Today we’d like to introduce you to Breonna Leon.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Breonna. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
From the time I began my nursing career, I knew that I would work in Geriatrics. When expressing this to many of my friends, colleagues and even professors I received the astounding response “Why?”. Many nurses I meet have a goal of working in Pediatrics or OB so that they can be a part of the innocence and beauty associated with childhood, but many view geriatrics as the unglamorous world of bedpans and adult briefs! When I am tasked with answering the questioning of my field choice I immediately begin expressing how I possess a deeply rooted passion for the geriatric population that sometimes can’t be explained by words.
As a child, I was raised by my Great Grandmother. The generational gap between us presented many problems and I probably wasn’t participating in some of the same after school and weekend activities as my peers. My great grandmother is a true saint who spent most of her time visiting nursing homes to volunteer and visit her family members and friends that were in facilities. During this time I had the opportunity to volunteer as well. Although I was a small child, I connected with the residents in the homes we visited and they took to me and enjoyed my weekly visits. I can truly say that this experience led me to where I am now. As my great grandmother grew older I eventually had to move with my mom and I then found myself visiting my grandmother to take care of her. Just as she had dedicated her life to helping others I found that I became passionate about caring for her. Up until her recent death I vowed to make her golden years her best years.
Today I am proud to say that I have dedicated most of my nursing career to geriatrics. Right out of high school I became a Certified Nursing Assistant and worked in a nursing home as well as a Geriatric Psychiatry Unit. After graduating from nursing school my professors advised me to spend at least one year in the Emergency Department so that I can gain skills to prepare me for my Geriatric career. I completed one year and then began working in the Home Health setting where my clients were all 65 and older. I enjoyed educating seniors about chronic conditions and each visit felt like a visit to Grandmas! Recently, I completed my Master’s and became an Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner (NP). I currently work in a long term care facility in the specialty of Geriatric Psychiatry. I provide medication management of psychotropic drugs to the residents there. I also educate the staff in the facility on non-pharmacological methods for handling conditions such as dementia. I work tirelessly to ensure that the facility complies with current Medicare Guidelines and prepare them for visits with state agencies. Not a moment goes by that I don’t feel like I am walking in my purpose!
Has it been a smooth road?
In the summer of my senior year of high school, I found out that I was four months pregnant. Initially, I looked at this as a setback and all of the plans that I made for my post-high school career seemed impossible. However, after deciding to keep my child I can truly say it may have been the best decision I have made thus far. Having a child pushed me to succeed. I knew that I would not allow for my child to ever have to struggle and I did whatever it took to make sure he had the best. On top of that, nursing is one of the hardest majors out there and completing the program while raising a young child was no small feat. My support system which included my mother and brothers were the anchors that helped me get through. I would tell anyone facing the same challenge that life happens, but it is up to you to persevere because being a victim of your circumstances helps no one.
Please tell us about your practice.
I currently work as a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner for Life Source Inc. I consult with long term care facilities to meet the psychiatric needs of their residents. Geriatrics is a field that often is forgotten and I must say I do not see how! I find my job to be very rewarding and I often feel connected to the patients I serve. The benefits of working with this population are vast. There is a true need for those passionate about working with this very vulnerable population. There is always an opportunity to teach these patients, but what is most rewarding is that they often teach you! I find that my patients are at a place in there lives where they may require assistance with care, but their wisdom simply amazes me.
I also use my social media platform to educate other healthcare providers about nursing and serve as a mentor for those in the field by assisting with job searches, answering questions about ways to gain experience, providing study tips and also just being someone to vent to as they push through the difficult process of being a passionate provider. Most recently, I led my first workshop in collaboration with Nurses Support 911, a non-profit organization started by two young black nurses in Atlanta for nurses and nursing students. The workshop I led focused on Resume Writing and Interview skills. I also have an upcoming speaking engagement with the United Advanced Practice Registered Nurses- Atlanta Chapter. My goal is to continue to use my platform to inspire others so that we can further advance the nursing profession.
Let’s touch on your thoughts about our city – what do you like the most and least?
Atlanta has been my home since Middle School. What I love most about the city is the saturation of black excellence. I do not think there is any other place where you can see our people thriving like this. All of my friends are young black professionals that are truly killing it. Also, the grind that I encounter on a daily is truly impressive. Many of my friends are so talented and creative it truly makes me proud to be in their presence. We are changing the narrative and I cannot what to see how the next generation will live because we are now working to obtain generational wealth! In the same breath, this city knows that if you work hard, you can play hard and it is so refreshing to have the opportunity to work a long day and be able to go out and have drinks and “turn up”.
Contact Info:
- Address: 3098 Eastbrook Terrace Atlanta, Ga.30331
- Phone: 4047891222
- Email: brethegnp@gmail.com
- Instagram: @brethegnp
- Facebook: BretheGNP
Image Credit:
Photo 1: @nursealee
Photo 2: Triple S. Shots
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