Meet LaKrecia Thomas of PulseFinders Healthcare Institute

Today we’d like to introduce you to LaKrecia Thomas.

LaKrecia, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
My journey into healthcare began at the age of 12, I was celebrating my aunt and uncle’s birthday at St. James Hospital, why St. James hospital weird place to celebrate right. Well, my grandmother (their mother) was on hospice at the time. While the celebration took place, I was admiring how the nursing staff took AMAZING care of my grandmother, I thought to myself wow I would love to take care of people like this when I get older. Nine years later, I took a Certified Nursing Assistant course, after completion, I received my first job as a CNA at the very same hospital (St. James Hospital). Talk about full circle/divine intervention. I worked as a CNA for eight years, during those eight years I went to nursing school at Chicago State University and worked overnight full-time. In 2014, I completed my BSN RN, and I began working as a Registered Nurse. In 2016, I climbed the latter in the nursing world and began working for a dialysis facility where I became a dialysis nurse manager covering five clinics. At that time, I wanted more, my passion for teaching kicked in, I began the MHA program at Capella University. In 2018, I started my own business PulseFinders CPR training. In 2019, I graduated with my Masters in Healthcare Administration. In 2021 I opened PulseFinders Healthcare Institute where we provide Certified Nurse Aid training, Phlebotomy training, QMA training and CPR certification.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
My road was extremely difficult, I had my daughter at the age of 23, a year into the nursing program she became ill and was admitted to the hospital for a week. During that time I struggled with being a full-time single mom, a full-time nursing student all while working full-time as a CNA. Due to overwhelming stress, I failed my nursing class which forced me to sit a year out of the program. I was determined to finish no matter what obstacles came my way. Fast forward to my senior year, my grandmother (my best friend) was diagnosed with stage 4 cancer. She lost her battle to cancer Oct. 17th, 2013. The next day I was scheduled to take my nursing exit exam. I called my instructor and explained the passing of my grandmother, she stated that I only had two chances to take this exam. I gathered myself, drove to school sobbing, and took my exam. By the grace of God, I passed my exit exam. Those struggles allowed me to become the woman I am today.

As you know, we’re big fans of PulseFinders Healthcare Institute. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
PulseFinders Healthcare Institute offers Certified Nursing Assistance courses, Phlebotomy review classes, Qualified Medication Aid courses, and CPR training. We are known for serving our community, we are geared towards promoting awareness and serving minority individuals. PulseFinders Healthcare Institute is a minority-owned woman business, we strive for excellence with every class. Our courses allow individuals to receive a certification in healthcare which will allow them to start a career which will change their lives forever. Our courses are affordable and we have payment plans. I’m most proud of starting the business, a lot of individuals allow fear to stop them from succeeding in life. Through every obstacle, I never stopped, each bump in the road made me more determined to conquer my goal.

What makes you happy?
Peace, family, freedom, health and my career make me happy. Being able to wake up every day and being able to change individual lives brings me so much joy.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.pulsefindershi.com
• Instagram: Pulsefindershi
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PulsefindersHI
• Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@pulsefinders?_t=8W93pv4aZxO&_r=1