Lindsey Hanna
Public Health Nurse
Years with the Lenawee County Health Department: 3 years
Can you tell us about yourself and your background in nursing?
Hello! My name is Lindsey. I have wanted to be a nurse since I was in Highschool. I took the Health Care Careers and Nursing Prep classes my junior and senior year at LISD Tech Center while dual enrolling at Jackson College to get a jump start in my chosen field. I then received my CNA certification. I worked as a CNA for 2 years while getting my LPN License at Jackson College. I have been working as an LPN for 6 years. In those 6 years I have worked in Nursing Homes, a Prison, and now I am at the Health Department. This past year I have been working on getting my Associates in Applied Science (RN). I just graduated from PSI and scheduled to take my State Board Exam. I am excited to continue working as an RN at the Health Department where I will continue to be passionate about helping and educating the community.
What inspired you to become a nurse?
My inspiration to become a nurse came from my mother. She became an RN while I was just beginning at LISD. Watching her hard work and her love for the field solidified that I was on the right path. Another huge inspiration was my deep want to help people. What better way to do this than be a nurse?
What are the biggest challenges you face in your role?
My biggest challenge is my intrapersonal conflict. I always wish I could have done more or should be doing more.
What do you find most rewarding about being a nurse?
What I find most rewarding is the idea that I could be making someone’s day, life, and health better. You never know how one interaction you have with someone could affect them.
What skills do you think are essential for someone in your profession?
There are ample skills that someone in my profession would consider essential. To list a few: communication skills, critical thinking, attention to detail, advocacy, empathy, honesty, integrity, compassion.
How do you keep your clinical skills up to date?
To keep my clinical skills up to date I complete competencies, continuing education, and trainings that include Nursing Conferences. In this profession we are students forever. It involves lifelong learning as the medical field is in constant change with new information emerging.
How has being a nurse impacted your view of the world?
You never know what someone is going through or has gone through. Treat everyone with kindness and respect. The world needs love and support.
What advice would you give to someone considering a career in nursing?
Don’t lose sight of why you wanted to become a nurse. This is a selfless field and the patient always comes first.
What are your favorite ways to unwind after a busy day at work?
I like to take care of my many plants, mow the lawn, cook dinner and occasionally watch a tv show or movie.
Who in your field do you admire most and why?
Not any one in specific. I believe that everyone is admirable who chose and work in this field.
Is there a message you would like to share with your fellow nurses during this special week?
Fellow nurses, you are all amazing and I love working along such skillful and knowledgeable coworkers.