Giving Thanks

In life, we establish relationships with others that transform who we are as a person and a professional.  Some are mentors who guide us, others are coaches who train us and the rest are our friends and family who sustain us throughout it all.  In my life, I have learned to value all three.

Mentors

In my quarter-century of nursing, I have had many mentors.  As a new grad, they guided me through the muddy waters of being the “new kid on the block”, preventing or mitigating many of the faux pas I stumbled myself into.  They encouraged me to expand my horizons and push myself out of my comfort zone. 

As a leader, I relied on my mentors to help me grow.  They challenged my thinking and forced me to try the uncomfortable.  They cheered me on when I succeeded and helped me pick up the pieces and move on when I failed.  They were honest enough to tell me when I got out of line and were not afraid to give me the dressing-down I needed when I did something inappropriate.  I learned from watching them and trying to imitate their techniques.  I learned to mentor others and pass it forward.

Coaches

           Coaches teach you the skills you need to succeed.  They come in many forms, such as instructor, teacher, preceptor or trainer.  We have coaches to teach us new knowledge, teach us hands-on skills or train us on the job.  I love learning new things and continue to find coaches to teach me.  Whether it’s nursing, sailing, running or writing a blog, coaches encourage me to stretch my imagination and physical ability.

Coaching Others

           Emergency nursing is stressful and challenging.  For the new graduate, it can become scary and overwhelming.  Taking a new nurse under your wing not only supports them as they navigate the minefield of politics and personalities, but also will challenge your thinking and force you to reconsider your beliefs.  The rewards of helping someone grow and thrive prevent burnout and job stress because you leave work feeling rewarded every day.

Friends & Family

           Friends and family are the most important relationships you can have.  They will always be there for you and have your back when life gets rough.  They are a shoulder to cry on when you have an awful day.  They help you celebrate all the good stuff.  Their ears are always ready to listen when you just need to let off steam.  A conversation with a good friend, your mom or your child can be the perfect stress reliever.  Sometimes you just need a hug.

Gratitude

           Cherish your relationships.  Life is short and unpredictable.  Make sure the people in your life know they are valued and loved.  Make time in your busy day to reach out and nurture those relationships.  Don’t become so busy you have to live with regrets.

Take time to teach and mentor others along the way.  You never know how much of a difference you are making in the lives of others.  The simplest interactions can be remembered for many years because you made an impact on someone’s life. 

           In our new adventures, I am extremely grateful to all my mentors, coaches, friends and family.  Without their support, encouragement and knowledge I wouldn’t be traveling on a boat.  I would not be the nurse I am today.  I am so thankful I can pick up the phone and call them in my time of need.  I am truly blessed to have each and every one of them in my life.