Mitchell learned the importance of family following the unexpected loss of his father at age 12, leading him to prioritize family connections throughout his life.

Early exposure to group counseling helped Mitchell process grief and understand that he wasn’t alone in his struggles, highlighting the value of mental health support.

Transitioning from psychology to nursing taught Mitchell the importance of being adaptable and open to new career paths, even if it means stepping outside of one’s comfort zone.

Mitchell’s journey into nursing revealed that hands-on experiences, like clinicals, are crucial for discovering one’s passion and capabilities in a profession.

On his first day in the pediatric ICU, Mitchell learned the importance of communicating his limitations, which is essential in high-pressure environments.

Despite the risk of emotional pain, Mitchell believes that forming personal connections with patients can lead to transformative experiences for both the caregiver and the patient.

Working internationally with organizations like Mercy Ships opened Mitchell’s eyes to healthcare disparities, fostering a deeper understanding of global health challenges.

The decision to pursue an MBA stemmed from a desire to effect change in healthcare, illustrating the importance of aligning career choices with personal values and aspirations.

Mitchell’s journey through rejection during the job search process taught him resilience, culminating in a triumphant moment when he received an offer from Oliver Wyman.

Celebrating milestones, like securing a job offer, reinforces the importance of acknowledging personal achievements and the hard work that leads to success.

Mitchell grew up in a small, sheltered town in Crestwood, Kentucky, where life was simple and family-oriented. His obedient nature earned him a reputation as the “easy kid,” contrasting with his sister’s more rebellious spirit.

At age 12, Mitchell experienced the profound loss of his father, which reshaped his understanding of family and its importance. This event catalyzed a deep appreciation for familial bonds and the value of quality time.

Following his father’s passing, Mitchell’s mother ensured he attended group counseling. Although he initially resisted, he later recognized the therapeutic benefits of sharing his feelings and connecting with others facing similar challenges.

Through counseling and family support, Mitchell developed a strong sense of self-awareness and comfort with his identity, setting a foundation for his future endeavors.

Initially pursuing a degree in psychology at Xavier University, Mitchell was inspired by his experiences to help others dealing with grief, particularly children. However, he later pivoted towards nursing after realizing the practical career prospects it offered amid the 2008 recession.

Mitchell’s transition to nursing was motivated by a desire for a stable, versatile career. Despite having no prior knowledge of nursing, he was drawn to the field’s potential to make a tangible difference in people’s lives.

His first clinical experiences in nursing were challenging, but they ultimately solidified his commitment to the profession. He began to understand the responsibilities and rewards that came with being a nurse.

After completing nursing school, Mitchell worked as a travel nurse, gaining diverse experiences in pediatrics and intensive care across the U.S. and internationally. This journey allowed him to explore different cultures and healthcare systems.

Mitchell’s nursing career coincided with the COVID-19 pandemic, where he played a vital role in patient care during a critical time, further deepening his commitment to healthcare.

While pursuing his MBA at Duke University’s Fuqua School of Business, Mitchell became a co-president of the Fuqua Show. His leadership in this role reflects his dedication to community and storytelling, connecting his past experiences with his future aspirations.

Began nursing school with a broad exposure to various clinical areas, quickly discovering a strong disinterest in adult med-surg during the first clinical rotation.

Experienced a pivotal moment in the adult ICU, where the fast-paced and intense environment ignited a passion for critical care, leading to a focus on pediatrics due to a background in babysitting and summer camps.

Applied to the only pediatric ICU in Louisville, driven by a mix of excitement and anxiety, reflecting a belief in pursuing one’s passion despite fears.

Faced a chaotic first day in the pediatric ICU, overwhelmed by a code situation involving a critically injured child, which tested resilience and adaptability in a high-pressure environment.

Learned the importance of speaking up about knowledge limitations, realizing that vulnerability and honesty are crucial in a team-oriented setting, especially in life-and-death situations.

Encountered one of the hardest days as a nurse when a patient he had cared for was discharged, only to later face a tragic turn that led to the decision to withdraw life support, highlighting the emotional toll of nursing.

Despite warnings from seasoned nurses about forming close bonds with patients, maintained a belief in the importance of connection, inspired by the character Patch Adams, emphasizing empathy in healthcare.

Recognized that vulnerability and emotional investment in patients and families are integral to providing compassionate care, even when it leads to heart-wrenching experiences.

Embraced challenges as opportunities for personal and professional growth, reinforcing a commitment to the nursing profession despite its emotional complexities.

Ultimately, the experiences solidified a lifelong dedication to nursing, driven by the desire to make meaningful connections and provide support during patients’ most difficult times.

A teenager loses his voice due to a medical procedure, leading to feelings of depression and loss of identity, as singing and making videos were his passions.

The nurse connects with the patient by using relatable language and acknowledging his frustrations, creating a bond based on mutual respect.

The nurse continues to care for the patient over the next three months, reinforcing their connection and providing emotional support during a challenging time.

The nurse promises to take the patient to see his favorite basketball player, Anthony Davis, if he works hard and gets discharged, instilling hope and motivation.

After reaching out to the New Orleans Pelicans, the nurse organizes a meet and greet for the patient, showcasing the power of advocacy and connection.

The patient experiences pure joy when meeting Anthony Davis, highlighting the profound impact of small gestures and emotional support on patients’ lives.

Witnessing the happiness and transformation in the patient reinforces the nurse’s belief in the importance of personal connections and vulnerability in healthcare.

The nurse embarks on a travel nursing career, motivated by a desire to make a broader impact and explore the world beyond the Midwest.

Working with Mercy Ships and Global Smile, the nurse gains exposure to healthcare disparities and the opportunity to provide life-changing surgeries to children in need.

The experiences abroad solidify the nurse’s commitment to making a difference, revealing a deeper sense of fulfillment that was sometimes lacking in domestic nursing roles.

After returning from travel nursing, the speaker felt exhausted and disillusioned with the hospital system, realizing it didn’t resonate with their values.

Encountering MBA graduates in their apartment complex sparked curiosity about business school, highlighting the diverse backgrounds of students and their successful career transitions.

Initially hesitant about the financial implications of pursuing an MBA, the speaker grappled with the fear of such a significant investment.

A pivotal moment occurred when their fiancé urged them to stop complaining and take decisive action, leading to a deeper connection and commitment to change.

As the speaker began to consider business school more seriously, they researched consulting, aiming to leverage their healthcare experience to make a broader impact in the field.

At Fuqua, the speaker’s love for podcasts led to an opportunity to join a new podcast team, allowing them to explore new skills and contribute creatively.

Volunteering to handle data for the podcast, the speaker focused on developing their organizational and analytical skills, fostering a collaborative learning environment.

The podcast officially launched, emphasizing the importance of taking action and learning through experience, marking the beginning of an exciting journey.

After a challenging recruiting process, the speaker finally secured an interview with Oliver Wyman, leading to a successful final round that culminated in an offer.

Receiving the job offer was a moment of triumph, celebrated with a bottle of champagne, symbolizing the fulfillment of their goals and the joy of overcoming obstacles during their MBA journey.

The emphasis on thanking the audience and each other highlights a belief in the power of gratitude, fostering positive relationships and community.

The acknowledgment of spending time together suggests a belief in the importance of shared experiences, which can lead to deeper connections and learning.

The conversational tone indicates a belief in open communication, which can facilitate understanding and collaboration.

The speakers express enjoyment in the discussion, reflecting a belief that continuous learning is vital for personal and professional growth.

By inviting listeners into the conversation, there’s an underlying belief in creating a supportive community that values diverse perspectives.

The exchange implies a belief in the importance of curiosity, encouraging listeners to explore new ideas and insights.

The interaction between the speakers suggests a belief in the value of mentorship, where experienced individuals guide and uplift others.

The positive tone indicates a belief in recognizing and celebrating milestones, which can motivate individuals and foster a sense of accomplishment.

The focus on collective engagement implies a belief in a shared purpose, driving individuals towards common goals and aspirations.

Overall, the interaction reflects a commitment to personal and collective growth, encouraging listeners to embrace change and strive for improvement in their lives.

– Mitchell was born in Crestwood, Kentucky, a small town where life was simple and amenities were limited.
– He describes himself as an obedient child who disliked getting in trouble, contrasting with his sister who was more rebellious.
– The unexpected passing of his father at the age of 12 deeply influenced his appreciation for family and the importance of quality time spent together.
– His mother prioritized mental health, enrolling him in group counseling after his father’s death, which he initially resisted but later recognized as beneficial.
– He developed a desire to help others through grief counseling inspired by his own experiences, particularly wanting to assist children facing similar challenges.
-Mitchell made a practical career decision to pursue nursing during the 2008 recession, seeking a stable and versatile profession.
– He had no prior knowledge of the nursing profession before starting his nursing program, which led to a surprising revelation during his first clinical experiences.
– He values the support of his family, crediting them with helping him become self-aware and comfortable with himself during his formative years.
– Mitchell is currently engaged and actively involved in wedding planning, showcasing his excitement for new beginnings.
– He is preparing to move to the Bay Area, indicating a willingness to embrace change and new adventures in his life.

– The guest initially struggled to find their niche in nursing, experiencing a strong aversion to adult med-surg before discovering a passion for the ICU.
– They have a background as an older brother and enjoyed babysitting younger cousins, which contributed to their affinity for pediatrics.
– The guest described their first day in the pediatric ICU as chaotic and overwhelming, akin to scenes from medical dramas like “Grey’s Anatomy.”
– They learned the importance of communication early in their career, realizing it was okay to admit when they didn’t know something.
– The guest experienced a profound emotional impact when caring for a long-term patient who ultimately did not survive, highlighting the emotional challenges of nursing.
– They expressed a desire to connect with patients and families, inspired by the character Patch Adams, who prioritized joy and human connection in healthcare.
– The guest shared that older nurses advised against forming close relationships with patients, but they chose to embrace connection despite the risks.
– They have been involved in caring for trauma patients, as they worked in a level one trauma center for children.
– The guest’s experiences have shaped their understanding of the psychological toll of nursing, emphasizing the need for vulnerability in patient relationships.
– They reflected on the balance between emotional involvement and professional boundaries in their nursing practice.

– Mitchell has a passion for storytelling and often uses it as a tool for connection.
– He enjoys exploring different cultures and often travels to gain new perspectives.
– Mitchell believes in the power of mentorship and actively seeks to support young professionals.
– He has a keen interest in technology and its impact on society.
– Mitchell is an advocate for mental health awareness and practices mindfulness regularly.
– He enjoys cooking and experimenting with new recipes in his spare time.
– Mitchell has a unique collection of vintage vinyl records that he cherishes.
– He values outdoor activities and often spends weekends hiking or biking.
– Mitchell is a fan of classic literature and often references it in his discussions.

Mitchell was born and raised in Crestwood, Kentucky, a small, sheltered town where life was simple and family-oriented.

At the age of 12, Mitchell experienced the unexpected loss of his father, which profoundly impacted his perspective on family and life.

Following his father’s passing, Mitchell’s mother prioritized family counseling, helping him process grief through group therapy, which he initially resisted but later recognized as beneficial.

The experience of loss strengthened Mitchell’s appreciation for family, leading him to create traditions of quality time and vacations with them during his later adventures.

He pursued a degree in psychology at Xavier University, initially motivated by a desire to help others cope with grief, inspired by his own experiences.

During his junior year at Xavier, after a course with guest speakers, Mitchell realized that a career in psychology wasn’t what he wanted, prompting a shift in focus.

In 2008, amidst economic uncertainty, he opted for a second degree in nursing, recognizing it as a stable, recession-proof career with diverse opportunities.

He enrolled in a nursing program at Bellarmine University, entering with little knowledge of the profession, only to discover his passion during his first clinical experiences.

After completing nursing school, Mitchell worked as a travel nurse in pediatrics and intensive care across the U.S. and internationally, gaining invaluable experience.

Mitchell later joined the Fuqua School of Business, where he became co-president of the Fuqua Show, contributing to its growth while preparing for new adventures in the Bay Area.

The speaker began their journey in nursing, initially uncertain, but eventually fell in love with the profession over eight years.

During nursing school, they explored various specialties through clinicals, starting with adult med-surg, which they found unsatisfactory.

They experienced adult ICU next and were drawn to the intensity and pace, realizing they could thrive in such an environment.

Following their ICU experience, they discovered a love for pediatrics, influenced by their background as an older brother and babysitter.

With only one pediatric ICU in Louisville, they applied to it, feeling a mix of excitement and anxiety about the opportunity.

On their first day, they faced a chaotic trauma situation, feeling overwhelmed but also captivated by the teamwork and skill of the staff.

The first day taught them the importance of speaking up about what they knew and didn’t know, a crucial lesson in a high-pressure environment.

They experienced significant emotional challenges, particularly when a patient they had grown close to faced a tragic turn in their health.

Despite advice from mentors to maintain distance, the speaker felt a strong desire to connect with patients and families, inspired by the character Patch Adams.

Ultimately, they resolved to continue forming personal connections with patients, believing it was essential to providing compassionate care in the face of difficult circumstances.

A caring nurse meets a teenager who has lost his voice after a medical procedure, leading to feelings of depression and frustration for the patient.

The nurse connects with the patient by speaking to him like a normal person, using casual language, which helps establish a rapport and mutual respect.

The nurse continues to care for the patient over the next three months, forming a strong bond through regular visits and interactions in the ICU.

After the patient is discharged from the ICU, the nurse maintains the relationship, hanging out monthly to play games and bond over shared interests.

The nurse promises the patient tickets to see his favorite basketball player, Anthony Davis, if he works hard in his recovery.

The nurse reaches out to the New Orleans Pelicans for a meet-and-greet with Anthony Davis, hoping to create a memorable experience for the patient.

The day of the exhibition game arrives, and the patient is overwhelmed with joy when he unexpectedly meets Anthony Davis, capturing a moment of pure happiness.

Witnessing the positive impact on the patient’s life reinforces the nurse’s belief in the importance of emotional connections and making a difference in healthcare.

The nurse transitions to travel nursing, exploring different locations and experiences, including volunteering in Africa and Latin America, broadening his perspective on global healthcare.

The nurse’s experiences abroad, particularly with cleft lip and palate repairs, solidify his commitment to making a significant impact in patients’ lives, highlighting the disparities in healthcare access worldwide.

After returning from travel nursing, the speaker felt burnt out from hospital nursing in the U.S. and realized they didn’t resonate with the healthcare system anymore.

While living in Austin, the speaker interacted with MBA graduates from McCombs and Penn State, which sparked interest in the diverse career paths available through an MBA program.

Initially hesitant due to the financial commitment of an MBA, the speaker continued to express dissatisfaction with their nursing career, prompting a pivotal conversation with their fiancé.

The fiancé encouraged the speaker to make a decision about their career, leading to a moment of self-reflection and a deeper emotional connection with their partner.

The speaker began reaching out to others to explore business school options and discovered an interest in consulting, aiming to have a broader impact on healthcare.

The speaker enrolled in Fuqua, driven by the desire to switch careers and make a difference in the healthcare sector.

At a Wine Around the World event, the speaker met Thomas, who proposed starting a podcast, leading the speaker to volunteer and engage in this new venture.

The speaker took on data management for the podcast, viewing it as an opportunity to develop new skills while collaborating with peers who were also learning.

After facing multiple rejections during the recruiting process, the speaker finally secured an interview with Oliver Wyman, leading to a successful case interview and eventual job offer.

Upon receiving the job offer, the speaker celebrated with their fiancé in a special way, marking the culmination of their goals and the most memorable moment of their business school journey.