Today we’d like to introduce you to Danielle Barnes.
Hi Danielle, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
For as long as I can remember, I have already enjoyed helping people. As a little girl, I would visit elderly relatives with my parents on the weekends, and I remember always enjoying helping them. I would love to use my toy medical kit and treat everyone around me. These experiences cultivated my heart for people and their overall well-being. My desire to care for, encourage, and see to the overall well-being of people led me to strive for a career in nursing. I graduated from The University of Alabama at Birmingham in December 2008 with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. After working in Birmingham for a few years, I began a new journey as a travel nurse. Although I loved being a travel nurse and gained so much from the experience, I knew there was more for me to accomplish. I prayed about it, and I eventually made my way back to Alabama. Shortly after settling in, I decided to go back to school. During my graduate studies, I traveled to Costa Rica for a study abroad opportunity, and learned so much about healthcare in another country. I did well academically throughout the graduate program, and was inducted into Sigma Theta Tau, the only nursing honor society. In May 2017, I graduated from Troy University with a Master of Science in Nursing. Shortly after graduation, I passed my licensure exam and became a Board-Certified Family Nurse Practitioner.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
After two years of working as an RN, I decided to apply to nurse practitioner school. However, I applied for two years, applied to a few different programs, and didn’t get accepted. Not one school accepted me. Receiving those rejection letters crushed me. I even called and spoke to one representative from a school, and I was told that I wasn’t qualified. She advised not to apply anymore. I was so discouraged. I’m so glad I didn’t listen!
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I currently work as a Family Nurse Practitioner. I treat newborn patients to geriatric patients. I absolutely LOVE what I do. I’m so passionate about people, and educating them about their own health and well-being. It’s challenging but so very rewarding at the same time! I’ve also worked as a Clinical Nurse Instructor for undergraduate nursing students, which is a lot of fun. I remember what nursing school was like for me, and being able to support and encourage my students is so gratifying. I’m also passionate about others working in healthcare. One thing I’m proud of is my book, “Daily Doses: 31 Days of Inspiration for Healthcare Professionals,” is a devotional I wrote specifically for those working in healthcare. We give and endure so much, and I wanted to create something that we can use for encouragement. I also want to encourage healthcare professionals to enjoy life and implement self-care into their regular routines. We give so much, and I want them to know that our well-being is just as important. One thing that sets me apart from others is my positive attitude. My faith in God and my relationship with Him definitely plays a part in how I choose to view situations and challenges.
So maybe we end on discussing what matters most to you and why?
My relationship with God is everything to me. Without that, I literally can do nothing. More than anything, I want to help people in the area of their health and well-being. I can’t do any of that without God! My family matters to me. I am a huge family person, and the love and support of my family mean the world!
Contact Info:
- Website: www.thedaniellebarnes.com
- Instagram: @ali.danielle
Image Credits
Shuneil Gadson
