Everyone gets that feeling of being overwhelmed in their life, and Amanda Sanger is no stranger to that feeling.
Sanger, a nurse manager at Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Nebraska (BCBSNE), juggles work, family and her pursuit of higher education every day.
Throughout her nine years as a nurse with BCBSNE, Sanger has built her skillset in utilization management, care management and leadership. Now in her role as manager, it is evident that Sanger has always dedicated herself fully to all aspects of her life.
When it comes to leadership, Sanger understands the importance of having a base level knowledge of workflows and business.
“Having that knowledge has helped me with leadership because I can understand the business and the perspective of those that are in different positions and the impacts of being strategic about how we implement changes and innovations,” Sanger said.
Sanger is also currently getting her master’s in health informatics.
“Setting aside dedicated time for each of these responsibilities in my life is important to me,” Sanger said. “Carving out time in the evening for school and making sure I have time to catch up on anything that I’m not able to get done in the workday while still being able to maintain that work life balance that BCBSNE allows for my family and I is what gets me through each day.”
Balancing going to school while working and taking care of her five children has not always been easy for Sanger, but she finds a way by scheduling time for all the responsibilities in her day-to-day life.
“There are times when it feels like a lot or I bit off more than I can chew, but truly that’s where scheduling keeps my head straight,” Sanger said. “For example, Mondays I know I am going to be working on homework from about 5 p.m. until probably 1 a.m. It’s tough, but I know that’s my dedicated day to do schoolwork and my family knows that. My husband knows that those are the days that he has to pick up the slack and help more.”
Sanger also highlights the importance of taking mental breaks throughout her day when she gets overwhelmed with responsibilities. Sanger enjoys listening to podcasts or reading a book when she needs a break.
One thing that keeps Sanger knowing she can accomplish everything on her plate and keep going is her family.
“Just watching them knowing that they’re proud of me seems silly, but knowing that keeps me motivated,” Sanger said. “Showing my kids that you can work, go to school and have a family is really important to me, especially showing my daughter that.”
When asked what advice she had for people juggling different aspects of life, Sanger feels it is important to take it day by day.
“It’s never too late to strive for more,” Sanger said. “Take it day by day. It’s a journey but truly just get through the day. Focus on what you have to accomplish that day, make yourself a to do list and find what motivates you and focus on that.”
To read more stories like this one, visit Health and Wellness.
*Wise & Well is a monthly wellness series highlighting BCBSNE employees and their dedication to health and wellness.
