The journey that reignited the passion for nursing
This RN to BSN program has opened my eyes about the CHANGE that needs to occur to elevate the nursing practice. It is not the system that has to change but the way we, nurses and other healthcare professionals, give CARE to our patients. We must move beyond treating the disease and treat the patient as a HOLISTIC individual.
We cannot change what we are NOT aware of, and once we are AWARE, we cannot help but CHANGE.
-Sheryl Sandberg |
There are a great many differences when I first started this program. In my first 460 vision board, I was very focused on advancing my career and proving that I was worthy of being a new nurse leader since I had just been promoted into an assistant nurse manager position.
My passion for nursing has not waned but my approach to nursing has shifted from trying to make changes in the organization towards affecting change in a more personal way with the focus of using the caring science model to advocate for my patients by connecting with them on a deeper level.
I thought that the road to bettering the nursing profession was about getting more advanced degrees; that the higher the degrees you obtain, the better a leader.
My passion for nursing has not waned but my approach to nursing has shifted from trying to make changes in the organization towards affecting change in a more personal way with the focus of using the caring science model to advocate for my patients by connecting with them on a deeper level.
I thought that the road to bettering the nursing profession was about getting more advanced degrees; that the higher the degrees you obtain, the better a leader.
At the end of this journey, my 468 visual board has shifted its focus from obtaining more advanced degrees and more towards my individual knowing and growth. I have found that in order to help others (patients and other nurses, alike), I must first know and love myself. I must be able to be authentic with myself and with those closest to me before I can affect change in the nursing profession. I recognize that this inward reflection and introspection is necessary if I am to lead others authentically. People, patients and nurses, will only trust those that are authentic, genuine, and trustworthy. In order to be that, I need to align myself with my values which will lead to clarity. This clarity will shine and act as a beacon for others. In order to lead effectively, I need clarity of self which leads to clarity of the future. I still hope to affect change in the nursing profession but know that to do so, I must first affect change in myself and in my family. |