Lakesha Hairston MSN, BSN, RN: A Dedicated Nurse Leader and Educator
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Lakesha Hairston, MSN, BSN, RN, is the owner and founder of Choezen Careers and Healthcare Training (CCHT) in San Antonio, Texas. Hairston is an experienced nursing leader who started as a healthcare aide at 16. Her healthcare journey began in high school, and she worked her way up the leadership ladder.
Motivated by her desire to make a difference and inspired by Red Cross commercials, she saw healthcare as an opportunity to work towards a better future. Her mom and older sister were Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs), further inspiring her to pursue a healthcare career.
“I knew that I wanted to do something different. I didn't quite know what it was, but I knew I wanted to do something different. And, I recall seeing commercials [for] the red cross, with Clara Barton, and I’m like, oh my goodness, this is healthcare,” she recalls.
Founding Choezen Careers and Healthcare Training
Hairston's extensive experience in nursing leadership roles, including as a Chief Nursing Officer and Director of Nursing, gave her a deep understanding of the healthcare system. However, she began to feel like she was losing her compassion for patients in these roles, which prompted her to take a bold step and pivot her career. She decided to open a healthcare education training school to utilize her talents and passion for teaching in her own way.
Her background, with a lack of encouragement for education, inspired her to implement programs that would inspire and encourage students to pursue a career in healthcare. In August 2020, she opened up her school CCHT. She believes that sharing her story can be of assistance to others and endeavors to spread laughter wherever she travels.
Advice for Aspiring CNAs and Healthcare Students
Hairston advises her students to commit to higher education and find something that makes them happy. She encourages them always to do the right thing, even when no one is looking, and to seek education to learn more.
"Always do what's right. Even when no one is watching. I say that. I don't know how many times, countless times," Hairston comments about teaching her students.
Hairston is a very genuine and direct individual who holds herself accountable and hopes to inspire her students. She advises aspiring CNA candidates to be themselves, reflect on their past, and focus on moving forward.
"Think about what you want to do. What direction do you want to go in? Are you wanting to become a nurse and grow as a nurse? Are you looking just to be a CNA and stay there? There are some individuals who are professional Certified Nursing Assistants, and they absolutely love it!"
