We recently connected with Krista Qualls and have shared our conversation below.
Krista, so great to have you sharing your thoughts and wisdom with our readers and so let’s jump right into one of our favorite topics – empathy. We think a lack of empathy is at the heart of so many issues the world is struggling with and so our hope is to contribute to an environment that fosters the development of empathy. Along those lines, we’d love to hear your thoughts around where your empathy comes from?
Being a nurse, empathy was not taught, it was innate. Seeing people go through mental, health and spiritual turmoil, just provided an environment where empathy was practiced. I was raised in a Christan home where the “Golden Rule” was mandatory. Sometimes it was difficult to show the “Golden Rule” toward those close to you, like siblings or parents. Human nature, right? Being a nursing student provided an environment where empathy was practiced but from the background. Once I graduated and became a Navy nurse, during war time (Iraqi Freedom) is where the skill of innate empathy was practiced on a daily basis, especially when a patient didn’t deserve empathy. When people are frustrated, in pain, or scared of their future, their behavior can be out of character for them. When I was the one they saw for 12 hours straight for 4 days out of the week, our relationship grew stronger, and that is when they would take out their frustrations on me, but not on me. That is when I realized empathy was the most important attribute I can show to my patient.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
I provide a safe and comfortable environment for men and women to come and experience self-care at KQ Aesthetics. I provide regenerative skin treatments with PRP microneedling, chemical peels, low level laser therapy and hydra dermabrasion facials. I am a professional with PCA skin from Scottsdale, Arizona. This is a medical grade skin care product line on a budget.
I am now the first in Fort Worth, Texas, to own a body contour machine from Italy called TSHAPE2. This medical grade machine provides contouring procedures without surgery, without down time or pain. If you are suffering with loose skin or enhanced cellulite appearance from losing weight, this machine is for you. If you are suffering with lymphedema, this machine provides a deep radiofrequency lymphatic massage. As a hospital nurse, it wasn’t uncommon to take care of 5-6 patients at a time. I know the rat race and the lack of personal treatment care when taking care of so many patients at one time. Not anymore! I personalize each treatment plan based on individual needs. I allow enough time between each patient to allow time to alter that plan if needed. I want my clients to feel relaxed and valued.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
I’m not sure about 3 qualities, but the one main quality that I use daily is to always be learning. If I don’t know about something that was asked of me, I do not fake it until I make it. I confidently inform the patient that I am not sure at this time, let me research, and I will get back to you. I don’t come off as a know it all, but confident that I can do my research and give an educated response. I will always be honest with patients. This goes back to the “Golden Rule” way that I live.
What do you do when you feel overwhelmed? Any advice or strategies?
I have felt overwhelmed a lot over the last 12 months due to personal and professional growth. My personal growth has occurred buy stepping out of my comfort level and allowing myself to feel all the emotions that goes with change. I have changed my primary NP job into a more regenerative role. And with a job change comes the level of doubt and frustration learning about a new job and culture. With my professional growth comes learning more about how to help my patients holistically with their skin health. There have been nights that I lay there, and my wheels keep turning. Thats when I break out my phone and type out my to do list in my notes, so I don’t forget by the morning. That one simple task has helped me turn off my brain at night and sleep better knowing I can come back to that list and complete it the next day. Lastly, having like-minded people inside your circle has been the most helpful at keeping my feelings of being overwhelmed more controllable. Having those people around as your cheerleader, motivator and one who will “talk you off the ledge” when you want to throw in the towel has been a blessing during this time of change and growth.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://kqaesthetics.glossgenius.com
- Instagram: @kristaqualls
- Facebook: @kristaqualls
Image Credits
@photosbyaub_ on IG
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