She believed nurses are charged with the responsibility of touching every life they encounter, whether in the hospital or community. Everywhere we go, she taught us, we should remember that we represent a noble profession that should never be dishonored by unkind behavior toward another; that we are being watched by patients, families, and friends; and that we truly never know how many lives we touch on a daily basis.
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We all have cared for patients who may not have been kind to us during our interaction with them, which could have negatively influenced our perspectives about them. Interestingly, one of my colleagues shared a story about how a discharged patient returned with a beautifully written note, thanking the nurses for changing his life. The staff was shocked, because no one believed the patient regarded any of them positively. Listening to her story took me back to the principle my former professor instilled in me about showing unconditional regard toward patients, colleagues, friends, and families. Doing so provides nurses with a platform from which they can inspire all with whom they interact.
Touching lives. Isn’t that what nursing is all about?
For Reflections on Nursing
Leadership (RNL),
published by the Honor Society of Nursing, Sigma Theta Tau International.
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