Today we’d like to introduce you to Kalea Pitel.
Hi Kalea, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I always knew I wanted to make a difference in the lives of others. I felt challenged to choose a career that not only sparked my passion but also gave me purpose. It wasn’t until I stepped into the hospital where my mother worked that I realized how fulfilling it is to be of service to others. It was at this moment that I decided to pursue a career in nursing. The path to nursing was full of pitfalls that I never could have imagined. From the beginning of the nursing program through the last three years working as critical care nurse through the pandemic, I was handling illness and death on a daily basis. To be baptized by fire is an understatement. I’ve gained a unique understanding of life and how extremely fragile it can be. Nursing has become not only a profession but a calling that has challenged me to be a better person every day.
Working with patients in both the ER and the ICU has exposed me to some of the most unfortunate stories; some that I carried home with me. I knew I needed something that sparked my creativity and confidence – something that motivated me to work on myself outside of my profession. Something I was truly passionate about. Ever since I was a little girl my mom and I would watch pageants together. Miss Universe became our version of the super bowl, and I looked up to these women as role models. When I was 19, I became obsessed with learning everything and anything about pageantry. I ended up joining and winning my first competition as Miss Philippines USA! It was a time that fully motivated me to be the best version of myself, and it was extremely empowering. Pageantry has sparked my passion of creativity, while Nursing has given me the purpose to continue giving.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
“Grace under pressure” has been a mantra that I’ve stood by throughout every difficulty I’ve faced in pursuit of my goals. Applying the knowledge, I learned in school to real-life situations that affected the lives of my patients was terrifying at first. I remember doing CPR in the parking lot of the hospital and questioning myself if I was good enough, smart enough, or even strong enough to do this. Imposter syndrome was a recurring obstacle that I’ve learned to overcome by applying forgiveness to myself and having gratitude for the strength God has given me to push through these situations.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I am a Registered Nurse with experience in the PACU, ER, and the ICU. I am most proud of the resilience that other nurses and myself have shown throughout the pandemic, and I am so grateful for the opportunity to serve my patients as a full-time career. Something I think that sets me apart from others is my humility to put my ego aside in order to learn something new.
How do you define success?
Success is not solely dependent on the outcome; but rather the dedication to continuous improvement in oneself.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @kaleeea
Image Credits
Jaime Truong
