How do you experience working as a woman in your specific field or industry?

As a nurse, I feel like I am accepted by most of my patients and colleagues. I see a lot more women working in this field in certain areas, especially in nursing homes for people with dementia and in the hospital. But I’ve also worked with a team with almost only men, when it comes to working with people with a disability. 

Being a woman in this industry is very rewarding and often you make lots of connections with your patients. You’re always challenged with new problems facing your way and special people, who all have a place in my heart. Everyday, you keep learning new things and you keep growing as a person.

In my experience the patients ask more for a woman than a man, (especially women patients). They often feel a form of safety with me, a woman. But still, being a woman in this industry is sometimes tough. I am not big and strong enough to care for every (mostly male) patient, so I often need help. And I am not big and strong enough to push one away.

Unfortunately I get a lot of sexual comments and questions thrown at me, from patients and sometimes even (male) colleagues. They even try to grab me, so for my own safety it’s always good to work with other people who I feel safe with. I feel like we could take our nurses more seriously and hear them out, we got a lot to say :) 

But even so, I absolutely love my job and will never stop!

In a world that often puts limitations on women, how do you use your hands to break barriers and redefine what is possible?

I try my best to make a change, but as a young woman that is not so easy yet. People often think that I am too young and don’t know everything yet. But they don’t know what I’ve got in store for them ;) 

With the assessment of my university, I am asked to make a change. Make a change in the care of 1 specific patient, I have to research their medical history and look into the care they have now and see how I can improve their quality of life. This is how I can make changes in my work. 

Instagram @Ilsevanrijswijk 

We all face moments of self-doubt and setbacks. How do you find the strength to overcome obstacles and continue pursuing your dreams?

I have experienced a good setback in my last internship. Unfortunately I had to stop after a month due to safety reasons for myself. It took a while to get back out there. But I had amazing support from my friends and family, who got me back on my feet. Eventually despite this situation I have more strength to step up to people and indicate my own boundaries. 

We often find inspiration in the people and experiences that have influenced us along the way. Who has been the biggest inspiration or role model in your life, and how have they impacted your personal and professional growth?

This is a difficult question! I have many people who are important and have a big impact in my life. My parents are a big influence in my life, they raised me to who I am now and I am thankful for them everyday. They’ve taught me important lessons and taught me to work hard and take care of yourself and others is important. I also have two older sisters who I look up to, they are both very talented and very different from each other. Every sister has taught me different things and the way they live their life has brought me to the attention that every decision is the right decision if that makes you happy. 

Then there is my best friend, who I’ve known since we were 3 months old. Almost 20 years of friendship. She has a bigger influence than she thinks, she’s very clever and she can really read people, in particular, me. She’s been with me since the beginning and helps me with everything, she helps me reach my goals when I don’t feel like it. 

At last my boyfriend, he is someone who really wants to watch me grow, personally and professionally. He helps me with things I am scared to start or finish. He pushes me to bring out my best qualities and helps me to pursue my dreams. He makes me stronger as a person and has taught me to stand up for my opinion and that I don’t have to be scared of people's reaction when I do. 

So there is not one actual person who has the biggest impact and who is my inspiration. They are all my inspiration.

We hope that Ilse her story has inspired you and encouraged you to embrace your own journey of self-acceptance and resilience. Let us all celebrate our flaws, believe in our worth, and use our platforms to make a positive impact. Together, we can create a world where every woman feels empowered, accepted, and beautiful in her own skin.

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