Today we’d like to introduce you to Sharnika Thomas.
Sharnika, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
Originally from Memphis, TN I worked there as a Certified Occupational Therapist Asst. for 6 years following my undergrad tenure at Middle Tennessee State University. Like so many others, I begin to feel stagnant in my career & felt as though my calling and purpose were greater than what I was settling for. In March 2020, the world as we knew shifted drastically as we experienced what would be a life-changing global pandemic. Already familiar with the healthcare system, I knew this was the most prominent opportunity for me to boldly pursue a career in a relatively familiar environment that would allow me to further dispense comfort, compassion, & care. I then enrolled in an accelerated 14-month nursing program. It was one of the most challenging things I had ever done. Especially during an obviously uncertain time in healthcare. However, I succeeded & obtained my bachelor of nursing degree & became a registered nurse. I wanted to expand my skillset & go beyond the limitations of what I had always known, so I took a leap of faith and moved to the “medical” city, also known as Dallas, TX. Although I would be in a very highly concentrated & interactive place hundreds of miles from family & friends, I knew this was the place I needed to be. I am now currently working as a Critical Care Trauma nurse at Medical City Plano.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It has certainly been a rocky road. At the beginning of started my nursing journey, I went through a big breakup that affected me tremendously. It was hard navigating through all that was happening in the world as well as in my personal life. Nursing school was also extremely different from my previous studies. Completing a normally 4-year process in 14 months was arduous and very demanding. Long nights of studying, no social life, & lots of stress. Also, because the program was so strenuous and time-consuming, it meant that I would be unable to work during its entirety so, which also added a lot of financial stress & worry. I worked, in the beginning, part-time; however, as time progressed & curriculum increased, I was left with no choice but to quit my job and focus on school full time.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar, what can you tell them about what you do?
I am currently a critical care trauma nurse. I work in the intensive care unit where I provide immediate care for patients with critical injuries and illnesses. I am known by my peers and co-workers for being extremely selfless which I believe contributes to me being a great nurse. It requires you to put the care & needs of others before your own, which I have always done. I’m naturally just a very nurturing person. I believe I am most proud of being able to overcome many challenges in the past two years, discover a strength I never knew I had, & accomplish taking on a new city & career. My faith & security in God’s plans for me and my life, I believe are what set me apart from others.
Where we are in life is often partly because of others. Who/what else deserves credit for how your story turned out?
The saying “it takes a village” rings so true for me. I have had so many supporters throughout this journey. My parents have always been the foundation of my success in life. From childhood, they instilled the importance of education of purpose in me and made sure to provide an environment for me to pursue my goals. My family, friends, & church members have also maintained an amazing support system for me, whether it be through prayer, helping me study through zoom/face-time, or even just words of encouragement. It was the pillar of strength I needed to persevere and succeed.
Image Credits
Sophie Hunter
