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, the majority of us entered the profession of caring to greatly help people in their toughest times. I often say that nursing is really a calling. That's why we to remain and stay on.

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

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

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

When do you realize you wanted to be a nurse? Was it once you bandaged the neighborhood cats or reluctant little brothers? Was it once you saw someone role modeling what it was like to be a great nurse? Did you watch a compassionate nurse look after someone you love?

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

When was the very first time you (nearly) fainted? (Or better yet, when 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 which has ever happened to you as a nurse? What was the scariest? What was one of the emotional moments?

What patient left the feeling 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 or she so special?

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

When did a health care provider teach you 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 must be fancy or well written. (Your English teacher will never 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 a great idea. (Of course!) Another one equally great or better would be to share your own true stories at the moment. get more info use calls these "Heart Moments."

At other hospitals w here 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 way to engage employees as each department gathers and chooses the very best stories from their unit. Sometimes I may function as final judge, then a prize is directed at 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 have time for 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 have to literally touch and save lives.

That is surely the highest 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. She is an expert on nurse recruitment and retention. For more information about her books or presentations, visit http://www.NurseRecruitmentandRetention.com or call 970-223-1574.
Here's my website: http://www.linkagogo.com/go/To?url=114860860