Blog

Looking Ahead: 2014’s ‘One Word’

2014 is no exception to my one word tradition. I started thinking about my one word for the year two weeks ago. It didn’t take me long at all to find the word because I have known for a while what I have missed for... Read More

In Retrospect: 2013’s ‘One Word’

Each year I select one word to help focus me. Here’s my hindsight reflections of my 2011 one word and my 2012 one word. It’s amazing how the one word threads throughout the months, frightening sometimes. I guess that’s the purpose and should be expected as I think of... Read More

The Most Formidable Teacher: Experience

She’s one tough teacher. Sometimes, if you’re lucky, you can learn from her substitute, which regularly teaches everyone else. At the board – exposed, in front of the class – you won’t ever forget her lessons, though. Oh no. Rarely... Read More

Free Tool for Leaders: “About You” Team Member Sheet

I enjoy knowing about my team members – what they like to eat, to do with their spare time, and how they want to be recognized. Over the years, I’ve used many methods to keep track of this information. Early... Read More

Extrovert, Introvert: Nurses Are People-People

Ask any nurse – extrovert or introvert – who is away from the frontline what she misses most; she’ll likely say “patient care.” “The people” will be a quick clarifying next statement, I assure you. “Patient care” is a tenuous... Read More

From Drinking the Leadership Kool-Aid to A Mental Illness Video Game: A Nursetopia Reading & Education Mashup [Part 19]

Hooray for the holidays! And a little bit of downtime to lay back, spend time with loved ones, and peruse the news. Here’s some of what I’ve been checking out these days: The Open-Book Revolution: Motivating Employees by Inc.com 2013 Honesty... Read More

Approaching the Holiday Treat Tipping Point

There’s food everywhere in the clinical setting these days. No, it’s ehhhv.ryyyy.wheeeere! There are tins of cookies at the nurses station 1 break area, cans of popcorn and toffee at the nurses station 2 break area, plates of fudge at... Read More

From Big Data, MD, to Our Lie About Loving Creativity: A Nursetopia Reading & Education Mashup [Part 18]

To be entirely honest, the only thing my eyes have been looking at in my off-time lately has been the back of my eyelids. And it’s been awesome….exactly what I’ve needed. That, along with some guilty-pleasure television (The Sing Off, anyone??)... Read More

Hopes for the Future: A Letter to My 20-Year Nurse Self

A follow-up to yesterday’s letter… Hey, You! I hope this finds you and yours well, getting ready to celebrate another holiday season. My heart cries a little when I think of ten years into the future – how long you... Read More

10 Years In The Making: Letter to My Newly Nurse Graduate Self

Hey, You. Congratulations on finishing your BSN! I completely know the excitement and pride you feel at this moment. It makes me smile when I think about it – about you – your hope to be a great nurse, your... Read More