On of the speakers talked to us about the importance of professionalism as a nurse. As he began explaining what all that entailed, I was amazed at how Biblical his teachings were. The attributes we, as professional nurses, are expected to have fit almost perfectly into the teachings we, as Christians, obtain from God's Word. We were instructed to praise our peers, not ourselves. We are to always put others first, especially when it comes to the patient. The speaker continued to stress how we need to remove self and serve others if we want to succeed as a nurse. Being kind to each other is a must. He told us, "keep a smile on your faces and have the right attitude in your hearts. The only way for you to do this is to remove self." And then he reminded us on how important it is for us to remain positive in every situation. Remember to keep our cups half full!
From there, we begain to talk about incivility. We discussed some ways this can happen and gossiping was brought up. Gossiping about another person can only hurt that person and that is not how we should be treating eachother. Our Civility statement includes - respecting people and property, showing empathy and tolerance towards others, demonstrating concern and patience towards others, and accepting accountibility for our own actions.
Integrity is another attribute essential to professional nurses. We have to be able to stand for what is true and right, and be honest in every situation, no matter how bad we may look or how our image is affected. Sometimes we may be tempted into not being completely honest in a situation, or to do something we know isn't right, but yet it would make our task easier. However, we must not give in to the temptations that come our way.
I'm not going to lie, I was very convicted during this discussion. My eyes were opened as to how much improvement is needed in my life in so many of these areas. I should be walking around with these attributes written all over my face, but I don't. I should treat people in these ways all of the time because God commands me to, but I don't. I had to think why would our instructor stress how important these attributes are? Why should we treat others this way? Where did he get his reasoning behind professionalism. From the Bible...where else? I wanted to stand up and shout to everyone why these attributes are SOO important - because they are commanded in God's Word! But of course, he wouldn't admit that the traits behind professionalism basically stand for Christianism. Because professionalism and Christianism cannot mix...or something like that! ;)
So, because I need help in soo many of these areas, I'm going to work on:
- keeping a positive attitude
- praising others for their accomplishments and giving compliments even in the worst situations
- putting others first no matter what situation I'm in, in life
- standing for what is true and right no matter how big or small it may be
- taking responsibility for my actions even if it lowers my self image
- remembering to only talk good of others and not spreading gossip
- being kind to others
- keeping a smile on my face
- yeilding not to temptations!
In other news...I've offically started the nursing program. I'm super excited!! (Remind me of this when I'm stuggling to keep my head above water and pulling my hair out in a few weeks...I really am excited!!) I can't even explain the peace I feel in my heart that this is exactly where God wants me right now. He is the One who will get me through this! Because I won't make it alone!!
Oh...and just to make you feel sorry for me...this is where my nose will be for the next 16 weeks, so I apologize for my rudeness ahead of time if I forget that you still exist! ;)
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| And these are only for this semester...not the whole program :S |
Hi, Jeana!
ReplyDelete(In case you don't remember who I am, I'm Lena's cousin from Kansas City....We were together some over Labor Day weekend in Lester.) So I've been checking your blog for a while now without commenting (hmmm...stalking, I guess!), but so many of your posts have struck a chord -- and this particular post I can really identify with -- so I decided I'd comment. :)
I'm planning to start my third year of college next week, so I'm starting the nursing program, as well! I've been getting so excited, even studying ahead in my textbooks (seriously, I have them stacked in my room like your picture!) and reviewing lab skills from last semester -- and I haven't even moved into my dorm yet! I don't think I've ever been anywhere near this excited for a college semester to start! I'm trying not to let the clinical schedule, the massive amount of information to learn, and the possibility of messing up while caring for a real person intimidate me...
Anyhow, I appreciate your observations about how that instructor was really just preaching biblical commandments. It's really sad that oftentimes even the people in the world who recognize the value of these biblical teachings would be ashamed to admit it!
So sorry I got a little "longwinded"! I appreciated your post, though!
In Christ,
Brittany
Hi Brittany!
ReplyDeleteThanks for stopping by...I never know who all reads my blog (or stalks it...!) until they comment! And it's kinda interesting! ;) I forgot you are in the nursing program as well. I think we probably talked about it. Wish you luck and I'm sure we'll be able to empathize with each other in a few months! ;) The responsibility of each patient and the whole idea that they are in my care makes my knees weak but I'm sure once I learn more, I'll feel more comfortable with it. But I definitly have the same anxieties as you do!
Hope your move into the dorms went smoothly and have a great first week! Let your light shine!