Today, I am thrilled to share some insightful thoughts on a topic that is near and dear to our hearts: Transformation in Nursing. Being a nurse is difficult—it can sometimes be demanding and overwhelming. However, I genuinely believe we can bring about positive change where nurses prioritize self-care without succumbing to burnout and leaving their careers.
As healthcare advocates, we aim to provide compassionate and dedicated care to others. Whether at the bedside or in management, we all believe that there must be a transformation in nursing and healthcare, and rightfully so. However, we tend to prioritize the needs of others above our own, leaving little time and energy for self-care. But here's a tip, my fellow nurses: True transformation begins with caring for ourselves.
To illustrate the power of personal transformation, I want to share my recent trip to Panama. This journey was a collaboration between the Maxwell Leadership Team and the Panama Lidera Foundation, intending to bring about transformation within the country. The key to success was clear: Transformation had to start from within individuals, families, schools, and places of employment before it could spread throughout the cities, provinces, and the country.
During this trip, my Maxwell leadership colleagues and I facilitated two of ten transformational values, attitudes, and communication with high school and college students. The look on their face as the students gained new insights and awareness was something I would never forget. A bit like lighting a candle that, in turn, ignites five others, each of whom passes the flame to five more. Let's explore how this experience in Panama ties into our discussion of self-care and transformation in nursing.
I encouraged the students in Panama to understand the importance of self-reflection, personal growth, and sharing with others. I want to emphasize the significance of prioritizing our well-being and daily self-care activities. A healthy lifestyle is a foundation for our ability to flourish as nurses. By prioritizing self-care and nurturing ourselves, we can create a cultural shift that values and promotes nurses' well-being within the nursing profession.
We must be creative with self-care and incorporate it into our daily lives. As one of my close friends and nurse scientist, Dr. Latora, says, Self-care is an activity of daily living. Taking the time to take breaks, stepping away from the hustle to practice mindfulness, and performing a 2-minute breathing exercise while ensuring we get adequate sleep goes a long way. Participating in a hobby, cultivating gratitude and self-compassion, setting healthy boundaries, and seeking outside help and support when experiencing high levels of stress rather than going alone are things we should include in our self-care plan.
I am reminded of Mahatma Gandhi's famous quote, "Be the change that you wish to see in the world." Together, let's rewrite the nursing narrative, reframing stress, better management of overwhelm, and free from burnout, paving the way for a brighter future in healthcare!
In conclusion, I want to remind everyone that self-care is not an indulgence but an investment in your well-being and the vitality of nursing. Through a steadfast commitment to self-care, we can transform ourselves and the nursing profession while delivering exceptional care to those who rely on us. Let us introduce this new culture to the nursing field, as it can be part of a transformative journey for everyone. Together, we will create a balanced and fulfilling nursing experience and inspire others by modeling what health and wellness look like.
To your health,
Audrey
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