We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Dr. Lendra James DNP, MS, RN, NE-BC a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Dr. Lendra , so great to have you with us today. There are so many topics we want to ask you about, but perhaps the one we can start with is burnout. How have you overcome or avoided burnout?
The COVID-19 pandemic profoundly shifted my perspective on healthcare and prompted me to reevaluate my alignment with organizational visions. As I witnessed the immense burdens placed on both patients and colleagues during this unprecedented time, I recognized the urgent need for prioritizing self-care.
In response to these revelations, I made a deliberate choice to advocate for self-care not only within the traditional confines of nursing but also within broader communities. Understanding the vital role that self-care plays in promoting overall well-being, I endeavored to extend this message beyond the conventional healthcare setting.
By embracing self-care practices and advocating for their integration into everyday life, I sought to empower individuals to prioritize their physical, emotional, and mental health. This shift in focus allowed me to contribute meaningfully to the holistic well-being of both healthcare professionals and the communities they serve.
After resigning from my leadership position amidst uncertainty about my next career move, I found myself in a state of emotional turmoil. Rather than remaining in a toxic environment, I chose to prioritize my ethics and depart from a workplace that didn’t value nursing or understand its complexities. While this decision may seem cliché, it marked a significant turning point for me.
In the aftermath, I experienced a period of introspection and self-discovery. It was a challenging time, akin to hitting rock bottom emotionally. However, instead of becoming immobilized by despair, I chose to view this as an opportunity for growth and transformation.
Despite the initial uncertainty, I was determined to forge a new path. Within just four months of resigning, I found myself immersed in building my own business, receiving invaluable mentorship, and actively shaping the life I desired. This journey has led me to various accomplishments, including being featured in magazines, writing a book (with another in progress), launching a podcast, and establishing two successful businesses.
My experience serves as a testament to the resilience and adaptability of the human spirit. Rather than succumbing to burnout or despair, I embraced change and pursued avenues that aligned with my values and aspirations. Through this process, I discovered the power of self-empowerment and the importance of nurturing resilience in the face of adversity.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
Dr. Lendra James, DNP, is a distinguished healthcare leader, nurse expert, and entrepreneur with over 22 years of experience in the field. Her profound understanding of healthcare dynamics, coupled with a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree, positions her as a visionary in the industry.
As the visionary founder of DLJames Consulting, Dr. James channels her extensive expertise into a comprehensive platform dedicated to empowering healthcare professionals. DLJames Consulting offers transformative services, including healthcare consulting, mentorship, coaching, and captivating speaking engagements.
In addition to her consulting endeavors, Dr. James is the passionate owner of Premier Infusions & Wellness, where she utilizes her wellness expertise to promote holistic well-being. Through Premier Infusions & Wellness, she offers IV hydration concierge services, a medically managed weight-loss program, and postoperative concierge services, emphasizing the importance of self-care in all aspects of life.
Dr. James is also an acclaimed author, with her groundbreaking book “Confessions of A Nurse Executive” shedding light on crucial topics such as conscious and unconscious bias in healthcare. She advocates for diversity, equity, and inclusion, driving positive change within the healthcare landscape.
Renowned for her captivating speaking engagements, Dr. James is a prominent voice in the healthcare community, addressing vital issues such as health and wealth, bias, and other critical topics in nursing. As the host of the Nurses with Voices podcast, she leverages her platform to provide insightful discussions and expert insights, reaching nurses worldwide. Her podcast is available on your favorite podcast platforms.
With a focus on empowerment and advocacy, Dr. James inspires healthcare professionals, to take charge of their health, career paths, and overall well-being. From her early experiences as a single parent to her current roles as an entrepreneur and healthcare luminary, she encourages informed decision-making for a healthier, more fulfilling life, encompassing both health and wealth pursuits. Her N.U.R.S.E.- nurturing unwavering resilience self empowerment mentorship program offers a guiding light for nurses seeking a fresh perspective, whether it’s due to burnout, a desire for something new, or the need for support.
Dr. James recently hosted the Health & Wealth Expo : A Virtual Summit, recognizing a need within the healthcare community for a summit that not only offers educational resources but also fosters a sense of community and empowerment. Her goals for the summit align with her mission to empower healthcare professionals, particularly nurses, to thrive in their careers and personal lives. For more information visit : https://healthandwealthsummit2024.com/about
Through her platform, Dr. Lendra provides invaluable mentorship to nurses, guiding them through the complexities of the healthcare system and supporting their career growth. Her mission is to empower individuals to pursue their ambitions while prioritizing their holistic wellness, fostering positive change and advancement within the industry.
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?
Reflecting on my journey, three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge stand out as particularly impactful:
1. Resilience: The ability to bounce back from setbacks and challenges has been crucial in navigating the ups and downs of my career. Developing resilience requires cultivating a positive mindset, maintaining perspective, and embracing change as an opportunity for growth. Early in your journey, focus on building resilience by practicing self-care, seeking support from mentors and peers, and reframing setbacks as learning experiences rather than failures.
2. Adaptability: The healthcare landscape is constantly evolving, requiring professionals to adapt to new technologies, regulations, and patient needs. Being adaptable means being open to change, proactive in seeking new opportunities, and flexible in your approach to problem-solving. To enhance adaptability, embrace lifelong learning, stay informed about industry trends, and remain agile in your decision-making process.
3. Empathy: Healthcare is inherently human-centered, and the ability to empathize with patients, colleagues, and stakeholders is essential for providing compassionate care and building meaningful relationships. Cultivating empathy involves actively listening, acknowledging others’ perspectives, and showing genuine concern for their well-being. As you progress in your journey, prioritize empathy by practicing active listening, seeking feedback from others, and fostering an inclusive and supportive work environment.
My advice for those early in their journey is to prioritize personal and professional development in these three areas. I use the B.I.A.S. framework. Be a part of the solution and not the problem. Invest in yourself by building resilience, adaptability, and empathy, as they will serve as invaluable assets throughout your career. Ask for help, remember that growth takes time and effort, so be patient with yourself while learning and improving. Finally, seek guidance and support from mentors, peers, and professional networks to navigate challenges and maximize your potential for success.
One of our goals is to help like-minded folks with similar goals connect and so before we go we want to ask if you are looking to partner or collab with others – and if so, what would make the ideal collaborator or partner?
Absolutely! I’m always open to collaborating with passionate individuals who are seeking mentorship or exploring opportunities outside the traditional healthcare setting. If you’re a nurse looking to transition to a new path or seeking mentorship to advance your career, I’d love to connect with you.
I offer nurses the chance to work alongside me to create meaningful change in their circumstances. Whether you’re seeking a new direction or simply want to explore alternative career paths where you feel respected and valued, I’m here to support you every step of the way.
In the past, I’ve had the privilege of hiring nurses for my wellness business who were eager for a change from environments where they didn’t feel appreciated. Together, we’ve embarked on rewarding journeys that have allowed them to thrive professionally while making a positive impact in the healthcare community.
If you’re interested in collaborating or exploring mentorship opportunities, please don’t hesitate to reach out. You can connect with me through my website, social media channels, or by sending me an email. I look forward to the possibility of working together to create a brighter future for both you and the healthcare industry as a whole.
dljamesconsulting.com
https://www.linkedin.com/in/lendra-james-dnp-ms-rn-ne-bc-a8a619ab/
IG- iamdrljames
[email protected]
At Premier Infusions & Wellness, we’re always eager to collaborate with individuals who are passionate about prioritizing their health and well-being. If you’re someone who is interested in IV hydration or weight loss services, we’d love to connect with you!
Our ideal clients are individuals who are proactive about their health and seeking innovative solutions to enhance their wellness journey. Whether you’re looking to boost your energy levels with IV hydration therapy or embark on a medically managed weight loss program, we’re here to support you every step of the way.
If you’re interested in collaborating with us to achieve your wellness goals, please don’t hesitate to reach out. You can connect with us through our website , social media platforms, or by giving us a call. We’re excited to partner with you on your journey to optimal health and vitality!
preminfusions.com
IG- @premierinfusionswellness
FB- PremierInfusionsandWellness
973-620-2488
Contact Info:
- Website: preminfusions.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/premierinfusionswellness/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PremierInfusionsandWellness/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lendra-james-dnp-ms-rn-ne-bc-a8a619ab/
- Youtube: www.youtube.com/@NursesWithVoicesPodcast
- Other: dljamesconsulting.com Confessions Of A Nurse Executive: Conscious & Unconscious Bias in Healthcare- https://payhip.com/b/pFWs9 Health & Wealth Expo : A Virtual Summit – All Access Pass (for Replays) https://healthandwealthsummit2024.com/all-access-pass
