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 a calling. That's why we sign on and stay on.

Yet on the times when the workload is too great, on the occasions that we can't take all of the pain away, following the shift when we go 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 better 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 most notable 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 check here ? To place the fire back in your belly for nursing, remember to recall them.

When do you realize you wanted to be considered a nurse? Was it when 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 care for someone you love?

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

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

For us "seasoned" nurses, how did you are feeling when 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 for you as a nurse? That which was the scariest? What was probably the most 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 the most?

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

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

When did a doctor 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 crafted. (Your English teacher will never grade it.) Read your stories often. Share them with others, verbally even.

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

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

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

While some people might say, "We don't have time because of this," I submit that people 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 need 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 actually 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.
Website: https://zenwriting.net/powellalmeida6/why-am-i-still-a-nurse-anyway-mmft