Being invited to speak at EndWell's annual symposium last year was such an incredible honor. I LOVED giving this talk. People say all the time, "I don't know how you do the work that you do as a pediatric ICU nurse without being overwhelmed by all the emotions." "I don't know how you can be … Continue reading My EndWell Talk is Live! Practioner, Parent, Patient
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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
On Talking with Third Graders about Pediatric ICU Nursing
I recently had the opportunity to talk to my eight-year old daughter and her third grade classmates for their school’s Career Day. This was my first time talking about peds ICU (PICU) nursing with such a young crowd, and I was nervous. How do I hold their attention? How do I keep the descriptions of … Continue reading On Talking with Third Graders about Pediatric ICU Nursing
The Art of Timing in Caring for Dying Pediatric Patients
Knowing what time it is as a peds ICU nurse is a big deal. There’s the timing of med administration so you dose your patient safely. The timing of when your critical blood pressure and sedation medications are going to run out, and boy you better have your next syringe ready to go. The timing … Continue reading The Art of Timing in Caring for Dying Pediatric Patients
New Blog Post for American Journal of Nursing: The Pitfalls of Being the Nice Patient
My newest blog post for American Journal of Nursing is up! When I and my husband both had significant medical crises last year, we wanted to be “nice” patients. As a nurse myself, I was hugely sympathetic to the stress and time pressures for those healthcare workers taking care of us. But instead of getting … Continue reading New Blog Post for American Journal of Nursing: The Pitfalls of Being the Nice Patient
Brief thoughts on walking with those who grieve and suffer
If someone comes to you carrying 200 pounds and says, "I've been carrying a heavy load for a while and I hurt," don't say, "At least you're not carrying 300 pounds!" or "Look on the bright side!" or "I don't know how you do it." Acknowledge the weight. Help carry some. Facilitate their rest.
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
Finishing Radiation: Waiting Room Story #2
Because radiation is a therapy that happens every day for weeks, you start to see some of the same people in the waiting room as your schedules overlap. I kept to myself but I certainly did notice a few faces that became a little more familiar, particularly those who would be leaving just as I … Continue reading Finishing Radiation: Waiting Room Story #2
Finding the Story Amidst Technicalities
Today I went for a CT scan to prepare for upcoming radiation as part of my breast cancer journey. I've been posting some reflections about my experiences for friends in my personal social media accounts, but I will share one here because it pertains to the way we can go about the technicalities of our … Continue reading Finding the Story Amidst Technicalities
Podcast Interview on The Apologies Podcast Airs Tomorrow!
I first had the pleasure of meeting Emmy Award-winning producer, Lindsey Whissel Fenton, when she invited me to be a panelist for her Speaking Grief webinar on "Minimizing Burnout in Death Care Professionals." Her deep empathy and curiosity about the deep and honest things that make us human shine through her work, and I am … Continue reading Podcast Interview on The Apologies Podcast Airs Tomorrow!
The Heart of Nursing 