Isabel Dominguez

What is it like when your job gets tough?

When things get tough at work, it's mentally and physically draining. Challenges test your skills and resources by demanding that you solve problems and be resourceful. It is opportunity kicking in, and yet, patience and tightness are required to surmount whatever is placed on your path to the goal.

What is the one piece of career advice you wish someone gave you when you were younger?

The best advice regarding your professional life, which I wish somebody had given me a long, long time ago, is to look at failure as a stepping stone towards success. Nowadays, it's good to stumble; every upset brings its lesson. Don't fear the mistakes, but learn from them, adjust, and move forward, using them along the way with more wisdom and determination.

Did anyone ever oppose your career plans when you were young or push you in a direction you did not want to go?

Yes, in the early stages of my career planning, some people challenged my unusual choices or pushed me toward the beaten path. Sometimes, such skepticism or pressure made me doubt myself. Overcoming these obstacles further solidifies my expectation for the pursuit of that which really inspires me, despite peoples' opinion or expectations.

How did you start building your network?

I began to go out into the industry events, join professional associations, and finally make contact with colleagues and mentors in my network. Professional portals such as LinkedIn have amplified this aspect of networking online. More important, however, are the cultivation of authentic relationships, offers to help, and close ties over time that have been critical toward having a large, resourceful, and supportive network.

How did you pick your career? Did you know all along?

Interest in nursing was influenced by the mixture of personal interest in healthcare with the real desire to help others. I did not know what to start with, so I began to try different areas within healthcare by volunteering and shadowing. Nursing seemed to fit very well with direct care, opportunities in many areas, and the chance to influence patients meaningfully.

What is the most useful piece of career advice you got as a student, and who gave it to you?

The most helpful career advice that I got while a student in pursuit of registered nursing came from an experienced nurse who urged me to be empathetic. Accordingly, she added that compassionate care not only enhances health outcomes among patients but also professional satisfaction among health professionals. This wisdom really echoed the human aspect essential in nursing practice.

What is the biggest challenge you had to overcome to get to where you are now professionally? How did you overcome it?

The biggest challenge I overcame in becoming a registered nurse was treading that thin line between rigorous academic demands and hands-on clinical experience. I did this through keeping myself organized and focused, seeking out advice from professors and peers, and dedicating some extra time to studying and practicing. Persistence, resilience, and the passion of rendering care to patients are what kept me moving during tough times.

When you were a student, did you do anything outside of school to build skills or get knowledge that has helped your career?

Yes, I did internships, volunteered at healthcare facilities, and attended many workshops to have hands-on experience beyond the classroom. All these experiences really built my clinical skills, enhanced my insight into patient care dynamics, and gave me valuable exposure to the healthcare industry, thereby making me career-ready.