Dionyse Hartmann
BSN; Health Educator; Certified Cancer Journey Coach; Certified Health and Wellness Coach
I was born and raised in the Netherlands where I obtained my BSN in 1992. In the year 2000, I moved to the USA due to a transfer in my husband’s work. After working as a RN in the Netherlands and USA for 20 plus years in mostly outpatient surgery settings I felt a nudge to help people heal in a different way. Patients and staff often told me that they feel encouraged by my positivity and my ability to listen. I often hear that I am a positive bundle of light and I noticed that it gives me so much joy to help someone who needs a listening ear or a calming voice or a little bit of upbeat humor to help them through a difficult or stressful situation. After both my parents passed away to cancer in September 2016, it was clear to me that I had a bigger purpose in life. When my dad passed and mom was still on her deathbed, we often talked about life and death and purposes in life and after death. One time she asked me if there is anything I dreamed about doing in life after she was gone. I told her that I want to be a support for cancer patients but I don’t know in what setting that will be. Should I become a colostomy RN, Infusion RN or hospice RN? I wasn’t sure but something in me said ‘keep trusting the Process’.
In 2017 I started a 1 year certification process for Health and Wellness Coach. After I graduated there still was that feeling that something is not quite complete. There must be something out there where I can deepen coaching skills for cancer patients, survivors and caregivers. In 2018 I was hired at one of the the Sutter Health Community Health Resource Centers as a Health Educator in a non-clinical setting. I felt this was the perfect job.
The Cancer Journey Institute came onto my path in 2019 and enriched me so much more. This program was exactly what I was looking for. It has provided me with the perfect tools and community to help myself as a caregiver heal. Now, I will be able to share that with others who are on a cancer journey, let it be as a patient, survivor or caregiver.
An interview with Dionyse:
What inspires you to get up in the morning? To face a new day, to see the people I love or make new connections. The blessing of going to work no matter what the day brings. The idea that I can make a difference in someone’s life or learn something new.
What are you scared of? I am scared of people hating other people for no reason.
People often underestimate the power of….. Kind and loving words, hugs, a friendly smile, a simple helpful deed.
I am in my power when….I have Faith, trust my gut and let go of my worries or insecurities.
If you could have one super power, what would you choose? To spread peace around the whole world.
