We had the good fortune of connecting with Danielle Barnes and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Danielle, how do you think about risk?
Naturally, when I’m presented with a situation or an opportunity and there is some level of risk involved, I tend to get a little nervous. Risk can be scary-uncertainty can cause anxiety and fear. However, as I’ve gotten older, I tend to embrace risks a little more, scared and all! You never know if you don’t try, right? Prayer is a huge factor when it comes to taking risks and making decisions. In everything I do, I want to make sure that I am led by God and that I am in His perfect will! Taking risks, in my opinion, have made me a better person and a stronger woman. During a time in my life when I was feeling complacent and needed a change, I took a risk. I picked up and left everything that was familiar to me and pursued travel nursing. I absolutely loved it. I grew so much as a nurse, and I developed a mental toughness that I hadn’t possessed before. A few years later, I was in nurse practitioner school and I was presented with a study abroad opportunity in Costa Rica. Flying to another country alone was super scary, but again, that was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. Taking risks have helped mold me into the healthcare provider I am today.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I have ALWAYS loved helping people. I know that’s cliche, but for me , it’s 100% true. Growing up, I used to visit elderly relatives with my parents and I’d use my toy medical kit and “help them feel better.” I have been in the nursing world since 2009. I graduated with my Bachelor of Science in Nursing from The University of Alabama at Birmingham. I started nurse practitioner school in 2014. In 2017, I graduated with my Master of Science in Nursing from Troy University and started working as a nurse practitioner. I work in primary and urgent care settings. I love my patients! Don’t get me wrong, burnout is real and the last 2 years have been crazy! Even in these unprecedented times, I am proud to be a healthcare provider! I encountered many challenges – rejection, my character being attacked, failing exams-it was tough! However, I am a person who believes in God – so I prayed ALOT! I know that without Him, I wouldn’t be where I am today! I’ve learned along the way that I’m graced to do this. Challenges are going to come, but I have to remain confident that I am more than able to do this.
I want the world to know that I am a fun and optimistic woman who is passionate about people, and I’m passionate about educating them about their own health and well-being. That being said, I recently became a Certified Health Coach. I am super excited to see where this new venture takes me!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My family! I’ve been blessed with the most supportive family. Those days when I want to give up, they are right there, cheering me on and pushing me to continue to accomplish all that I’ve set out to accomplish!

Instagram: ali.danielle

Linkedin: alidaniellebarnes

Facebook: Danielle Barnes

Image Credits
Shuneil Gadson

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