Certified Registered Nurse Practitioner and event organizer Gwendolyn Lane recently presented the Bold, Black and Beautiful Nurses networking event, which she said was a great success.
The Bold, Black and Beautiful Nurses event is a way for male and female people of color, who are in the field of nursing, to come together and network.
“There are other agencies within the city for nurses, that are doing an awesome job. However, there are a lot of stipulations as far as rules and attending meetings. This is more of a laid back social event. We are enjoying conversation over food, music, and cocktails. We can network without all those strings attached,” Lane said.
She was a registered nurse for eight years and has been a nurse practitioner for three.
“It’s important for us to be a resource to each other. It seems as though there is a rise within the statistic of people becoming nurses,” she said. “A lot of it is because it’s easier now. People have the option to attend CCAC to attain a two-year degree, so more people are gravitating towards the position. I always tell my students, don’t stop at becoming an RN. Continue your education so that you can become a manager or nurse practitioner.”
Reisha Connor, a registered nurse from Penn Hills, said, “I think this networking event was a great opportunity. Sometimes Blacks tend to be somewhat limited within the higher levels. And events such as this gives us the opportunity to come together, network, and have a support system.”
Monita Phillips said, “Networking is very important. We have to get out there and mingle. This was an opportunity to get to know who your fellow nurses are, and you never who you might meet or what connections you may make. You never know when you may need a job. It’s all about who you know.”
Countless women and men joined under one roof, for one common goal––to help people and join forces as African Americans within the field of nursing. Attendees left feeling more connected, motivated and determined to continue to strive within their careers.
“I failed my nursing boards the first time, but I didn’t quit. And I encourage everyone else to do the same thing. Don’t quit, and stay at it. Nursing is hard, but you can’t give up. Don’t get discouraged. It will be so worth it in the end,” Lane said.
This was the second Bold, Black and Beautiful Nurses event that has taken place and their is currently being planned. Lane said she is excited to grow and expand the organization.
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