When Katherine first started bringing her very medically-complicated daughter into our pediatric ICU, we all marveled that her child had even survived the early months of infancy. All the odds were against them, but they were tough, this mom and daughter pair. I didn’t know what her pregnancy and birth journeys were like. Did she … Continue reading An Unexpected Remedy for My Moral Distress
nursing
New Blog Post for AJN: Loss from Nurse Attrition Goes Deeper Than Numbers
There's obvious stress that comes with the ongoing short staffing issues in nursing, but as I wrote this latest blog post for American Journal of Nursing, I realized my real ache in seeing colleagues leave, is something different and deeper. I support each colleague w all my heart, and yet my heart feels all the … Continue reading New Blog Post for AJN: Loss from Nurse Attrition Goes Deeper Than Numbers
Exhausted, Grateful Nurse-Moms, I See You.
I should be at work today. No, I should be home. I’ll spare you the extraneous details around why I ended up calling out from work today because we didn’t have childcare coverage for our kids, who are now out on summer break. As guilty as I feel, given that the unit sounds a bit … Continue reading Exhausted, Grateful Nurse-Moms, I See You.
Ode to Fellow Nurses
We've had a number of very sad and sobering deaths in our pediatric ICU as of late. Some were kids who were only just recently diagnosed with a terminal illness, who decompensated more quickly than anyone was prepared for. Some were kids who had been dealing with a chronic illness for years and were in … Continue reading Ode to Fellow Nurses
Remember Why You Are Here
It's International Nurses' Day, and it feels bittersweet this week to celebrate this profession that we deeply love and deeply wrestle with, particularly at this moment in history. So many of us find ourselves asking, "Why am I still here in nursing?" I ask myself that more than ever - not because I have any … Continue reading Remember Why You Are Here
New Blog Post for AJN: How to Support the Nurse in Your Life, May 2022
Nurses, this latest blog post I wrote for American Journal of Nursing is for sharing with your friends and family, who may be struggling to know how to support you. Of course we don’t expect our friends and family fix all our woes, but here are some tips for them in what - and what not - … Continue reading New Blog Post for AJN: How to Support the Nurse in Your Life, May 2022
Truths and Lies in Nursing
Some healthy perspective for a Friday afternoon: Truth: What I do at work holds great responsibility and implications for others’ lives. Lie: I am responsible for everyone I could possibly be responsible for, and should feel guilty if I take time off, don’t pick up an extra shift, or need to request a lighter assignment … Continue reading Truths and Lies in Nursing
Camp Nursing is More than Applying Band-Aids
The Journal of Christian Nursing (JCN) recently published this free article on the topic of Camp Nursing. It is not only a wonderful resource for any nurse considering the role of camp nurse as summer approaches, but it is also a beautiful picture of the holistic care that camp nurses bring to both attendees and … Continue reading Camp Nursing is More than Applying Band-Aids
Finding Effective Means of Rest as a Nurse and Mother
Ever since I had my first of two children almost nine years ago, I switched from full-time (three 12-hour shifts per week) to part-time (two 12-hour shifts per week). With my husband working four 10-hour days per week, this arrangement has allowed our family the incredible privilege of not needing childcare outside of the family. … Continue reading Finding Effective Means of Rest as a Nurse and Mother
Uncommon Career Advice for People Going into Healthcare
A couple of friends who operate a local fast-food restaurant recently invited me to spend time with a few of their young staff members via Zoom to offer perspective and advice on “How to Prepare for a Career in Healthcare.” Recognizing that the majority of their staff will likely move on to other career pursuits … Continue reading Uncommon Career Advice for People Going into Healthcare
The Heart of Nursing 