Everything Will Be Okay: Life Lessons for Young Women (from a Former Young Woman) (Perino, 2021)
You may recognize author Dana Perino as a news personality on Fox News. She's a former White House press secretary and dog mom of Jasper, whom she calls America's dog. I picked up this book as an easy read with some practical and sage advice. Yet, I read the entire book with a lens on myself in one sitting. The author has a conversational writing style that's engaging as she interjects personal stories and examples into each chapter. She advises young and midcareer women on reframing their thinking, understanding their power, and finding serenity while taking action. She also highlights the value of finding a role model, being mentored, and mentoring-all along the career path.
As nurse leaders, some of us struggle with achieving peace in the workplace given the churning nature of our jobs. However, the chapter on serenity contains several "hacks" I wouldn't have considered and, honestly, they work. A favorite chapter is the one in which the author asks, "What's your biggest problem to solve?" and then offers an approach to solving it.
Although this book is very valuable for young women, the title is misleading. I highly recommend it for men and women, no matter where you are in your career. Even the most seasoned nurse leader needs to hear it now and again: "Everything will be okay."
The Second Victim Phenomenon, the Impact of Trauma on Clinicians, and Building Resiliency through Self-Care Systems (Humans in Healthcare Podcast, March 10, 2021:https://humansinhealthcare.show/episodes/susan-scott-nurse-scientist-patient-saf
Nathan King, chief marketing officer of Shearwater Health, hosts a monthly podcast called Humans in Healthcare in which he highlights stories that impact clinical teams, connect people, and transform lives. In this podcast, he interviews Dr. Susan Scott, a nurse scientist and patient safety expert from University of Missouri Health Care, on the trauma clinicians experience from medical errors or an unexpected outcome, often known as the "second victim phenomenon."
Dr. Scott talks about how clinicians experience blame, isolation, and self-doubt in their practice, which can worsen over time if not addressed. She advocates for a dual-track intervention where organizations design support systems for both the patient's family and the clinician. This helps reduce presenteeism-showing up for work but not really being present because of the unresolved trauma. It also addresses dropouts-those who are seeking to change careers or, worse, end their lives because of the trauma. Dr. Scott sites emotional first aid as the most important first step in healing. As clinicians seek to build resiliency with self-care practices and help from their organizations, she recommends three practices to incorporate into everyday systems: cultivating a sense of belonging, practicing gratitude, and promoting positivity.
Nathan King has curated a remarkable group of individuals for the Humans in Healthcare podcast. I highly recommend a listen.
The First 90 Days: Proven Strategies for Getting Up to Speed Faster and Smarter (Watkins, 2013)
From the title of this book, you may think that it's only for someone who's entering a new position. Think again. This international and updated bestseller by Michael Watkins focuses on transitions, whether you're taking on a new position or need a fresh look at your current job. Full of tactics to guide you through a time of transition or even of reinvention, the author dives deep into personal preparation, accelerating learning, and building a high-functioning team. He uses his storytelling skills to provide pertinent, relatable examples while concurrently recognizing the value of transition.
An important concept he writes about is ensuring that the strategy matches the situation and how to use the STARS model as a framework for creating a path forward. Much of the book is focused on developing your own skills related to negotiation, alignment, and personal credibility. However, the author repeatedly connects the importance of developing yourself into a better leader, thereby accelerating and elevating the team for the good of the organization.
If you've recently been promoted, are starting a new job, or are looking for ideas to freshen up the work you do, this book is a roadmap to success.