It seems like yesterday-the summer before my senior year in Nursing School. I was working as a nursing assistant caring for a 93-year-old gentleman who heard I was getting married the upcoming Saturday. The patient asked, "Do you have trust in your relationship?" I thought for a brief moment and said, "Yes." He said, "Good, because, you see, lack of trust (mistrust) can destroy a marriage." I told him I had never thought of that and I thanked him for his wisdom. The patient went on to say, "You know, God 'borned' us backwards. We should have been born "old"-full of the wisdom you accumulate over many years of life and then grow young so you have the energy with your full life ahead of you to fully integrate that wisdom." I have never forgotten my conversation with this wise patient.
One thing I know is this knowledge-call it wisdom-happens over time. I wish to share with you a list of "things I know."
This I know:
* Strong interdisciplinary teams set all egos aside.
* The best part of nursing is being the physician's compass-guiding care of patients based on the patient's needs and wants.
* One lie leads to another lie.
* Share what makes someone special before his or her funeral.
* Nursing is the one profession that you can potentially experience over 50 different roles or areas of expertise in a career.
* It is impolite to expose others around you to your phone call when they did not have an opportunity to RSVP.
* Simple definition of "innovation"-new solutions to old problems.
* "Excellent patient care experience" is the result of a gift neatly wrapped complete with a bow.
* Those I remember with fondness are patient, kind, make me laugh, and generously share their wisdom leaving me a better person.
* None of us can control what "comes at us" on an hour-by-hour basis, but we have complete control over how we react to it.
* When you don't know the answer, don't make it up.
* Having a positive attitude is a choice.
* All pros rehearse. Never give a presentation without several rehearsals.
* Work should never "be your life." It will lead you to a barren desert.
* Effective meetings begin by relinquishing electronic devices.
* There is great verbal power in replacing "no/but" with "yes/and."
* Nurses have an innate ability to discern changes in their patient's condition before a machine identifies it.
* Learn most from those you wish to emulate.
* Great listening skills are absent electronic devices.
* Resilience is the gift of life's greatest challenges.
* More education opens more doors.
* Confidentiality starts with confidence that what is shared in the moment is not shared with others.
* Considering only your point of view is like viewing an unfinished painting.
* Don't let the unknown paralyze you.
* Mental energy comes from a "full tank"-you determine the fuel.
* When it comes to speaking-less is more.
* All good relationships start with listening.
* Equality starts with respect.
* Getting to the top of the ladder never results from climbing over others but rather from others lifting you up the ladder.
* Silence is not golden.
* Respect history-it is the foundation upon which you stand today.
* Have more meetings in the great outdoors.
* Life's challenges are stepping stones that lead you to where you need to be next.
This I know-in health care, we find ourselves in wild and wooly times. My wish for you is that, despite these times, you will continue to manage to find your sweet spot every day and support the best care delivery you possibly can for your patients and your community.