This Episode Of The Public Health Epidemiology Conversations (PHEC) Podcast
In this episode, Dr. Huntley introduces you to Dr. Cynthia Hickman. She is an active researcher, public speaker, and nutritional health educator. At an early age, she knew she wanted to be a nurse and she shares her journey through nursing and explains how she was a natural educator and developed a passion for nutritional health. After a rewarding career in nursing, including 25 years of nursing experience, Dr. Hickman pursued and accomplished her PhD in Health Services. Her plans are to explore teaching opportunities outside of nursing, without abandoning her nursing foundation (as she says: “once a nurse, always a nurse”). She is very active with research, nursing organizations, speaking, and sharing information.
Listen To This Episode Of The PHEC Podcast
Included in this episode:
Dr. Hickman's healthcare background started at the age of 16 years, when she saved the life of her manager at a pool in Toledo Ohio.
She has a BSN in nursing, MSN, and a Ph.D in Health Services.
She started nursing on a medical surgical unit, which was the best teaching/learning environment for a new nurse
She moved to Texas not long after graduating and started working on a medical surgical cardiac unit. Working alongside some of the best physicians (like Dr. Denton Cooley) prepared her to work with population from across the globe.
The recovery of heart patients included nutritional health. Therefore, a major role in educating CHF patients centered on nutritional health.
That experience sparked her passion for nutrition and educating others on its importance.
She pursued and accomplished her PhD in Health Services with a specialization in Leadership to make myself more marketable. (not getting a PhD in nursing because her master’s in nursing offered that sound foundation) The Health Service track will allow for other teaching opportunities outside of nursing.
She is very active with research, nursing organizations, speaking, and sharing information.
Five tips for graduate students:
Being proactive
Read everything
Ask questions
Accept constructive criticism
Seek those who have travelled before(networking)
Five tips for job-seekers:
Research the organization
Starting at the bottom of your chosen career is not a bad thing.
Experience is good, but know that experience in a new setting may require you to step back (do it with your head held high)
Part time jobs can advance to full time…a foot in the door is the goal.
Figure out what your goals are and being willing to learn new things.
How to connect with Dr. Hickman:
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