At Johnson Dermatology we are always working to be better employees, better humans, better friends and a better place for our community to get skin care and health services. This past week we were discussing our “brand”, you know what you think of when you think of Johnson Dermatology, reviewing our mission statement and such. Well of course, as I lay there at night on my pillow it made me start thinking about the “brand” idea. I discussed with one of my friends who owns a clothing boutique that I like her business because of the experience she gives me more than the clothes I buy from her. So then I started wondering about my personal “brand”. What people think of when they think of seeing me as a licensed healthcare provider in Dermatology or what my blog says about me. I know that the way I make people feel and the experience I give you when you are my patient may be as important as the results you get. Just like how I feel when I try on that dress in my friends store is just as important as how much I love that dress. That’s why we all love shopping local, right? Getting to know our community and the people who run it, I would rather spend $100 on a dress from one of our local boutiques than order the same one online for $50 because of the fun it is to go try it on and spend time with my community! Getting back to my “brand” I want all my blog readers to know a little bit more about me, my outlook on healthcare, my style and what it’s like to be my patient. So without further delay here is what I like to think is “The Nina Experience”. (thank you to anyone that cares enough to read on, for real)
1. My team is a part of seeing me as a patient- My nurses are the best. My front office staff is on fleek. My lab techs are not forgotten. Your healthcare plan when you come to see me is not just in my hands. Sometimes I’m the coach of my team, sometimes I’m the MVP and sometimes I feel like I’m on the bench cheering on the other players. Expect to get to know us all.
2. I like to talk and laugh. Some people may consider this a good thing but some patients are all business. One of my nurses once said I can’t tell if you just met the patient or if the patient is one of your friends since kindergarten….. I took this as a compliment. I like getting to know my patients and I think it helps our provider-patient relationship. You feel more comfortable telling me about your health issues and I can understand what plan will work better in your life.
3. I care about your outcomes. My feelings get hurt if you aren’t happy with your results. I lose sleep over worrying about my patients. I don’t want you to be sick, have a rash, acne or even a wart! I take critcism to heart and if you tell me I’m doing something wrong I will internalize and try to change to become a better person and better healthcare provider. I know I’m not perfect but I will try to be for you.
4. I’m not perfect. I will strive for perfection but will never be perfect. Sometimes you will have to wait on me because I run behind at times. Sometimes I’m in a bad mood (very rarely). Sometimes my kids get sick and I have to cancel your appoinment and move it so I can stay home. My schedule sometimes doesn’t accomodate yours. I’m loud, sorry if it annoys you, I know you’re not hard of hearing. There are times when I ask my patients to be understanding too. There are things out of my scope of practice that I can’t do for you.
5. I love skin. I didn’t know it 5 years ago. I used to think that head traumas and open heart surgery patients were cool and then I met Dermatology and I never looked back. I dated the intensive care unit and emergency room but I married Dermatology. Your skin is so AMAZING! I love how skin forgives after surgery, how it “rashes”, how it ages and how we anti-age it and teaching you about how to take care of your skin. I hope you can see my passion for skin.
6. I want you to feel special. I want you to know I care. I want you to feel like you are the only person’s skin in the world that I care about. For that 15 minutes (or however long) you’re in my exam chair that’s exactly the case. If I don’t have the answers I will help you find them.
7. I love fashion. You aren’t going to catch me in the clinic in last years fashions (well you might but that would be considered vintage chic, not out of style). I like to look good, I like make-up and I actually enjoy spending 30 minutes every morning fixing my hair and make-up. I will look good, or at least think I look good when you come to see me at the clinic.
8. I love social media. I like to facebook, tweet, instagram, blog, snapchat and am looking forward to venturing into the youtube world. AND I don’t think there is anything wrong with that. I like being an open book and sharing my kids with everyone more than the world cares to know or see.
9.I’m smart, confident and love positive vibes. I’m the person that always raised their hand in school and then if I got the answer wrong I turned around and announced to the class “I know y’all were thinking the same thing! I’m not the only one that didn’t know!”. I got a 4.0 in school and I am technically gifted. I’m humble when I need to be but heck why not flaunt what I’m good at too! When I do a procedure for you I do it because I think I can do a darn good job for you.
10. I don’t judge. You can tell me you use a tanning bed, I will scold you but I won’t judge you. I’m a hot mess sometimes, I make mistakes too. I don’t know what I would do if I was walking in your shoes. I won’t judge you if you can’t afford a medication, or let a skin cancer grow to an unsightly size, went to a kitchen table to get Botox and now you need it done right. I got your back whatever decisions you’ve made or circumstances you’re in currently.
I hope this gives you an idea about my “brand” who I am and what to expect when you’re my patient. Some people probably say this shouldn’t matter. That you’re either a good nurse practitioner or not. That you shouldn’t mix business and pleasure. To those people I say, I’m giving you an experience as my patient, not just a product. I’m not just going to treat your acne, we are going to travel a road together to get your acne where we want it and I hope that trip is enjoyable for you and me.
Here is to making Fall of 2015 the best Fall ever, Pumpkin Spice Lattes are here and just so you know, I love them no matter how cliche that is!
Happy Labor Day, Nina
