"Thanks to my assertiveness, I can stand up well for my patients."

Myrthe van der Heijde (26) quit her Music Management studies to pursue 'something practical': a bachelor's degree in Nursing. And the white coat suits her better than she had anticipated.

You didn't know immediately what direction you wanted to take after high school. Did you never have a dream job in mind?

"I really had no idea. I chose Music Management because I loved the music aspect, but the management side didn't suit me. After a year and a half, I switched to nursing. I knew I wanted something practical because I couldn't imagine myself working at a desk from 9 to 5. It was a good decision to switch; this work currently fits me very well in my life. I'm young and don't have children, so irregular working hours are not an issue for me. Although it's physically demanding and the work can be tough at times, this is something I excel at and also want to do. As a result, I can really make a difference for others."

You were working in the Surgery department when you did the TMA Talent Analysis in 2021. Then you switched to the Acute Admission Department (AOA). Did the analysis sway your decision?

"Yes, definitely! I was torn between specializing or broadening my skills. The analysis results confirmed my feelings because deep down, I was more inclined towards broadening. I just lacked the self-confidence to express that to myself. I also thought: if I try different things, I might not finish any of them. But my TMA results showed me that I can. It was the final push to make the switch. The AOA is a diverse department with many specialties. It's perfect for someone like me who might get bored quickly with just one specialization. I can still specialize later, but for now, I'm content."

What energizes you now?

"The team, because I can laugh with my colleagues and share our struggles, and the dynamics of the department. My work is diverse and challenging, which suits me. Patients stay with us for a maximum of 48 hours, and after the acute admission, we focus on diagnostics, which can be quite a puzzle. Seeing progress in patients gives me so much energy. Helping people get better and sending them home feeling good is why I do it."

What talents help you in your work?

"My assertiveness, because it allows me to advocate effectively for my patients. I dare to call the doctor if I notice something and wonder if it has been addressed. After all, I'm the patient's spokesperson, who sometimes finds it difficult to communicate their needs or may not be able to do so at that moment. Furthermore, I'm good at problem-solving. In my work, situations can change rapidly, and I can easily shift priorities."

You're supportive, but also factual. Does that come in handy?

"I can truly admire colleagues who have a warmer connection or a more personal relationship with a patient, but I have less of that need myself. I'm certainly not blunt, and there are times when I'm moved. But I try to maintain a professional distance and focus on helping people get better."

Do you know what your pitfalls are?

"Oh, definitely. I know I can come across as confrontational without meaning to. And I'm chaotic and not very goal-oriented. For me, it's somewhat organized chaos, but I'm sometimes afraid that I'll forget things."

You've just made a switch, but are you thinking about what you want in the future and how you'll achieve it?

"I wouldn't call myself the most proactive person or someone who takes the lead in making changes. That's definitely something I could work on. I want to, but right now, I'm still focused on the training required to work in the AOA. So, it'll come. I'm not someone who plans far ahead; perhaps at some point, I'll want to do something completely different again. Then I'll definitely revisit the results of the talent analysis or fill it out again. Like last time, it could give me the confidence to take the next step."

On Nurses' Day, also known as Healthcare Day, healthcare workers are celebrated. It's held annually on May 12th because it's the birthdate of Florence Nightingale (1820-1910), considered the founder of modern nursing.