Celebrating Our Journey as Nurses
2022; Wiley; Volume: 115; Issue: 5 Linguagem: Inglês
10.1002/aorn.13677
ISSN1878-0369
Autores Tópico(s)Cardiac, Anesthesia and Surgical Outcomes
Resumoencourages National Nurses Week recognition programs through the state and district nurses associations, other specialty nursing organizations, educational facilities, and independent health care companies and institutions.1 During National Nurses Week, we should not only celebrate ourselves as nurses, but focus on the difference we make as perioperative nurses. The basis for perioperative practice is establishing a holistic relationship with each of our patients. By engaging in the person and not the procedure, we help facilitate the well-being and human experience of our patients. Nursing is a rewarding profession as it touches us in so many ways; however, it also is a challenging profession, and nurses have had to navigate various and evolving challenges throughout the history of the profession. REFERENCE 1. National Nurses Week history. American Nurses Association. https://www.nursingworld.org/education-events/national-nurses-week/history/. Accessed February 23, 2022. If I had to describe a nurse, I would say that a nurse is caring, compassionate, and courageous. Being a nurse means that patients in our care must be able to trust us. We become the patient’s voice, advocating for their care. Nurses are the life and soul of health care, always keeping the patient in the forefront of our focus. As perioperative nurses, we are the heroes behind the OR doors. Whether we are monitoring all the equipment or providing the touch of a caring hand, we are responsible for observing and treating a patient through the perioperative period and making sure that they are always safe. We have a special connection to our patients. When we meet them, they are usually ill and feeling powerless and frightened. These patients come to a hospital or ambulatory center and must put their trust in us even though we are usually complete strangers. At a time when patients are most vulnerable, they let us into their lives. The nurse’s compassion embraces respect for others to preserve the dignity of patients as they experience stress related to their conditions, injuries, procedures, and emotional needs. Perioperative nurses possess an element of commitment whose boundaries go beyond just the intraoperative care of the patient. We may work seven days a week and many overtime hours and take call, even for other nurses. We stretch ourselves way beyond the required hours of operation. In a time of a worldwide pandemic, we extend call requirements and stay in the department well over our assigned hours. We volunteer when departments cannot get additional nurse coverage and we work exhausting shifts caring for our patients. In many cases, we sacrifice our own sleep, holidays with family, and more to ensure that our patients are receiving the best care possible. Yet, through it all, we retain our professionalism. Our commitment to our patients remains unshaken. That kind of commitment is nothing short of remarkable. I was recently reminded of the story of Lewis and Clark’s journey, and found I could draw parallels to our current journey in nursing. Lewis and Clark and a team of explorers set off in May 1804 to survey the territory west of the Mississippi River and attempt to find a water route across the country to the Pacific Ocean.2 After approximately one year of navigation through difficult paths, tortuous mountain routes, and ruthless weather conditions, Lewis and Clark entered the Lemhi Pass on the continental divide (between what is today Montana and Idaho), hoping they were about to discover the “Great River of the West.”2 Instead, the view was more snow-capped mountains as far as they could see. As we near the halfway point of 2022, our hope, maybe even belief, is that the biggest “mountains” of the pandemic have been conquered, but we know we are not yet over those mountains. As nurses, how can we best help ourselves and our peers in the face of ongoing challenges? First, we must define our purpose and reality. This is not by concluding that we are defeated, but rather by creating a clear and objective picture of our current situation so we can assess and determine the optimal way to navigate through these mountains. Nurses need to stay informed of current issues to address the challenges and determine needs. Clear, consistent communication is extremely important. Secondly, we must realize that to “get over our mountains,” it will take extra effort. Nurses must exhibit empathy and compassion and share gratitude. During turbulent times and pressure, we tend to fall short in sharing gratitude. Recognition of the wins is energizing and a powerful force. Finally, we must inspire each other and communicate a vision and a plan to move forward. By recognizing and respecting the current situation, we can strengthen our will to overcome and climb these mountains. There are no limits if we believe in our destination and in one another. Almost 18 months after the start of their journey, Clark recorded in his journal, “Ocean in view!”3(p15) The Lewis and Clark expedition was successful because although they did not find a water route that spanned the continent, they “had traveled more than 8,000 miles, produced invaluable maps and geographical information, identified at least 120 animal specimens and 200 botanical samples and initiated peaceful relations with dozens of Native American tribes.”2 Despite the hardships of the journey, they persevered and adapted to the situation and circumstances. I know, as perioperative nurses, we can do the same. I am proud to be a perioperative nurse. This role can be challenging and is not for the faint of heart. But even amid the daily chaos and high expectations, there is a sense of purpose that can be an immeasurable reward. Although we are usually the “givers” in our professional relationships, we get so much in return through the accomplishment and satisfaction of our role in helping patients. We are the healers, life changers, and teachers. Honor our journey and remember why we became nurses. Labor for the things that matter and make every moment count. Celebrate National Nurses Week because we each have earned it, and our journey has been nothing less than amazing. There are no limits! Vangie Dennis, MSN, RN, CNOR, CMLSO, is the AORN President and an assistant vice president of Perioperative Services, AnMed Health, Anderson, SC. Ms Dennis has no declared affiliation that could be perceived as posing a potential conflict of interest in the publication of this article.
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