We had the good fortune of connecting with Dr. Mary Goodwin, PhD, RN and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Dr. Mary, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?

As a registered nurse with a passion for education, I wanted to become an nurse educator and a mentor for a new generation of healthcare providers. I understand the frustrations and lack of encouragement that sometimes comes with the pursuit into healthcare and I want to not only provide education and teach skills, I also want to provide students with tools and the encouragement necessary as they begin their healthcare journey.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?

I am a registered nurse with a doctorate of nursing degree with a focus in healthcare administration so upon deciding to open an allied health school I was answering the call to fulfill my purpose as well as my passion. As the owner of an allied health school, I have a wide range of responsibilities that keeps me busy on a daily basis. I provide overall leadership and direction to the institution. This involves making strategic decisions, setting goals, and establishing policies and procedures. I oversee the day-to-day operations, manage administrative tasks, and ensure compliance with regulatory requirements. am also responsible for managing a team of faculty and staff members. This includes hiring and training personnel, conducting performance evaluations, and fostering a positive work environment while providing guidance and support to my team I am responsible for developing and evaluating the curriculum by working closely with subject matter experts, instructors, and industry professionals to design programs that meet the needs of students and align with industry standards. Maintaining accreditation is essential for the credibility and reputation of my school as well, so I’m also busy with the responsibility to ensure that my school meets the standards set by accrediting bodies. This involves preparing for and participating in accreditation visits, conducting self-assessments, and addressing any areas of non-compliance.

Did, I mention that my professional life is busy? But I have no complaints because I enjoy what I’ve been purposed to do.I love attending recruitment events to engage with prospective students because I also oversee the admissions process, review applications, and ensure a seamless enrollment experience for students.

Supporting student success is a number 1 priority.

So, those are just a few things that keeps me busy professionally:) It’s not an easy feat but the rewards are worth it. Managing an allied health school requires a combination of leadership, strategic planning, relationship-building, and a commitment to student success. But this is my purpose and I am passionate and dedicated to these areas as my goal is to ensure a thriving school that is dedicated to preparing future healthcare professionals for successful careers.

I’ve learned through perseverance that anything worth having, is worth the time and sacrificial work it takes to achieve it and I’ve adopted that as my personal quote.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.

First and foremost, Atlanta is a city rich in history and culture. The Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Site is a must-visit, where you can learn about the life and legacy of the civil rights leader. The Atlanta History Center is another great spot to dive into the city’s history, with exhibits on everything from the Civil War to the Olympics.

Atlanta has plenty to offer., so for an outdoor activity so we would visit Piedmont Park’’s beautiful green space in the heart of the city, for a picnic or a stroll.

I would also recommend the Atlanta BeltLine as a popular spot for biking, walking, and running, with a variety of trails and parks to explore. And then on to the Atlanta Botanical Garden, a stunning oasis filled with colorful flowers and plants.

Then I’d share great food ideas in Atlanta as we head to Ponce City Market, a food hall with something for everyone and Krog Street Market, another popular food destination.

And for a fine dining experience, we would check out Fogo de chao, Bacchanalia or Canoe.

During a week long visit, we could also visit the Georgia Aquarium, which is said to be the largest aquarium in the Western Hemisphere, the High Museum of Art, which has an impressive collection of art from around the world, and the World of Coca-Cola , a fun and interactive museum dedicated to the infamous Coca Cola soft drink.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?

I wholeheartedly dedicate this shoutout to my mother.

My mother has been my biggest supporter and source of encouragement throughout nursing school, starting my nursing career and in pursuing my master’s and doctorate degrees. She had dreams of becoming a nurse personally but was unable to fulfill her dream due to other family obligations so she poured into me with enormous support and encouragement throughout my journey. She wanted to ensure my dream of becoming a nurse was fulfilled.
This is why with the utmost respect and appreciation, my allied health school is named partially in her honor. My mother’s first name is Bessie (she passed away in 2020) and the school bears a portion of her name being named; Bess Health Careers Institute.

The naming of my school is just one way I choose to give honor to my mom and her unfolded dream. She’s still my greatest inspiration. When I’m leaning towards frustration in this business world, I can still hear her still small voice giving me the encouragement needed to persevere.

 

Website: www.besshcinstitute.com

Instagram: @besshealthcareers

Linkedin: linkedin.com/company/besshealthcareers

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/besshealthcareers

Yelp: Yelp.com/biz/Bess-Health-careers-Institute-marietta

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