It's National Nurses Week! Inspire, Innovate and Influence Yourself and Others
It’s National Nurses Week and tomorrow is Florence Nightingale’s birthday, May 12. For those of you who don’t know who I’m talking about. Florence Nightingale is credited with being the founder of modern nursing. She is famous for her work in the Crimean War (circa 1854) where she organized a group of volunteer nurses to aid wounded soldiers. At the time, it was revolutionary for a woman to take a leadership role. Through Nightingale’s advocacy, she was able to shine a spotlight on the unsanitary conditions, lack of nutrition and supplies that plagued the soldiers. She made a plea to the government and through her efforts, she reduced the death rate from 42% to 2%. After the war, she opened a nursing school and set a precedence to teach compassion and commitment to quality patient care. All it took was for one person in 1854, to speak up and do what is right. Through her actions, Nightingale created a whole new profession for women (and men) everywhere while improving the lives of millions through her teachings more than 100 years later.
To celebrate National Nurses Week, I started thinking about what made me decide to become a nurse and how I was inspired to create Nurse Your Life. Becoming a nurse was not a conscious decision for me. I became one through proximity. My mom is a nurse and her guidance was instrumental in my decision. When I finally graduated my mom would introduce me to her colleagues and say "If you need a nurse you have to grow one of your own".
However, with all of my accomplishments there was a time where I felt trapped by my profession. I could not see how I could be or do anything else. In nursing school, you are taught to follow a procedure perfectly; if you don't it could end with disastrous results for your patients. I inadvertently applied that to my life and it killed my creativity. It took me some time for me to recognize that all skills are transferable and being a nurse was just a small part of my identity. Nursing laid the foundation for me to create my business. Through my journey I realized I could be a nurse and an entrepreneur at the same time. I just had to embrace all parts of me. Now I see my career with limitless opportunities. I’m fortunate that my life’s work impacts lives for the better every day. Not only through my clients but also through YOU!
Coinciding with the American Nurses Association’s campaign “Inspire, Innovate and Influence” for National Nurses Week. Here are some ways you can Nurse Your Life this week and every day:
Inspire has 2 definitions:
1. means to fill (someone) with the urge or ability to do or feel something, especially to do something creative.
Ask yourself “How can I inspire myself and others? Do something creative for yourself, whether that is as simple as writing in a journal or sharing an idea.
2. breathe in (air); inhale
Maybe the next time you encounter a problem all you need to do is just take a couple deep breaths and just ask for the answer. Often times when you are stuck in your head you can’t see the answer but if you take a moment to slow down and breathe you may find that the answer is right in front of you.
Innovate: is to introduce (something new, especially a product) and make changes in something established, especially by introducing new methods, ideas, or product
Yes, it’s all been done before. But it hasn’t been done by YOU! Maybe there is an idea you have but you haven’t taken any steps to make it a reality. You have a special gift and it is your job to share it with the world.
Influence: is the capacity to have an effect on the character, development, or behavior of someone or something, or the effect itself.
You are more powerful than you believe you are. Florence Nightingale was guided by her heart. Through her compassion and empathy, she made a huge impact on humanity. You have the power to influence others by just speaking up.
Now it’s your turn: How do you Inspire, Innovate and Influence yourself and others?
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