Degree Allowed San Francisco Nurse A 'Myriad Of Amazing Opportunities'
Joe Harrison, a Bay Area nurse practitioner with the behavioral health division at CareMore Health System, is the perfect example of how education can help a motivated individual move up the career ladder to greater success. Previously, Harrison was a high school teacher in East Oakland, he then went on to become a registered nurse, before becoming a board certified nurse practitioner.
What is your background and education?
"I was born in England and immigrated to California at age seven. Before attending and graduating with honors from UC Berkeley's Peace and Conflict Studies Program, I traveled the world and lived abroad. I then completed a Master's of Education and taught high school in East Oakland for five years. I changed direction, completing a Master's of Science in nursing at Seattle University, becoming first a RN and then a Board Certified Family Nurse Practitioner, licensed by the state of California to diagnose and prescribe medicine. My background includes working in various roles in the private sector, being a political activist and community mediator, and founding a grassroots organization in Guatemala working on reforestation."
How has your education helped you in your current position?
"I took advantage of a myriad of amazing opportunities that my three degrees gave me to study epistemology, psychology, history, feminism, anthropology, biological sciences, teaching and nursing. Extra-curricular studies included ecology, coaching, mediation, meditation and community organizing. As a Nurse Practitioner I employ these diverse and overlapping skills and knowledge to understand, communicate with, empower and treat seniors who are suffering from psychiatric conditions in an out-patient setting, and to provide free public health talks."
What career advice can you share with nursing students?
"Strive to be a well-rounded person, drawing strength from the values and assets that your family, culture and personal experiences have given you, and asking for help when you need it. Seek a balance between hard work and your personal life, focusing on learning, health and fun. Ground yourself in the nursing philosophy, never losing sight of your patients' dignity. Advocate for your patients and coworkers. Finally, don't be afraid to change directions if you are not in the right role or job."
Randy Yagi is a freelance writer covering all things San Francisco. In 2012, he was awarded a Media Fellowship from Stanford University. His work can be found on Examiner.com Examiner.com.
