Inside the Life of a Cardiology Nurse Practitioner/Military Wife
“I Am African & I Can” is a women’s empowerment blog highlighting stories of black women’s struggles and successes.
By Hadiatou Wann | 04/14/2020
At a tender age, Fatmata Jalloh wanted to follow in her father’s footsteps and become an accountant. But as she matured and realized that she had a knack for the sciences, she changed her mind.
Fatmata was born in Liberia. When the war began in Liberia, her family relocated to Sierra Leone. When the war began in Sierra Leone, they moved back to Liberia. In 2000, they emigrated to the United States, where she lived in Los Angeles throughout her academic career, then moved to Texas after getting married, and now lives in Alaska with her husband and son.
Fatmata completed high school in Liberia. She didn’t want to repeat high school when she came to the United States. Instead, she got her GED.
She became a Registered Nurse at only 19 years old, earning her Associate’s degree from LA Harbor College, Bachelor’s from California State University, Long Beach, and Master’s at the University of California (UCLA )—where her courses were research-based. What helped her in the early stages of nursing school was having a strong study group.
Now, as a nurse practitioner, she has the ability to start her own practice if she chooses to.
Being a working mom can be challenging. The first two months after going back to work were the toughest for Fatmata because she was emotional whenever she dropped her baby off at the daycare. After some time, she hired someone to babysit at her house. Fatmata is also a military wife. Every 3 years, they have to relocate due to her husband’s job as a therapist. Had they lived in California or Texas, getting help from family members would be easier because their family lived in close proximity. Whereas in Alaska, she relies on her nanny’s assistance.
While Fatmata lived in California, she worked in the hospital setting (Emergency Room.) Now that she lives in Alaska, she was able to find a job working as a cardiology nurse practitioner at two hospitals and some days at the clinic.She evaluates patients at the clinic, and transmits them to the hospital if needed. Working in two hospitals simultaneously isn’t a burden since the hospitals are only 10 minutes apart.
Although Alaska has less than 300 reported cases of the Coronavirus, Fatmata frequently changes her work clothes before entering her home to ensure that she doesn’t put her family in a vulnerable state.
Mariama Jalloh, Fatmata’s sister, says: “She is the most hardworking, straightforward person I’ve known. Not only does she tackle every problem head-on, she resolves them with such gusto and energy, which in turn empowers and drives others to follow suit.”
Fatmata appreciates having one-on-ones with her patients because it gives her an opportunity to build rapport with them. She takes that moment to ask the patient what his or her life was like before coming to the hospital. That makes the patient feel special.
“They’re a whole person. They’re not just a disease,” Fatmata said. She noticed that the patients’ faces light up whenever she shows interest in who they are.
Fatmata works in a predominantly Caucasian field in Alaska. Although she worked very hard to arrive where she is today, sometimes patients wonder how she got there. On one occasion, a patient asked Fatmata where she attended school, and added that if it weren’t for the Affirmative Action, Fatmata would not be in her current position. Fatmata was offended, but checked the patient in a respectful manner and assured the patient that she got there because she was intelligent and qualified.
Every 2 years, Fatmata has to renew her license, attend cardiology conferences, where practitioners obtain updates on clinical guidelines.
Some go into nursing only for the money, and others do so because they have a deep desire to help others.
“Don’t do it only for the money because it will make your soul burn out. That would be unfair to people who go [to the hospital] when they’re most vulnerable,” the cardiology nurse practitioner advises.
She also adds that aspiring nurses should not limit themselves to only being a bedside nurse, because nursing is so broad. “You can be a nurse in a clinic, the office, or work in Informatics.”
Fatmata escaped 2 wars, and became a Registered Nurse at 19 years old. She didn’t make excuses despite facing challenge after challenge. Her goal is to raise a well-rounded kid, and create an agency that assists military spouses in finding employment and provide training for them. as well as offer a nursing scholarship in Sierra Leone.
Welcome to Fatmata’s World
“If your heart fails, your whole system fails. ”
“What I’ve learned about co-parenting is that sometimes not everything can be done your way and it’s OK because in accepting that you might find a better way.”
“Success is inner peace with what you’re doing. If you’re not satisfied with who you are, then you have nothing.”
“A strong woman is any woman who feels empowered regardless of what she’s doing. If you feel empowered taking care of your children, then you’re a strong woman. If you feel empowered when you’re working , then you’re a strong woman.”
Connect with Fatmata:
Facebook: Fatmata Jalloh
Instagram: @2fatmata
Email: fjalloh310@gmail.com
Read other success stories here: www.iamafricanandican.info/blog
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