes and department, a leadership position was notvant and in business. If we sway too far onegetting the most out of people, it could be something that I had thought of or wanted.way or the other, ultimately, we could riskfor you.n16 EDUCATION GUIDE|2020| www.elitecme.com'