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 help people in their toughest times. I often say that nursing is a calling. That is why we to remain and stay on.

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

One of the best ways to do that is by recalling and sharing our stories. I learned the key need for this when I read over 2000 stories to choose the very best 101 for Chicken Soup for the Nurse's Soul, then 2000 more for the second edition, the Second Dose. Clearly, when nurses share their stories, they remember why they entered this profession, and why they stay.

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

When do you realize you wanted to be a nurse? Was it when you bandaged a nearby cats or reluctant little brothers? Was it when you saw someone role modeling what it had been like to be a great nurse? Did you watch a compassionate nurse care for someone you love?

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

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

For us "seasoned" nurses, how did you are feeling once you received your nursing pin or donned your cap for the first time? (Tell the "young" nurses what a cap was!)

That which was the funniest thing which has ever happened to you as a nurse? That which was the scariest? That which was one of the most emotional moments?

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

What patient family member impressed you the most?

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

How have you grown as an individual because you are a nurse?

When did a doctor teach you a lesson or two? When did you teach a doctor a lesson or two?

What 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 have 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 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 own true stories at this time. One hospital I use calls these "Heart Moments."

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

Still other hospitals have "Best Story" contests. What a wonderful solution to engage employees as each department gathers and chooses the very best stories from their unit. Sometimes I might be the final judge, then a prize is given to the average person 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 possess time because of this," I submit that we must take time make time and energy 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 must literally touch and save lives.

That is surely the best calling of all.

LeAnn Thieman LPN, CSP, CPAE is 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. website is an expert on nurse recruitment and retention. For more information about her books or presentations, visit
Homepage: https://www.shreesacredsounds.com/what-is-an-83b-election-and-how-does-it-function-in-practice-is-part-of-our-startup-law-101-series/