Yvonne S. Ketsenburg

I would say this is really coming from a very poor country, the Philippines. Because of that, you really work hard, and I always say my work is between God and I. When I say that, I mean to say that I really give my all, and I like to see my babies thriving and growing. Coming from such humble beginnings taught me the value of hard work and dedication, and I approach every day knowing that what I do matters not just professionally, but spiritually. It's about giving everything I have to these tiny lives in my care.

The best career advice I've received is, first and foremost, documentation. This is especially important being in California where lawsuits are very high and prominent. The second thing would be to always be fair and always be truthful with the parents, to take them as your own family, to treat them like your own family. By doing that, you touch lives very differently. And they get back to you in ways you never expect. Like the other day during an active shooting lockdown at the hospital, I received a text from a mom whose daughter I was the primary care nurse for, just making sure I was okay. For me to be reminded that these people really took you in and are after your safety and your welfare, that's tremendous. That's something that nursing could not pay for by money.

I would say nursing is a vocation, that it really is a calling, and not everyone could do it. But if you are gifted this gift, cultivate it and nurture it, because it really would pay you back, not only in money, but by growth in every aspect of it. It's not just about the financial rewards, it's about the personal and professional growth you experience when you truly embrace this calling. If you have this gift, don't take it lightly. Invest in it, develop it, and let it flourish, because the returns go far beyond what you can measure in dollars.

I would say integrity, loyalty, and hard work. These values are what make management respect you and even make doctors take your advice, because you establish yourself through these principles. When you demonstrate integrity in everything you do, show loyalty to your patients and colleagues, and consistently work hard, you build a reputation that speaks for itself. These aren't just professional values for me, they're how I live my life, and they've been the foundation of everything I've accomplished in my 34 years of nursing.