For #FanGirlFriday, we interviewed Nurse Care Technician (NCT), Donna Joyner, a vital player in showing our patients the best care and treatment.
Why did you decide to pursue becoming an NCT?
Dealing with people and patients is rewarding, and I like making a difference in people’s lives. So, I thought, if I can get a smile on a patient’s face, then I have conquered what I want to do. I figured healthcare would be the best place to make a difference in someone’s life.
What’s your favorite part of the day and least favorite part of the day?
My favorite part of the day is when we have patients. As a NCT, I am the second person they see and so we’re also the ones that they let out some energy on. Our response plays a big part because it sets them up right before they see the doctor, so we try to calm them and let them know they’re in good hands. You know, we just try to be empathetic with them, especially in the department that we work in.
And my least favorite part…I don’t know! I don’t have a least favorite part, I’m sorry. I find the whole thing is a delight for me.
We’re curious if as a woman, and as a woman of color, you’ve faced certain barriers in your journey to becoming a NCT?
I’m a very optimistic person, so no I have not run into any barriers – thank God! I’m sure there were barriers but maybe I just climbed or jumped over them! Actually, I lived in North Carolina where you would think there’d be more barriers for people of color. But, that never stopped me – I never felt intimidated because of my color. I never let that get in my way because you have one life and life is too short.
So, I just persevere and that’s what I try to tell my patients. I wear different color lipsticks and bright colors to lift them up and show them that there is a light at the end of the tunnel.
So that’s why you wear bright lipstick and bright clothing?
Oh yeah! I’ve always worn different colors; the lipstick is sort of new. I find that when I wear nice bright colors, it brightens their day. They compliment me and they forget why they’re here for at least five minutes. The patients will say, “Oh wow! I never thought those two colors could match!” And I’m thinking, they have all these concerns and they’re paying attention to my clothes? So, that’s why I do it.
You are our #FanGirlFriday because we’re two of your biggest fans. If you had to #FanGirlFriday someone else, who would it be?
I love music, so I’m already thinking Mariah Carey because she makes beautiful songs like “Butterfly.” Plus, she’s an Aries like me. She’s somebody that I look up to, I like her music, and somebody that I would hashtag.
