Leigh Dittman - How Lived Experience Inspired a Student Nurse

Marcus interviews the brilliant and talented student nurse, Leigh Dittman. Leigh shares her story of being a lifelong patient with OI3, aka brittle bone disease. Throughout her life, bone breaks, and hospitalizations have been the norm for Leigh. She shares about her growing up years as a patient at Shriner’s Hospitals for Children and how that lead the two to meet. Leigh tells how her lived experiences have led her to know she wants to be a nurse who listens to her patients and shares her dream of working in L & D or NICU. Check out this episode to hear some inspiring stories and about a really sweet friendship of two survivors. Key topics:00:00 – Introduction01:30 – Leigh Introduces herself and her story.02:58 – Marcus asks about Leigh’s hospitalization experiences. Leigh shares a horrific story about the aftermath of a spinal surgery at the age of 12 ½. She highlights how important it is for care givers to listen and share compassion.09:57 – The two then go on to talk about lived experience and active listening. 10:53 – Marcus asks Leigh to talk about Shriners and about Shriners Hospitals. 12:43 – Leigh talks about some of the good experiences in the hospital. Leigh talks about her growing interest in the medicine as a young child and being active in her own care.17:40 – Leigh shares her goals in the nursing profession and her career goals in leadership. 22:24 – Marcus starts his rapid-fire questions. What is your favorite book?24:34 – If you are stranded on desert island, what piece of art do you bring?26:00 – What would you spend $100 on, if you had to spend it on yourself?26:48 – What would your message be to the world?27:25 – Thank yous, goodbyes, and puppy talk! Resources for you: Connect with Marcus on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marcusengel/Connect with Leigh on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leigh-dittman-454406b3Learn more about Shiners Children’s: https://www.shrinerschildrens.org/en  Subscribe to the podcast through Apple: https://bit.ly/MarcusEngelPodcastSubscribe to the podcast through Spotify: https://bit.ly/Spotify-MarcusEngelPodcast Date: 07/04/2022Name of show: Compassion & Courage: Conversations in HealthcareEpisode title and number: Episode 57 – Leigh Dittman - How Lived Experience Inspired a Student Nurse