Who is Sherry Wurgler?
Hello, my name is Sherry Wurgler and I wear ……..
many hats. I am first a mother to 4 wonderful children, I’m a grandmother to 5 beautiful grandchildren, and I’m a nurse working in a community that fosters growth and development. I love teaching and educating people on mental wellness, holistic wellness. Using my gifts to the best of my ability and serving others with those gifts.
As a practicing registered nurse, you work in a challenging area. What does it mean being a practicing nurse during this very difficult time of the pandemic?
Nursing is more than just my profession, it is my calling – it is my passion – it is my way of giving back to my community. And that calling means rising to meet whatever challenge comes my way. I don’t think any of us knew how devastating or critical Covid -19 would turn out to be; but rising to that challenge is what nurses all across the country and world have done in these past many months.
I love being a nurse because it means helping people find their strength and courage to deal with their illness. To help provide them with the education that will help them deal with their diagnosis to the best of their ability. I give my patients compassion and unconditional support to help them navigate the ups and downs of their illness and live life on their terms.
And nursing embodies leadership – leading to be the voice and advocate of our patients. Leadership that supports and encourages the best efforts and talents of fellow coworkers. Above all, during these pasts months, support of co -workers and the increased stress that covid -19 has caused – has been so important. Giving that friendly nod of support or offering the comment of “you’re doing a great job”, showing appreciation for all entities that are working together for a common goal – the best outcome for each and every one of our patients.
What have you learnt from the experience?
On a personal note, I have learned the value of self- care and how important it is to honor my health in a holistic manner each and every day. Meditation, gratitude, exercise, diet, and maintaining a positive mindset. All of those practices helps maintain my energy and outlook and allows me to give of my very best each day.
The holidays are here, what do you plan to do to make them merry?
I will celebrate the holidays by spending time with my family. They bring my life such joy.
What was your dream career?
My dream career as a child was to be a nurse and help people.
You’re a practicing registered nurse and a book author, with a degree in criminal justice and a master’s in leadership. Your resume is as diverse as diverse can be. Congratulations on this great achievement. How did you set out to have such a diverse career path?
Have you always been versatile? How important is this attribute to success? Do all these disciplines and experiences have anything in common?
Yes, I have always had much interest in many of the service based professions. They all share a link in giving back to their communities through education and service. While my childhood dream was to become a nurse, I also have a deep respect for law enforcement and how they teach and educate people and give such valuable service to their community.
My degrees have allowed me to be knowledgeable in several different areas, all which complement each other very nicely.
Your memoir Surviving Ritual Abuse achieved bestselling status. Congratulations again! What influenced you to share your story?
I wrote my memoir to help other child abuse victims know they are not alone. I share my experience to give a voice to others who suffer in silence. No one deserves abuse and no one should have to suffer in silence because they think their story is “too much”. I share my story in memory of those who lost their lives to abuse.
What’s the most fulfilling thing about being an author?
The most fulfilling aspect about being an author is having the ability to impact women and give them the hope and strength to see their way through the lies and deceit that comes with abuse. I write to be an ambassador for abuse victims and to let them know they did not suffer in vain. I have a beautiful life because I have taken responsibility for my life after those difficult times and once you take your power back you learn to love yourself and let go of the negative and self -limiting beliefs. In taking your life back, you live life on your terms and become the best version of yourself.
You have certainly achieved a lot, what has been your greatest achievement so far?
While I consider my nursing career is a great achievement, my greatest achievement will always be raising 4 wonderful children. My children are my love and joy and I treasure them with all my being. I have been blessed to have both a family and nursing career.
What key lesson for success can you share with the Stellar Woman readers?
- Set a morning ritual that helps you start the day with a positive attitude.
- Set your goals, take small steps if needed, but keep moving forward.
- Self- care is vital. Find time to spend time with those who nourish your heart and soul. Find time to eat healthy, exercise, and rest. Find time to do what makes you feel energized and alive.
What future do you envision for women?
The future holds much for women. We have claimed our role in society as leaders to be trusted and respected. Nursing leadership has grown and become a tremendous influence in health care today. Nursing leadership advocates for our patients on a daily basis. Nursing leadership also has become involved in helping administration realize the importance of self -care supports and networks to help us with the challenges that have come in these past months during Covid-19.
If you had to meet your 15-year-old self, what message would you give her?
If I had the chance to meet my 15 yr. old self I would tell her to go after her heart’s desires with relentless passion and enthusiasm. Do not give up when the going gets tough- find the silver lining and keep on going. The pursuit of passion always comes with ups and downs, but you have the determination and tenacity to keep on going. Always have a learning spirit. Never give up on you.
How would you describe your ideal stellar woman?
I would describe my ideal stellar woman as one who pursues her goals with purpose and determination, and reaching back to help the next woman see her worth and potential to reach her goal. We are all in this world to be a beacon of hope and resilience to others. Our greatest accomplishment is helping others to also reach their goals. Being an example of courage and resilience to other women is a stellar trait.
Where do we see Sherry Wurgler in the next 5 -10 years?
I am currently transitioning from in patient nursing to online coaching women. I have a passion for helping women transform their negative self- limiting beliefs to confidence and resilience. To help women have a holistic approach to their health and mental well -being.
This has been a difficult challenging last year and a half, but women have shown their worth and resilience in these stormy times. We shine in the face of adversity. We rise in the face of life-threatening circumstances. We are here to make a difference and here we will stay. To all my fellow stellar women – this is our time! We are here to make a difference!
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And, at the end of the day, it’s important to cherish your loved ones and find the blessing in each and every day. Celebrate life!