More than 30 years of nursing gives one a perspective on the human scene that is longitudinal as well as immediate. A gift of aging-besides the appearance of grandchildren-is the deep knowing that comes when seasons and cycles return us to a landscape at once familiar and yet fresh with wonder. In the 21st century, Healthcare issues and challenges are dynamic and ever changing while the ancient way of "being with another" remains unaffected. The timeless nurse-person encounter has called us to be present authentically so that the patient may do the same, for in that sacred space both are redefined.
Nursing is a discipline as old as humanity [horizontal ellipsis] it emerges from the need of society to have "a healing presence" in moments of birth and death, crisis and vulnerability. This comes from a social mandate that holds a moral ethic along with expectations for competency and compassion. Caring is the vehicle that offers the whole of what we bring to the person in a way that potentiates his/her own capacity to heal.
This collection of stories is a soul-sized tapestry woven by the hearts of nurses serving society in various ways. Some are direct caregivers whereas others lead organizations that provide those services. Although you will note differences in their experience, you will see the unifying themes that underscore the essence of nursing: authentic presence, professional competence, compassion, grace, respect, tenderness coupled with strength, and most of all, commitment to making the world a better place.
One of the most exciting things about caring is the fact that it is not something you do in isolation. It emerges out of relationships, a deep connection between people in a way that matters. As long as people are together, they can persevere through any degree of challenge with hope. The call for caring is a call for community: in shared space, all can be lifted to higher order.
Nursing is a mirror of the society. Independence and autonomy were the watchwords of America as well as of our discipline for many years. It is a necessary step in the evolution of individual and collective development. Although we learned many things in our struggle for self-sufficiency and respect as a discipline, that time is now over. The emergence of the Internet and other technologies, accompanied by a growing awareness of the interrelatedness of all things, has heralded a new era of connection. Nursing, and all the healing disciplines, are increasingly turning toward intradisciplinary and interdisciplinary practice. And, most important, the person is being added to the care team in a collaborative, respectful way.
We are not alone in the return to community; it is a global phenomenon. The indigenous people have held this truth through the centuries, and are now giving it back to the society with an urgency that is compelling:
A Message From the Hopi Elders
You have been telling the people that this is the Eleventh Hour
Now you must go back and tell the people that this is The Hour
Here are the things that must be considered:
Where are you living?
What are you doing?
What are your relationships?
Are you in right relation?
Where is your water?
Know your garden.
It is time to speak your Truth.
Create your community.
Be good to each other.
And do not look outside yourself for the leader.
This could be a good time!!
There is a river flowing now very fast.
It is so great and swift that there are those who will be afraid.
They will try to hold on to the shore.
They will feel like they are being torn apart, and they will suffer greatly.
Know the river has its destination.
The elders say we must let go for the shore, push off toward the middle of the River.
Keep our eyes open, and our heads about the water.
See who is there with you and celebrate.
At this time in history, we are to take nothing personally, least of all ourselves!!
For the moment we do, our spiritual growth and journey comes to a halt.
The time of the lonely wolf is over.
Gather yourselves!!
Banish the word struggle from your attitude and vocabulary.
All that we do now must be done in a sacred manner and in celebration.
We are the ones we have been waiting for.
Anonymous Elders, Oraibi, Arizona, Hopi Nation
A new sense of caring and collegiality is appearing within our discipline. The time of division and isolation is over. As we become more connected and whole, we bring that sense of well-being to our patients. This attribute of wholeness is one that contributes most to the health and healing of others as well as ourselves. So look around and see who is with you [horizontal ellipsis] there are millions of us. Celebrate!! It is a good time [horizontal ellipsis] for we are the ones we have been waiting for.