Seasons change. As the summer months go by, the chlorophyll that once kept the leaves green by absorbing the sunlight and feeding their trees begins to break down. This green pigment slowly dries out and the colors that were already in the leaves reveal their natural hues of amber and yellow and in some a darker red shine through as a result of remaining sugars trapped behind. The trees take as many of the nutrients from the leaves before they build a protective seal between the leaf and the branch in preparation for winter. The temperatures drop and the leaves, which were never destined to withstand the cold winter, eventually separate and fall.
Though the days get shorter between summer and winter, we still practice Daylight Savings Time, which calls us to add an extra hour of light to our evenings each Fall by changing the clocks. Spring forward, Fall back. As we follow tradition and "Fall back" an hour on November 5th, I invite you all to first fall forward-that is, pay it forward.
Since 1990, orthopaedic nurses have received special recognition and acknowledgment on Orthopaedic Nurses Day, October 30th, for the vital part we play in helping our patients recover from their musculoskeletal conditions or traumas. This recognition was first presented by Senator Carl Levin and President George H. W. Bush in Michigan. This nationally recognized day later expanded to an international celebration in many countries to include the United Kingdom, Hong Kong, Canada, and Malta. While Orthopaedic Nurses Day is a great opportunity for us to receive recognition and treatment from others, it's also a great time for us to pay it forward and recognize each other.
This Fall NAON wants to partner with you to celebrate and pay it forward for a whole week, October 30-November 3. Take the opportunity to show your appreciation to your fellow nurses for what they've done and the difference they have made in your patients over the year. The expression of gratitude and compassion to the people you work with can create a work environment in which your colleagues feel valued and, in turn, they become more inspired to continue the chain reaction of spreading kindness and paying it forward themselves.
It's easy to talk about doing something kind, but sometimes we don't exactly know what to do. So here are some ideas that you can use to pay it forward:
* Leave inspiring and uplifting notes for your coworkers throughout the week.
* Share your expertise and knowledge with others. Teach a new hire, or mentor a newer nurse or member of your team.
* Share your copy of the Orthopaedic Nursing Journal (ONJ), or even write a manuscript for publication in the ONJ.
* Encourage others to participate in professional development opportunities in your workplace and in your community.
* Introduce your colleagues to NAON or even give the gift of membership to one lucky nurse.
* Buy the Core Curriculum for your team and let your coworkers borrow it. The Core is a great resource in preparing for the Orthopaedic Nurse Certification (ONC) examination.
* Start a journal club where you review NAON's practice points or published articles from the ONJ together. This could be a powerful way to generate dialogue about your team's patient care opportunities and an even deeper appreciation for our specialty.
* Complete NAON's Willingness-to-Serve Form-We are always looking for help from our talented and engaged members on committees, task forces, and other educational teams.
* Donate to the NAON Foundation, which provides funds for grants and scholarships that advanced the practice of orthopaedic nursing.
* And then tell us! We are looking forward to seeing and hearing all of the different ways our NAON members share your love for your profession and your team as you pay it forward!
Mahatma Gandhi said, "Be the change you want to see in the world." Compassion and kindness, especially in the workplace, are so vital. It can be the glue that keeps the leaves on the branches of the trees that make up our teams and our profession. There are so many things you could do in such a short amount of time. So, Let's go! Mark your calendars now for Orthopaedic Nurses Week, happening October 30-November 3, 2023, and visit our website for more details.