For almost 20 years, I worked as a registered nurse. My career ranged from ICU, Mother & Baby Care, and my very last year as a Hospice Care nurse. For many years, it fit my family’s needs. I was able to work 1-2 days a week (very long shifts) and be home with my boys the rest of the week.

One of the most common questions I get asked is “Why did you go from being a registered nurse to a Real Estate Agent?”

Being a nurse was such a fulfilling job, and I was able to clock out at the end of the day. At home I was able to be present as a wife, a mother, and as a daughter. I didn’t bring “work” home with me, though I did carry it home with me in my heart. Eventually, that began to weigh on me heavily, and I knew I needed to make a shift.

I feel so grateful that I was able to find a new career where I could be myself, and continue to serve others with integrity and honesty. I truly believe my experience as a registered nurse is what makes me different from others in this field. (I know some of the values I hold dear aren’t common in this industry.)

As a nurse, some of the calls I had to make were very real life and death decisions. I think a lot of that helps me keep perspective, and maintain my resolve at the negotiating table. I also realize that the financial decision many families make when pursuing homeownership can also feel…a bit like life or death. I hope that I help them keep perspective too.

And now I am so grateful that I get to work alongside my son Jack everyday, as he has joined me in the industry.

Lord, I thank you for the opportunity I have to serve you through my work. May all that I do and say throughout my workday be done not for people but for you Lord. (Colossians 3:17,23).

- Tiffany Hernandez