Tuesday, March 8, 2011
Sometimes you just need a reminder......
Today I met with a nurse who is a BSN student and needed to interview a nurse in a leadership position. I had almost cancelled or rescheduled because there was so much going on at the hospital. We were going live with a new software for documenting medication, the surveyors from our accrediting body were there, census is up, so much to do, etc...... but I didn't cancel. I am so happy that I didn't.
The student asked me many questions; Why am I a nurse? Why did I choose Oncology nursing when I started my nursing journey? Why did I make the change from the bedside to leadership? How did I decide to become a CNO? All of which I could answer, and have answered many times.
The answer is the same for all of the above. "I answered the call". Each time I made one of the above decisions it was taken out of my hands. I believe with every ounce of my being that I was supposed to be a nurse, I never felt it was a choice, but a given.
Nursing happened...............I tried to want to be something else, but I just couldn't.
Oncology Nursing happened.....I was a nurse extern on an Oncology unit because that was the only spot left.....but I was supposed to be there. I stayed there when I graduated and I was blessed to take care of many people from so many different cultures. As life would have it I ended up caring for two of my distant cousins; It was emotionally and mentally draining but I know there was a reason they wound up on my units. It was overwhelming at times, and although I learned so much more about my family during that time, it nearly killed me when we lost them. I wouldn't trade a moment though because I was supposed to be there. I was so blessed.
Leadership happened........it was the natural course, the opportunities were placed in my path........each time I was called, and I didn't feel there was another choice. Each leaderhip opportunity has built on the last, bringing people into my path who I can learn from, share experiences with......and I have learned from all of them.
Sometimes it is really stressful and challenging, and I think I want to go back to the bedside, (and sometimes that Wal Mart greeter job looks attractive.) But when I think it through I realize that I am where I am supposed to be.
The student and I talked quite a bit more. We discussed the future of nursing, and health care, how technology has changed over the years, the challenges nurses face, etc..... She is drawn to Labor and Delivery and is thinking of being a Nurse Practitioner. Her motivation is coming from the right place, and I enjoyed my discussion with her. We will be meeting again next week.
As she left my office I got to thinking; If I had a choice, would I do it all over again? It isn't a choice, it is my calling.
Thanks for the reminder......
The student asked me many questions; Why am I a nurse? Why did I choose Oncology nursing when I started my nursing journey? Why did I make the change from the bedside to leadership? How did I decide to become a CNO? All of which I could answer, and have answered many times.
The answer is the same for all of the above. "I answered the call". Each time I made one of the above decisions it was taken out of my hands. I believe with every ounce of my being that I was supposed to be a nurse, I never felt it was a choice, but a given.
Nursing happened...............I tried to want to be something else, but I just couldn't.
Oncology Nursing happened.....I was a nurse extern on an Oncology unit because that was the only spot left.....but I was supposed to be there. I stayed there when I graduated and I was blessed to take care of many people from so many different cultures. As life would have it I ended up caring for two of my distant cousins; It was emotionally and mentally draining but I know there was a reason they wound up on my units. It was overwhelming at times, and although I learned so much more about my family during that time, it nearly killed me when we lost them. I wouldn't trade a moment though because I was supposed to be there. I was so blessed.
Leadership happened........it was the natural course, the opportunities were placed in my path........each time I was called, and I didn't feel there was another choice. Each leaderhip opportunity has built on the last, bringing people into my path who I can learn from, share experiences with......and I have learned from all of them.
Sometimes it is really stressful and challenging, and I think I want to go back to the bedside, (and sometimes that Wal Mart greeter job looks attractive.) But when I think it through I realize that I am where I am supposed to be.
The student and I talked quite a bit more. We discussed the future of nursing, and health care, how technology has changed over the years, the challenges nurses face, etc..... She is drawn to Labor and Delivery and is thinking of being a Nurse Practitioner. Her motivation is coming from the right place, and I enjoyed my discussion with her. We will be meeting again next week.
As she left my office I got to thinking; If I had a choice, would I do it all over again? It isn't a choice, it is my calling.
Thanks for the reminder......
Tuesday, March 1, 2011
I did what???
Today I was confronted by someone who thought I said something. Well, I didn't say the something that they claimed, and I responded in that manner. I then tried to figure out where this confrontation came from because it was VERY unexpected, and way out of context.
Then, "I am negative" all the time so they say. Once again being told that I "said" something. I do try to stand up for my opinions, and support my people....but I don't believe I said what was said that I said.
SO.....I'm sorry if you believe what you believe I said, but if you do......then you just don't know me.
Thank you.
Then, "I am negative" all the time so they say. Once again being told that I "said" something. I do try to stand up for my opinions, and support my people....but I don't believe I said what was said that I said.
SO.....I'm sorry if you believe what you believe I said, but if you do......then you just don't know me.
Thank you.
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