This RN to BSN program has emphasized the importance of self-care and self-compassion in order to foster a healing environment for our patients. The Dalai Lama (2003, p. 125) argues that "For someone to develop genuine compassion towards others, first he or she must have a basis upon which to cultivate compassion, and that basis is the ability to connect to one’s own feelings and to care for one’s own welfare. . . Caring for others requires caring for oneself." The concept that we must care for ourselves before we care for others is a foreign one for most nurses, but this is necessary to help nurses become more resilient when challenged with the care of our complex patients. 

The Mind Body Stress Reduction class taught me that self-compassion and self-care are necessary to make the crucial connections. My children loved to do meditation and yoga with me. It became a way to bond with one another.

The MBSR meditiative video was an illustrative way for my fellow nurses and I to roleplay about the importance of using MBSR in our day-to-day nursing careers: when encountering difficult patients or difficult physicians. The video highlighted the need to increase resilience to prevent nurse burnout/fatigue.

​Dalai Lama, 2003. Transforming the Mind: Teachings on Generating Compassion. Thorsons, Hammersmith, London.