My therapist recently noted how much inner work and wrestling I must be constantly doing as a nurse, without being fully aware of what is rumbling underneath the surface. Today I find myself feeling really tender, and I’ve got a feeling it’s because of the recent accumulation of patient stories that have gone unpacked, evoking … Continue reading The Tensions We Constantly Navigate as Healthcare Workers
professionalism
Asking Beautiful New Questions as a Seasoned Nurse
Having worked in my current PICU for a little over 13 years now, I find that it’s easy for me to get comfortable with the way I’ve learned to go about things, without taking moments to approach my practice with a more curious, teachable heart. I’m discovering how refreshing it can be when I remember … Continue reading Asking Beautiful New Questions as a Seasoned Nurse
Wholehearted Nursing vs Codependency
How do you know if you’ve crossed the line from trying to be wholehearted and deeply empathetic, to being co-dependent? This was a question that came up in a couple of conversations at the recent (and incredible!) End Well conference. I’ve thought about it quite a bit over the years, as there is without doubt … Continue reading Wholehearted Nursing vs Codependency
The Art of Healthcare
(An earlier version of this article was recently printed in our PICU's newsletter.) There is a long list of technology, procedures and interventions to learn about in order to care for patients in the PICU. We can’t avoid marrying so much of our care for the patient with our management of all the technology and … Continue reading The Art of Healthcare
Returning to Bedside Nursing after My Own Cancer Journey
As described in previous posts, the first half of this year took me sideways on a cancer journey that I never anticipated. I had my lumpectomy in January, which was followed by a complication with a massive hematoma at the surgical site that had me swollen, in pain, and oozing old blood from my incision … Continue reading Returning to Bedside Nursing after My Own Cancer Journey
On Humility and Reading the Room
Yesterday I was talking with another nurse about a wonderfully vivacious coworker who used to work night shift in our unit years ago. She had a way about her where she could create easy conversation with any patient and family member, shine a bright smile and lighten the mood of just about any room. We … Continue reading On Humility and Reading the Room
Seen from the Outside In and Inside Out
When I was first getting my diagnostic mammogram, ultrasound, and ultimately biopsy for the lump I’d found, I remember being so struck by how busy the breast clinic was. The women sitting in the clinic were of varying ages and ethnic backgrounds, with differing clothing and hairstyles giving clues to our personalities. But one by … Continue reading Seen from the Outside In and Inside Out
Podcast Episode about PICU Nursing with “The Silent Why” is Now Live!
I am overjoyed to finally be able to share this podcast episode with the world. Claire and Chris Sandys reached out to me all the way from England earlier this year to invite me to record a conversation with them, where we go in deep about my work as a pediatric ICU nurse. They are … Continue reading Podcast Episode about PICU Nursing with “The Silent Why” is Now Live!
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
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 