5 Careers, 5 Women, 5 Questions...Beth Abbott

Beth Abbott- Operating Room Registered Nurse

1) What is something you love about your current position and what is something you loathe?

I absolutely love working in a profession where I truly feel that I help make a difference in people’s lives on a daily basis.  People come into the operating room ‘broken’ and leave with a new hip, reconstructed breasts, or new hope with the removal of a potentially catastrophic tumour.   Every day I am learning new things and taking part in state-of- the- art surgeries which have a profound impact on patient’s lives.

I loathe getting up every day at 5:30am!  Also, I have to admit that as a nurse you get two 30minute breaks during a shift, and I am such a slow eater that I find it hard to ever have a proper meal!

2) Where do you get your wonderful sense of style from, who inspires you?

Well... I do enjoy watching the red carpet at the Oscars, Grammies etc, and I am known to always have a good magazine (such as Vogue) on hand, but honestly I am very much inspired by everyday people in my life.  I admire those that have their own style and embrace fashion risks.  Gillian, my little sister is never afraid to try a new haircut and can look incredibly young and girly one day, but look like a sexy vixen the next.  Another example is my friend Cheryl who often sports a bohemian style that I believe was highly influenced by her time in Israel.  She is always comfortable in her own skin because she wears what she wants and wears it well- wink!  She is not afraid of bright colors and vintage jewellery.  My hope is that my style is just that... my own!  Lately I have been embracing the laid back casual look that I fell for while travelling in Australia- hence the long hippy hair that I have at the moment!

3) What is your favorite weekend ritual, do you do anything outside of work during the week?

I enjoy working out at the Glencoe Club, but these days I mostly love doing yoga with good friends.  There is something about practicing next to the people you love.  I am also always down for a coffee date with friends or a good movie.  Lately, I have been thinking of new hobbies such as an acting course etc that I can take on as an extra dimension in my life (but I will have to keep you posted on that one).  And finally, I would have to say that I love shopping- but really what girl doesn’t?!

4) Why did you choose the career you did; who would you love to meet one day (has that person indirectly influenced your career choices)? 

 I chose to be a nurse because I love science, especially the human sciences, and I have always had a desire to help others and give back.  I ended up in the operating room specifically because of my passion for anatomy and physiology as well as the appeal of a team environment in the OR (surgeons, anaesthesiologists, RT’s, and nurses).  Within nursing there are many options to work part time/casual which is a factor that I took into consideration as I hope to have a family in the future.  Finally, I think it is exciting that I work in a profession that can be taken essentially anywhere in the world.  I am happy in Calgary right now, however, it thrills me that I will never be “stuck” here and I have many options.

Honestly I do not really have a specific role model in my field; however I enjoy meeting new people and learning new operating techniques.

5) What is one piece of advice you would give to friends/readers who are struggling in their careers?

My dad, who has had a very successful career and is someone I look up to and respect, he always told my sisters and I “it does not matter what you choose to do with your lives, if you like it, you will be successful.”  He has never pushed us to follow in his footsteps and has accepted us regardless of our somewhat “offbeat” ideas and potential career choices.  My advice would be just that... if you are happy and you like what you do, you will find success.  If not, it is never too late to take a different path and as hard as it may seem do not be afraid to take that risk.  I cannot say that I will be an operating room nurse for the rest of my life, or and RN for that matter, but for now I am fulfilled and I can only wish the same for you!

Love you all, have a fabulous weekend and I cant wait to feature you lovely's on the marriedtogeorge.blog soon!