At Bon Secours, Black History Month is a time to remember those who influenced the work we do today. It is also a time to highlight those who are currently influencing care in our hospitals.
This includes team members like Shasta Mitchell-Holston, who is a nurse practitioner with the hospitalist group at Bon Secours Maryview Medical Center.
“I am Black history in the making,” Shasta shares. “I’m appreciative and thankful for those who paved the way for me as a Black woman and a Black professional. I love that Black history is celebrated in February, and even more excited that Black history is recognized 365 days out of the year.”
Shasta was in high school when she was first interested in going into medicine. She always had an interest in science and math, and all she ever wanted to do was help people feel better.
Throughout her life, she has had many influential people impact her both personally and professionally.
“The people who have impacted my life professionally are the nurses and medical providers who make an impact daily,” Shasta says. “Those who influence me personally are my elders. They have impacted me by telling me their stories and how they have survived throughout the struggles that they experienced. As for in history, pioneers such as Mary Eliza Mahoney, who was the first African American to study and work professionally as a nurse in the U.S., influences me. Present day, Ernest J. Grant, who is the first male to serve as president of the American Nurses Association, inspires me. His goal is to encourage diversity in nursing.”
During her path to becoming a medical professional, Shasta faced many obstacles such as “racial barriers and stereotypes within the medical field itself. I also did not have representation or mentors within nursing, especially with higher education.”
Today, Shasta now serves as a mentor to others and inspires her community with the compassionate care she provides.
“The minority population not being heard when it comes to health concerns and disparities overall, as well as the stereotypes that go along with health conditions, is a big health issue in the Black community,” she states. “I know that I make an impact because when my patients see that I look like them and that I understand the racial disparities among minorities, they are more receptive in education and the treatment plan.”
Bon Secours is honored to have Shasta as a member of our team. Our ministry continues to grow and bring compassionate care to our community thanks to nurse practitioners like her.
At Bon Secours, nurses mean the world! Learn how you can join our nursing team today.
