Gloria E. Barrera, MSN, RN, PEL-CSN, is a dedicated nursing leader and serves as the Secretary of the ANA-Illinois. Her story is a testament to the impact of personal experiences and the invaluable role of mentorship in shaping a fulfilling career in nursing. Through her journey, Gloria showcases a committed path for future generations of nurses. Her story emphasizes the important influence of early inspiration and mentorship.
From the Beginning…
Gloria’s journey into the world of nursing was sparked by her own experiences as a child, where she battled illness and was influenced by the compassionate care of nurses. This early encounter instilled in her a lifelong gratitude for the profession and inspired her to embark on a career in nursing after high school.
“I began my BSN right after high school. I was inspired to pursue a career in nursing after being ill as a child and hearing the heroic stories of how nurses saved my life and helped with my full recovery.”
Connections and mentorship bring all sorts of opportunities for nurses. Knowing the right people can bring job opportunities and career development, as well as someone to give you the encouragement you need to keep going. The same can be said for being a mentor yourself. Having an impact on a student nurse’s career is a rewarding experience. Gloria, a nursing mentor herself, shared how memorable being a guide can be.
“Mentors play a crucial role in offering guidance, and often help mentees recognize their strengths. I’ve had the honor of seeing many of my mentees pursue their goals while overcoming challenges. One of my previous mentees now serves in a leadership position for another organization alongside me, and it’s beautiful to see that full circle moment be realized. As a nursing leader in academia, I am committed to increasing the pipeline of professional registered nurses with a bachelor’s degree, and eliminating systemic barriers to their learning and overall success.”
The Importance of Knowing What You Want
Barrera chose to specialize in public health nursing as a school nurse early on, challenging the conventional belief that years of working as a medical-surgical nurse was a prerequisite for specialization. Taking her own path and jumping right into public health, Gloria made a choice based on her core values and never looked back.
“Pursuing a career in public health nursing affords me the opportunity to make a meaningful impact by focusing on preventive care and addressing the root causes of health issues within communities. It provides diverse opportunities to engage with communities, advocate for health equity, and empower individuals to take control of their health.”
Now, as a nursing leader, Gloria encourages all of her students to follow their passions. By remembering that the nursing journey is a long one, and where you start may not be where you end up, Gloria promotes the idea of following your own path and your heart.
Prioritizing Yourself – Leave Work at Work
Nursing is a very demanding job. Gloria practices a philosophy of balance, prioritizing joy and well-being in her personal life. She advocates for a protective stance on personal time, emphasizing the irreplaceability of individuals in their family lives compared to their professional roles.
“I say no to things that don’t bring me joy and am very protective of my time outside of work. It’s important for people to recognize that you’re replaceable at work, every single one of us, but not at home. Make time for your physical and emotional health, you won’t regret that.”
Her approach to prioritizing oneself and maintaining a healthy work-life balance is a powerful reminder of the importance of self-care, particularly in a high-stress profession like nursing. By advocating for the protection of personal time and the courage to say no to activities that do not bring joy, she demonstrates that while our professional roles may be replaceable, our place in our families and our well-being are not. Her philosophy encourages individuals to leave work at work, and prioritize their physical and emotional health above all else to prevent burnout.
Creating Engagement, Spearheading the Future of ANA-Illinois
As the Secretary of ANA-Illinois, Gloria plays a crucial role in the organization’s governance and operational efficiency. She is responsible for recording and reporting on Membership Assembly meetings and the Board of Directors’ meetings. She also sits on the Executive Committee of the Board of Directors.
The Executive Committee has been on a mission to bolster its membership and improve member engagement.
“The Board is reading ‘MemberShift: Why Members Leave Associations and the Strategies Proven to Bring Them Back.’
The book explores the reasons why individuals disengage from professional associations and offer strategies to re-engage them.”
Membershift examines research on modern-day case studies looking at organization members’ current needs and expectations. It is a tool that can help organizations come up with new strategies and ideas to build stronger, more active membership relationships and create a sense of community and belonging in organizations.
By exploring the insights provided by MemberShift, Gloria and the leadership committee seek to understand the root causes of member disengagement and implement effective strategies to revitalize member interest and participation. This initiative reflects a commitment to the evolving needs and expectations of nursing professionals, ultimately fostering a more engaged and supportive community within ANA-Illinois.
Gloria’s Advice: Get Involved and Get Help
Having an organization with the tools to help promote and thrive in her career was a game-changer for Gloria. By joining ANA-Illinois, she gained a supportive network of professionals to help guide her to a career that fulfills her life.
“Through ANA’s advocacy for nursing practice, I’ve seen firsthand how powerful our platform is. I had the opportunity to join ANA last year in DC for Nurse Lobby Day as a representative for the Membership Assembly, and I can tell you when nurses speak, legislators listen. The tools given through ANA allow nurses to thrive in their respective careers.”
Finding a mentor was also beneficial to Gloria. Having an experienced hand to steer you professionally makes a world of difference. Mentors provide guidance, support, and insight into the nursing industry. Their experience can help young nurses build skills and confidence in their practice.
“Mentorship fosters a sense of community, collaboration, and lifelong learning within the nursing profession. I value being able to give back to others through mentorship, and also have mentors myself that I lean on.”
Inspiring Mentorship, Leadership, and Collaboration through ANA-Illinois
Gloria E. Barrera’s narrative is a compelling call to action for aspiring nurses to seek mentorship and engage passionately with the vast opportunities within the nursing profession. Her journey underscores the importance of personal fulfillment, community impact, and professional development in nursing.
As Barrera continues to lead and inspire within ANA-Illinois, her story inspires future nurses to join the ranks, pursue their passions, and contribute to the nursing field with zeal and dedication.
Interested in creating a story like Gloria’s? Join ANA-Illinois today and embark on your nursing journey!
