From PSW to Nursing: How Resilience and Reflective Intuition Shaped My Career

Starting a career in healthcare is never easy, especially when personal challenges and systemic barriers stand in the way. My journey began in 2001 as a Personal Support Worker (PSW), and over the past 25 years, I have faced and overcome numerous obstacles. Along the way, I earned my high school diploma while pregnant, completed a Journalism diploma during a divorce, and finally achieved my Nursing designation. This path was not just about gaining qualifications but about developing resilience and a unique clinical approach that has shaped my practice.

Janelle Meredith, Registered Practical Nurse, Medical Correspondent and Journalist, smiles while holding a parrot perched on a gloved hand, set against a backdrop of bright patio furniture and brick walls.

Building Resilience Through Personal and Professional Challenges

My early career as a PSW exposed me to the realities of healthcare from the ground up. Working closely with patients, I saw firsthand the importance of empathy, patience, and attention to detail. However, balancing work with personal life was difficult. At 25, while pregnant, I returned to complete my high school diploma. This experience taught me the value of perseverance and time management.

Later, during a difficult divorce, I pursued a Journalism diploma. This period sharpened my communication skills and deepened my understanding of storytelling—skills that proved invaluable in nursing. These experiences built a foundation of resilience that helped me navigate the demanding world of healthcare education and practice.

Discovering the Clinical Advantage of AuDHD and Inverse Processing

A turning point in my career came with a late-in-life diagnosis of AuDHD (a combination of Autism and ADHD). This diagnosis explained why I excelled in certain clinical situations where others might struggle. I realized I use what is called Inverse Cognitive Processing, a "bottom-up" approach to clinical reasoning.

Instead of starting with a broad hypothesis, I focus on minute clinical details first. For example, subtle changes in a patient’s skin tone, slight variations in breathing patterns, or small behavioral shifts become the building blocks for forming an accurate diagnosis. This method reduces errors and increases patient safety.

High-Fidelity Empathic Mirroring: Reading the Room

Alongside Inverse Processing, I developed a skill I call High-Fidelity Empathic Mirroring. This means I can intuitively sense and reflect the emotional and physical state of patients back to the healthcare team. For instance, if a patient is anxious but not verbally expressing it, I pick up on nonverbal cues and communicate these concerns to colleagues. This ability helps ensure that patient care is transparent and comprehensive.

This skill also supports teamwork. By accurately reflecting patient conditions, I help create a shared understanding among nurses, doctors, and other healthcare professionals. This leads to better decision-making and improved patient outcomes.

Becoming a Systemic Change Agent

My journey has not only been about personal growth but also about contributing to systemic change. I am committed to transparency in healthcare and support the AODA+ mission, which advocates for accessibility and inclusion in healthcare settings.

By sharing my story and clinical approach, I hope to inspire others with similar diagnoses or backgrounds to pursue their goals. I also work to educate healthcare teams about the value of diverse cognitive styles and the importance of reflective intuition in clinical practice.

Practical Tips for Healthcare Professionals

• Observe first, hypothesize later: Focus on small clinical details before jumping to conclusions.

• Develop empathy skills: Practice noticing nonverbal cues and emotional states in patients.

• Communicate clearly: Share your observations with the team to build a complete picture of patient health.

• Embrace diversity: Recognize that different cognitive approaches can improve patient care.

• Stay resilient: Use personal challenges as opportunities for growth and learning.

  
  

The Path Forward

My career from PSW to nurse has been shaped by resilience and a unique clinical intuition. These qualities have made me a safer, more precise healthcare provider and a strong advocate for systemic change. For those facing similar challenges, remember that your experiences and perspectives are valuable assets in healthcare.

If you are interested in developing your clinical intuition or learning more about inclusive healthcare practices, consider seeking out mentorship, continuing education, and peer support networks. Together, we can build a healthcare system that values every voice and every patient.