Chasing the American Dream: My Journey to Healthcare

Professional Development Plan
Ten years ago I was sitting in a classroom striving to understand the English language and how to read and write properly. I am a Mexican immigrant who came into the United States following the “American Dream” in search of a better life. I am a hard working individual with a passion for service and self-determination to make a difference in people’s lives. I come from a family that values unity and service to others. Caring for other people is what I love to do and it’s what makes me feel I have a real purpose in life. A career as a health care professional will fulfil both my personal and professional goals.
I always knew education would give me tools necessary to achieve my goals. Learning English was the

Some of my strengths include having the ability to work in teams as well as individually. In today’s healthcare environment, having the ability to work in a team is essential to collaborate effectively with other healthcare professionals towards achieving the desired outcomes for the patients. I am compassionate of all people who need my care. Having empathy towards individuals who suffer from illness, injuries, or otherwise require our services is a core characteristic of nursing. Optimism is another personal strength. I am good at finding the good traits of people, inspiring to build upon their strengths, and empowering them to use their maximum potential toward attaining their desired aspirations. Perseverance is another characteristic I possess. I have the ability to push myself and overcome obstacles to reach my goals even if they seem unattainable at first. Lastly, I possess excellent communication skills. In today’s cultural diverse healthcare environment, healthcare professionals face communication challenges when providing care to limited English-speaking patients. Andrews and Boyle 2008 (as cited in Blais & Hayes, 2011) recommends the involvement of professional medical interpreters to assist patients and other healthcare professionals in order to overcome the language barriers and to avoid using family members as interpreters to protect patient confidentiality. As a bilingual nurse, I can provide care to

Now, being more knowledgeable about the many different routes nursing can take me, my aspirations have evolved. I have developed a special interest in continuing my education; I am pursuing to obtain my BSN degree. Although I volunteer regularly at the local clinic and hospital, I aim to reach people in other rural areas and collaborate with them and other healthcare institutions in an effort to improve their access to health care. It is my intention to partake a more active role in my local young professionals group by collaborating with my team in planning and organizing events. These are the short-term goals I hope to achieve within a