Today we’d like to introduce you to Brittany Claus.
Hi Brittany, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
Growing up my mom and I were very poor living in a trailer park when we sometimes had our gas on and sometimes not so before school my senior year I would have to go to my friends house to shower. Throughout my junior and senior year I went to school full-time as a high school student and worked 3 to 11 full-time as an STNA at a nursing home. With this I was able to pay the trailer bills so that my mom and I still had a place to live. Right after high school I got pregnant with my amazing son HUNTER, which so many people thought that would set me back and I wouldn’t go to college, but I continued and I went to school with a newborn baby and I became a registered nurse 10 years ago. I now have my bachelors degree and I’m currently working on my masters degree. Despite being a single mom I’ve overcome many troubles and situations that some people never have to go through which is such a blessing but at the same time I’m glad I’ve gone through them cause they’ve only made my family and I stronger.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Of course being a young mom and single mom was a struggle having to do everything provide for my son teach my son everything alone plus working full-time while going to school while trying to be the best mom I can be.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I am a surgical intensive care unit nurse, I thrive and taken care of open heart patients post surgery and many other types of surgical patients I have been a critical care nurse for 10 years now I did receive my bachelors a couple years after receiving my associates. Trying to work full-time and be a full-time mom and also helping my disabled mother with appointments and lab work and all the other things.
I am known for advocating for my patients and their families highly I have received a prestigious award called the Warren family care award through the Cleveland Clinic for my special qualities. I have also received multiple Daisy award nominations from patients and their families in regards to the care that I provide.
We love surprises, fun facts and unexpected stories. Is there something you can share that might surprise us?
On the outside I seem very strong and then I hold everything together but on the inside I’m going through so much and I just try to hide it from everyone else.
