Notes

Why Am I Still A Nurse Anyway?
Most nurses didn't choose this career due to great hours and working conditions. As trite as it may sound, most of us entered the profession of caring to greatly help people in their toughest times. I often say that nursing is a calling. That's why we sign on and stay on.

Yet on the days when the workload is too great, on the days that people can't take all of the pain away, after the shift when we go back home with achy feet and achy hearts, those will be the days we have to be reminded of why we do what we do. We need to reignite our passion for nursing.

One of the better ways to do that is by recalling and sharing our stories. I learned the key importance of this when I study 2000 stories to select the top 101 for Chicken Soup for the Nurse's Soul, then 2000 more for the second edition, the next Dose. Clearly, when nurses share their stories, they remember why they entered this profession, and why they stay.

What exactly are your stories? To place the fire back your belly for nursing, remember to recall them.

When do you realize you wanted to be a nurse? Was get more info bandaged the neighborhood cats or reluctant little brothers? Was it when you saw someone role modeling what it had been like to become a great nurse? Did you watch a compassionate nurse look after someone you love?

What is your very best story about being truly a student? What was your first day of nursing school like? Who was simply the initial patient you ever cared for?

When was the first time you (nearly) fainted? (Or even better, whenever your classmate did!)

For all of us "seasoned" nurses, how did you feel when you received your nursing pin or donned your cap for the first time? (Tell the "young" nurses just what a cap was!)

That which was the funniest thing that has ever happened for you as a nurse? What was the scariest? What was one of the emotional moments?

What patient left an impression on you? Which one "healed" you or taught you a significant life lesson?

What patient family member impressed you probably the most?

Who was a favorite mentor or the main one who "showed you the ropes?" Why was he / she so special?

How perhaps you have grown as a person because you are a nurse?

When did a health care provider educate you on a lesson or two? When did you teach a doctor a lesson or two?

What exactly are other special memories about people or medical circumstances?

Reminisce often about these caring moments. Scribble them down in a spiral notebook or journal. It doesn't need to be fancy or well crafted. (Your English teacher won't grade it.) Read your stories often. Share them with others, verbally even.

Many nurses have explained that, to begin with their shifts with inspiration and hope, they together read a story from Chicken Soup for the Nurse's Soul. That is clearly a great idea. (Needless to say!) Another one equally great or better would be to share your personal true stories at this time. One hospital I use calls these "Heart Moments."

At other hospitals where I do retention events, I learned they created their very own book of stories compiled by staff. What a great way to improve morale and retention.

Still other hospitals have "Best Story" contests. Just what a wonderful way to engage employees as each department gathers and chooses the top stories from their unit. Sometimes I might be the final judge, a prize is given to the individual or department with the "Best Story." Some have different categories (funniest, most compassionate, etc) and multiple winners are awarded.

Although some people might say, "We don't have time because of this," I submit that we must take time make time to enrich our spirits and soothe our souls and reignite our passion for nursing.

We answered the calling to care. Our stories prove the privilege we have to literally touch and save lives.

That is surely the highest calling of all.

LeAnn Thieman LPN, CSP, CPAE is really a Hall of Fame Speaker and coauthor of Chicken Soup for the Nurse's Soul and Chicken Soup for the Nurse's Soul, Second Dose. She is a specialist on nurse recruitment and retention. To learn more about her books or presentations, visit http://www.NurseRecruitmentandRetention.com or call 970-223-1574.
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