While I was in nursing school, I worked as a nursing assistant on a medical-surgical unit. I was a recipient of a scholarship from this institution and was supposed to give them a two year commitment when I finished my nursing degree in a unit of my choice. Once I finished my nursing degree, I knew I wanted to work in the ICU. There was an available position and I applied to it hoping to fulfill my commitment as outlined in my scholarship contract. But boy, did I encounter a harsh reality check.

To my surprise, I was discouraged to apply into the ICU position many times by my manager at that moment. Harshly being told I did not have the intelligence or experience to do so. When I passed my NCLEX I had a meeting with her and once again discussed my intention of applying to the ICU position. When I asked her if she could place a letter for my transfer I was told once again, and very rudely:

You won’t be getting that job. Especially not as a new graduate.

I explained to her my scholarship situation and that I had clinical experience in the ICU which is why I was applying. I emphasized my work ethic and dedication having had balanced working full time on the unit while attending school full time. But, once again, I was dismissed on the opportunity and instead was told I would be better off starting on a med-surg unit for the “experience”. I firmly declined her offer on a position I did NOT want.

I left frustrated from this encounter because I did not understand why a person who was supposed to be in a leadership role, could be so dismissive and discouraging. Wasn’t a leader supposed to help you succeed? In the meantime, I seeked opportunities elsewhere.

I applied to an ICU position at a different hospital and left it to God to make the decision of my fate. Two days later I got a call back from this hospital and had an interview the following day. One week after my initial meeting with my manager, I wound up having a job offer for the new graduate nursing residency program at a level one trauma hospital (the top of the acuity spectrum).

Two weeks after, I delivered the news to my manager with a letter of resignation. Guess what? After delivering the news to my manager, I was dismissed from my position right there as a tech and was told it was to “protect my license”.   (I later found out that was a bunch of BS…).

God opens doors no man can shut. That is my life’s Mantra.

So, whenever August Fourth comes around, I reflect back this moment in my life story. I think of how different my life could have been had I let this person talk me out of my dream job. Reflecting back even further given the circumstances we are currently living today, I am not sure if the color of my skin had anything to do with that conversation. But, what I DO know is that person was demoted the following year.

I’m sharing this story because it is important to aim high despite the circumstances you were raised in. The moral of the story? Don’t ever let anyone tell you, you won’t be able to attain a goal you have for yourself. When a door is meant to open for you, nothing will stop that from happening. August fourth, marks a day I am forever grateful for.

• NurseKare