Hello all, it's Chelsea Kouture, better known as Nurse Chelsea by patients & colleagues or Chels by friends & family.
My interest in the medical field began years ago after stepping up as my mom's personal nurse during her MS (Multiple Sclerosis) exacerbation's. What a huge task that was for me at such a young age, but that's a story for another day. I also have a number of medical professionals in my family including my grandmother and aunt, who are both nurses. I obtained my Bachelor's of Science in Nursing from Northwestern State University Fall of 2016.
Being from a small hometown, where you're either related to everyone or someone knows your parents, I always felt the need to go above and beyond in everything. In my mind, failing at anything was not an option..crazy right? My shy side always got the best of me which made stepping out of the spotlight easier and easier. During the first year of my career, I was put into positions that made me uncomfortable but the "Perfect Patty" in me never let it show. I stepped into the shoes of a Charge Nurse, preceptor, and role model for "baby" nurses like myself at the time and on social media. Keep in mind, the floor I started on was pretty tough for us newbies--- 6 patients nightly, all of us with less than a year of experience, high turnover rate, etc. Amazing teamwork allowed us to excel! I gained a newfound confidence and embraced it.
Going into my second year of my career, I took that energy with me! I felt more spontaneous and adventurous which lead me to research travel nursing. I saw a few local nurses doing it and it seemed like a great challenge for myself. I recall looking in the mirror, asking myself "You can do anything you put your mind to, what are you afraid of?" To this day, I still can't answer that question but I must have figured it out. Was I afraid of being singled out, failing, or regretting my decision? Who knows. What God has for you is for you and only you. As Carrie Fisher once said, "Be afraid, but do it anyway."
I did just that.
XOXO,
Chelsea Kouture
The Fabuleux Nurse
