As I navigated into the hospital’s parking lot eleven years ago, a maelstrom of emotions swirled within me while I carefully squeezed my worn grey 2010 Hyundai Elantra into an available parking space. I arrived a full 20 minutes before the scheduled start at 8:00, allowing for a welcome buffer of extra time. As I turned off the essential systems, I leaned back in my seat, took slow, deliberate breaths, and attempted to calm my nerves.
I considered myself incredibly fortunate to have secured employment, especially given the nine-month job search preceding my offer from Nationwide Jewish Health. Despite the turmoil within, I questioned whether this was happening at an inopportune moment, given that my father’s terminal condition, resulting from his diagnosis with multiple myeloma and concurrent kidney disease. I had struggled with mental health issues, grappling with feelings of anxiety and depression that left me feeling lost and uncertain about my future. As I navigated the complexities of caregiving, professional retraining, and prioritizing mental wellness, a daunting array of responsibilities converged on me.
I had previously been considering ways to make it functional.
The newly launched role did not provide an ideal foundation for my career in well-being provider administration. After completing two years at Regis College’s Wellness Services program, I had earned a near-flawless grade point average and graduated with distinction, donning pale blue scrubs and white tennis shoes as I prepared to face off against mycobacteria, anticipating an annual salary of approximately $31,000.
