Jedi Knight emblem

One of the most popular Nursetopia posts of all-time, ‘Star Wars’ Flavor to Dr. Patricia Benner’s ‘Novice to Expert,’ is a whimsical combination of nursing theory and pop culture. I love hearing from other nurses, and I was giddy to hear June Fouse, BSN, RN, CNOR, uses the metaphor to bring levity to her Peri-Operative 101 class. She took it one wildly-creative step farther, disseminating Jedi Alliance emblems for her students to tape to the back of their badges, serving as a secretive and celebrated touchstone within their inner circle of nurses. She learned more about the Jedi ranks, finding that the Jedi Knight must pass five tests – Trial of Skill, Trial of Courage, Trial of Flesh, Trial of Spirit, and Trial of Knowledge. Fouse explains, “All five of those are the trials we go through everyday in the OR, so were able to tie those into the process as well.” As nurses receive their emblems, they also receive a copy of the Jedi ranks and the Nursetopia Benner/Star Wars arrow. What an excellent way to teach and strengthen the tight-knit nursing culture within her peri-operative area.

June is rocking nursing care, education, and culture; I am proud to work alongside her.

The 1 in 3 Million series highlights individual nurses – diverse, frail, powerful, artistic, opinionated, daring – those changing their own lives and the lives of those surrounding them.