“People fail to get along because they fear each other; they fear each other because they don’t know each other; they don’t know each other because they have not communicated with each other.” -Rev. Martin Luther King Jr.
Google images 2024
I started in the medical field in 2007 and have experienced many roles and responsibilities. My journey, from obtaining a Bachelor of Science in Nursing in 2014 to earning a Master’s Degree in Nursing Education and a Post-Master’s Degree as a Family Nurse Practitioner, has been both challenging and rewarding. I have been a nurse for ten years now, but before that, I was a stress tech working for a busy cardiology practice; then, I moved to work as an EMT while working on my BSN, slowly starting my career as an RN in the emergency department. I could also cross-train as a PACU nurse and do both simultaneously, serve in the ER as needed, and do pre-op, post-op, and PACU, all while studying to become a nurse practitioner later and raising a family.
Since the summer of 2020, I’ve proudly served as a Nurse Practitioner, a role that has solidified my belief in the value of kindness, continuous learning, and humility. For instance, my willingness to learn from my mistakes and from others has helped me improve my patient care and communication skills. This has enhanced my professional growth and fostered a more collaborative and respectful work environment. Although I feel this is a daily learning experience, one of my life's goals is to continue to improve my communication skills.
I am a lifelong learner, constantly immersing myself in the role of a student. This commitment to learning is a professional necessity and a personal passion that brings me immense joy. The process of acquiring new knowledge and skills is a path I willingly embrace, and I hope to inspire others to do the same. This openness to learning, sometimes leading to a perception of being a know-it-all, is rooted in a genuine interest in engaging with the world around me rather than asserting superiority.
In my interactions with colleagues, I deeply respect their expertise and roles. Each individual brings a unique set of strengths and areas of expertise. However, it’s disheartening to observe, at times, how some individuals feel a sense of superiority based on their experience or education. This hierarchy can be detrimental, as it overlooks the value of each person's expertise. Just because one person excels in one area does not diminish the value of another’s expertise in a different domain. It's important to remember that we all have something valuable to contribute.
Humility and humbleness are often misunderstood concepts. Humility does not imply a failure to recognize our achievements but acknowledging our fallibility. It means accepting and learning from our mistakes and listening to others when necessary. On the other hand, humbleness is a more outward expression of humility, often seen in our interactions with others. It’s about understanding that no matter how much we know, there is always room for growth and improvement.
In the spirit of humility, I often remind myself and others not to mistake kindness for weakness. Kindness is a strength that fosters collaboration and understanding. It’s a quality that should be cherished and respected, not exploited. By valuing kindness, we can create an environment where everyone feels appreciated and respected. For instance, showing kindness in our interactions with colleagues can lead to better teamwork and more effective patient care.
As we navigate our professional and personal lives, let’s remember the importance of humility, continuous learning, and respect for one another’s unique contributions. These values enhance our lives and enrich the communities and fields in which we work. Ultimately, it’s not just about what we achieve but how we achieve it, with kindness and humility guiding our way. This reassurance and guidance can help us all strive for excellence in our work, and I hope it inspires you to do the same.
No comments:
Post a Comment