Employee inspired by helping at vaccine clinics shifts career goals
When Danyelle Bondurant, M.S.M., saw the email asking for volunteers to serve at Texas Health Resources’ COVID-19 vaccine clinics in 2021, she had no idea it would change her life. Bondurant, a senior administrative assistant in Information Technology, decided to volunteer after encouragement from her supervisor.
“Danyelle likes a challenge and to try new things, and I felt this would be a good experience for her,” said Ron Mehring, chief information security officer.
Bondurant helped greet and screen patients at the clinic. While doing so, she experienced what she describes as an “internal shift.”
“I was watching the nurses working so hard and needing breaks, and I was limited in what I could do to help, and I didn’t like that,” Bondurant said. “When I’m needed, I want to be able to help.”
Holding a magic wand
Bondurant has served in her current role for almost 10 years. Among her many responsibilities as a senior administrative assistant are scheduling appointments, managing documents, handling emails and phone calls, and coordinating facilities management functions.
“I’m basically a magic wand holder,” she said. “I do a little bit of everything, and I love the team I work with.”
Mehring didn’t hesitate to support Bondurant as she explored her interest in the clinical side of healthcare.
“As a leader, it’s my role to help my staff live their professional lives to the fullest,” he said. “A staff member gaining a new experience or skill that helps guide and fulfill their professional journey is a win for both the employee and Texas Health.”
The timing is right
Bondurant, the daughter of a nurse, had long considered going into nursing but the timing was never right. After her experience at the vaccine clinic, Bondurant became a patient sitter at Texas Health Harris Methodist Hospital Alliance.
“I looked for ways to help out the nurses, and pretty soon one of the supervisors said, ‘I need you to be in nursing school,’” she said. “I knew she was right.”
Candy Baptist, B.S.N., R.N., M.H.S.M., CENP, has served as a mentor for Bondurant. As director of Texas Health Resources University’s Career Transformation Center, Baptist provides check-ins and “temperature checks” for Bondurant as she navigates her career.
“Candy’s mentorship has helped me plan a path that is based on my values and passions and works around the needs of my family,” Bondurant said. “I’m able to check in with Candy and reflect on what I’m learning and process how the journey is developing me emotionally. From the outset, she emphasized balance and protection from burnout with me.”
Using tuition reimbursement from Texas Health, Bondurant started nursing school last August and will graduate as a licensed vocational nurse (LVN) in August this year. In addition to her current job, she hopes to work as an LVN in a PRN role while also earning her bachelor’s degree in nursing. Bondurant ultimately wants to get a doctorate in nursing and teach.
“My work, whether as a nurse or administrative assistant, is passion-driven, and I am blessed to be able to pursue my goals at Texas Health,” she said.
Published January 24, 2023
