ShesThatRNspiration

The crazy thing is anyone who wears scrubs are thought to be a nurse. NOT the case so, please don’t be deceived. I and my fellow registered nurses all over the world have worked really hard to get our credentials. We spent endless nights studying, taking test, failing than succeeding, hours with study groups, sacrificed family, friends and leisure; not to mention the amount of money it costs to go to school for 4 years, especially a private school. So, STOP IT!!!! Stop telling people you’re a nurse and own who you are what you’ve earned. If you’re a certified nursing assistant, a medical assistant, a geriatric nursing assistant, or whatever you’ve been certified to do…..CLAIM IT, but don’t claim my title. I worked really hard and let me tell you that included before NCLEX. There were endless test and practice test and test we had to complete before being released to take the NCLEX. So, I am a proud registered nurse with my BSN from The Great Bethune-Cookman University located in Daytona Beach, FL. I was taught by some of the most astute, enriched, and knowledgeable nursing instructors. If you haven’t walked the walk, then don’t talk the talk. I paid the cost to be this boss and if you want the title, then do the work. I have respect for everyone and whatever it is they choose to do, but people please don’t clump everyone in scrubs together. Would you ask the janitor to do your taxes simply because they work at the tax center? Would you ask a patient care tech to assess and diagnose your sick relative because they offered you a glass of water at the hospital? NO, of course not. So, be you and let nurses be who and what they are. No one can do what nurses do, not even doctors; that’s why they rely on us so heavily. Be authentic if nothing else.

In a society where there seems to be such a lack of care, it is important that healthcare workers in whatever capacity they work in should not lose sight of that. Caring is a part of curing, a part of healing, a part of what we do as healthcare providers. If you don’t care about people, their wellbeing, their healing, then why be in the profession. People are not able to get well if we are taking out our frustrations of life, work, or whatever else on them. That’s why it’s vital for us to take care of ourselves and tend to our own personal needs. When we do this we can better care for others. Think about how you feel when you’ve been on your feet all day seeing patient after patient with no break to eat or use the bathroom. You become frustrated, irritable, cranky, moody, tired and start lacking your luster. This has a direct effect on how you CARE for the people you are meant to serve. It’s better to step away, take some time off, or find a way to refresh yourself so this doesn’t happen. It is likewise important that those in administration see to it that their workers have what they need to do this. Things like proper lunch breaks (in timely manners), additional breaks to step away to the restroom, and sufficient staff so that they are properly relieved and are able to actually get their break. Let’s take CARE of one another so we can take CARE of our patients. Keep CARING…..You are important and the work you do is critically important.

Ever since I was young, I’ve wanted to be a nurse. I never saw that many black nurses and the ones I did see didn’t hold any positions other than bedside nurses. Now there is absolutely nothing wrong with being a bedside nurse, it was definitely where I started. I just knew that it was my humble beginning, but never where God planned as my ending. I used to say I want to be a charge nurse. Never did I aspire to simply exist, but even as a child I recognized that I needed to be more than just a nurse. Once I became a nurse, I looked for a black nurse who was where I desired to  be in order to be mentored. I always said every other culture, ethnicity, race, etc. would band together to support one another, but I’ve not found that to be the case with black nurses. Black nurses, from my experience, fight against each other instead of together for one another. I haven’t quite figured out why even in my experience as a nurse. How many black nurses or black people despite my asking have gone to post and actually follow me? I’ll wait….Only a few. But think about it; how many black people do you know who support other black people’s endeavors, businesses, etc? Black nurses are relevant, important, intellectual, valid, and of great value, so, support one another, lift each other up and stop tearing each other down. I want to actively be the change I want to see in other people. So, I strive to mentor young nurses, be a good example, and help dispel the all too familiar “nurses eat their young” saying that is a horrible reality. Help me do this by being a leader to our new nurses and even the ones who are complacent and set in their ways. We all need each other and can be a better nursing community if we learned to support one another. No more Black against Black nurse mentality; Instead, make a deliberate choice to know better and do better.

I’ve often heard people talk about the birthing process, especially when it comes to birthing your dreams, manifesting your destiny, and accomplishing your goals. Nursing can be pretty demanding no matter what area or specialty you work in, but if you were chosen, then you know it. It is your passion, your drive, your ministry, your reason to get up and move even when you don’t feel like it because you understand it’s not about you. This is because you’ve been chosen to bring forth fruit. Sometimes it will be very hard; sometimes you will cry for your patients, with your patients, and for yourself; other times things will be neglected including your health and family; but it’s important to know that what you lack, God will send increase to cover you. I know that nursing is my calling, my ministry, my purpose in life so no matter what I’m going through I will bear fruit. It’s a fact that you only reap a harvest for the seeds you’ve sewn. Even if the seeds are bad, you will reap a harvest for them. So, just remember that no matter what it feels like, what it looks like, the pain, struggle, or even the ease of it all….YOU WERE CHOSEN TO BEAR FRUIT. Because you’re strong, because you’re obedient, because you’re humble, because you’re more than capable, because God will never put more on you than you can bear, and because you are the chosen one. Continue to be blessed and be a blessing…..your fruit are sprouting off the branches and ripening to be picked:}

Many people pray and ask God for patience, but not me. I don’t because I’ve learned that asking for patience means asking for trials, tribulations, and tests. I get enough of those without having to ask for anymore. While it is important that we show patience to patients, families, friends, and loved ones, it’s more important to practice it actively daily then simply asking for it. What are some good ways to practice it? By being able to identify when you need it; by being present at that moment; by stopping to meditate; deep breathing and acknowledging what is causing you to lose patience. Nursing and any career or just living, will bring you to many moments where you recognize that you need to pray for patience or at least demonstrate it. I find myself going through this daily with my mom, but I practice exactly what I’m sharing with you. I Stop, breath, pray for strength and understanding and move deliberately with mindful meditation to tend to whatever the need is. People will try you, provoke you, challenge you, and much more, but it’s all in how you respond. Try to respond with patience and remember that you will want and need that same level of patience one day.

What are some of the phrases that come to mind when we think of cultural diversity, sensitivity, and congruency within the workplace? Things such as respect for others and one’s own cultural beliefs, morals, values, and language. All these things are correct and would accompany the general definition of culture and diversity. However, let us look more closely at the definition of culture and how understanding diversity within cultures can affect the work environment. Dr. Madeline Leininger describes culture as a group’s value’s, beliefs, life’s norms and practices that have been learned, shared and/or handed down (DeNisco, 2016). People’s cultures are the framework they use to solve problems be it at work, at home, or with their health. Comprehension of other’s cultures opens up communication, understanding, and makes it simpler to care for one another. When this doesn’t occur, it can be due to a cultural mismatch which is when people violate the cultural expectations of another individual (DeNisco, 2016). There needs to be an awareness into your own personal style of interaction in order to prevent from offending someone who is not of your own culture, resulting in a cultural mismatch. Being present and aware of yourself and that of others can assist in decreasing the likelihood of a mismatch occurring. We must be sensitive to each other’s background, belief systems, norms, and practices so that we can care for each other in an appropriate and culturally sensitive manner. In doing so, we create a welcoming environment for all cultures. According to Wehbe-Almah, & Fry (2014), we can better honor this process by being person centered, having cultural assessments and evaluations, and providing education and training to staff. By maximizing learning more about culture, diversity and sensitivity we facilitate an environment that empowers us to explore issues with diversity and be leaders in providing culturally competent care to one another and those we serve. Learning to be sensitive to cultures that differ from our own teaches us to respect one another, our differing beliefs, traditions, morals, and values and help break down barriers that prevent team work, congruency, and healthy relationships in the workplace. It also enhances cultural competence, promotes cultural diversity, and teaches cultural sensitivity and being sensitive to different cultural groups (Kratzke & Bertolo, 2013). This is crucial to the work we do for our patients, but equally as important to better serve the needs of each other.

References

DeNisco, S. M., & Barker, A. M. (Eds.). (2016). Advanced practice nursing: Essential

knowledge for the profession (3rd ed.). Burlington, MA: Jones & Bartlett Learning.

ISBN: 9781284072570.

Kratzke, C., & Bertolo, M. (2013). ENHANCING STUDENTS’ CULTURAL COMPETENCE

USING CROSS-CULTURAL EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING. Journal of Cultural

Diversity, 20(3), 107-111.

Wehbe-Alamah, H., & Fry, D. (2014). Creating a Culturally Sensitive and Welcoming

Academic Environment for Diverse Health Care Students: A Model Exemplified

with Muslim Physical Therapist Students. Journal of Physical Therapy Education,

28(1), 5-15.

Is there ever a choice of whether we should or should not advocate for our patients? Even when they’re not the kindest, friendliest, or nicest…do we decide they are not worthy of advocacy? Some nurses face challenges that would place them in predicaments where they don’t necessarily want to help or advocate for their patient. Are nurses held to a standard of professionalism and ethical responsibility that supersedes any personal feelings they may have from an experience with patients? Yes, we expect that not every patient will be the nicest, the kindest, or on their best behavior, but we sat that aside, at least we should. I remember being told a story from a nurse about a patient who requested a different nurse because they did not want a Black nurse. After asking several questions to find out if there was a problem or if something was done to offend the patient, the patient stated the nurse should be mopping floors and cleaning, but not being a nurse. The patient was very sick and in the middle of her rant, she started going into respiratory distress. The nurse put an oxygen mask on while the patient was fighting her and telling her not to touch her. She called for respiratory and assistance from her colleagues. This was a very precarious situation to be in and someone without the passion and love for nursing and people could have easily walked out the room as if they didn’t recognize this patient going into to respiratory distress. Instead, she put any personal feelings she may have been feeling at that moment to the side to take care of her patient. Meanwhile, the patient was still fighting her because she didn’t have the right skin color. This story gave me chills and made me think of how truly awesome nurses are. We get up, put our scrubs on, and come in to a day of complete uncertainty to take care of anyone who walks through the door in need. That’s what I love about what I do and no one can do it better than nurses (HEART)!

So many things take place when a new person steps onto the scene. In the beginning, there are feelings of anxiety and fear for both the new person and the team awaiting their new arrival. This results in many challenges that you would normally hear people say you have to overcome. I, however, have managed to work through them. I entered a position where I was now responsible for two healthcare facilities, approximately 10 employees, and a heap of responsibilities I was nowhere near prepared for. To say things were stressful would be an understatement. As the new regional director, I wanted to create an atmosphere where we honored each other and became each other’s keepers. This mimicked my motto of “I am my sisters keeper.” Instead, I jumped in head first, thinking I was doing everything right and went through a real awakening. I felt every type of negative emotion imaginable. I didn’t know whether I was coming or going most days and was overwhelmed beyond words.  I’ve heard people say to work against all odds, but I decided to work through the odds. It was not easy and took quite some time to even come to a place of contentment with being in a position I’d never been in or experiencing such a force of rejection. Now, today, with all that I’ve gone through, I have grown through those pangs and moved on to manage a team of awesome women who give their all to taking care of our patients and each other. It took lots of conversations, many one-on-one meetings, but more importantly, it took breaking through the barriers, letting each other in, learning patience with one another, and learning to work through the adjustment period of getting to know one another. I lost some and gained some, but we are much stronger today than we were when we started. My encouragement to anyone just starting out is to hang in there, work through it and not against it. These moments teach us lots of wonderful things about ourselves and others. If we grow through these times, we develop a deeper level of understanding for people and it can prosper us in ways we never thought imaginable. I have an awesome team who I’ve recently recognized with some treats and Rita’s gift cards to show my appreciation for all they do. Learn to recognize and appreciate people’s efforts and hard work.

Imagine driving home and receiving a frantic call from your niece that’s incomprehensible. You feel a sudden surge of adrenaline filled with fear, worry and panic. Trying to get her to calm down so I can understand What she’s trying to say but couldn’t. Finally, my sister takes the phone to tell me my nephew had a seizure. I was already turning the car around and on the way to the ER. When I go to the bedside of my loved ones I immediately transition from aunt to nurse. I begin to assess the patient, check vitals, ask questions, start formulating a nursing diagnosis and interventions. I question the doctor and observe the interaction of staff with the patient. It’s important that providers give the best care which to me also requires good bedside manner. I haven’t seen that from the nurse caring for my nephew. I’ve tried to be considerate of the fact that she’s probably having a long night and dealing with children can be taxing. However, as nurses , we need to be mindful and present.  Being aware that we take care of more than just the patient, we also take care of the families of the patients. Please know that whatever the patient is going through also affects those their with them. Emotions are high, feelings are sensitive and they are observing your moves, speech, and how they perceive you to be treating them as well as the patient. Best thing about the night is my nephew is doing better. He’s been sick several weeks with fever and been to the doctor several time only to find out that he has the flu.  He was given meds and we’re still here, but he’s better thank you God. Be the nurse you’d want to take care of you and/or your family. 

How many times do we hear people speak about work/life balance? Many times because really we’re all striving to attain it, but is it really possible to achieve? Can we really have the best of both worlds? The answer is a resounding NOOOOO!!!! Because there is no such thing. Think about it if you will. Balance as defined in the online dictionary is a condition having different elements that you end up trying to make proportionate. How likely does that sound like it’s going to happen. However, let’s look at the word harmony which means being in agreement. Which sounds most likely to achieve in your opinion? I’ll take harmony for $500 Alex. Yup because when you’re trying to balance things, you’re taking very different parts that go in opposite directions and somehow get them to travel the same time and distance and still end up at the desired point. That’s pretty hard to do, but when you find harmony, it’s simply finding what works, bringing it to a level of agreement that works for all the involved elements and it works. So, now I’m trying to find harmony between life, work, parenting, me time, and all the other things that take precedence in my life. Balance hasn’t worked so, harmony is my best option. What are some ways you’ve found it helpful to be at harmony within your lives? Identifying what takes you out of your harmonious place and working on those things can be a start. Comment below to share what you do and how you do it.