Posting 2 days in a row=extremely productive week. Lately I have been fueled by natural energy originating in excitement, stress, and running [I ran cross country competitively for 11 years. My last season was Fall 2010]. Of course, I have had some additional help from coffee and all natural Steaz energy drinks.
Overwhelmed and exhausted, my mind needed some relief to allow for a restoration of innovative thinking. Therefore, I bring your attention to the amazing duo Rodrigo y Gabriela. The two started in a metal band in Mexico, and then joined the musician life in Dublin. Their inspirations include classics like Jimi Hendrix, Pink Floyd, Led Zeppelin, and many more incredible artists from all over the world. Wordless songs and pure acoustic sounds, their songs are perfect for focusing your mind and energy. One review states, "The key to their success is bringing a rocker's high-energy attitude to songs beautifully rendered on classical guitars."
"Hanuman" from their newest album 11:11 is the song that sparked my interest...
And I love the official music video of "Diablo Rojo"
Upcoming challenge: Joni from Nursetopia recommended that I take on Nursing Idea's Nursing Research Challenge. I have committed to one research article each week. It's perfect timing because I have been waiting to read an article in the newest edition of Nursing Research, which just arrived this week at my school's library. The bloggers of Those Emergency Blues and Nurse Story have also taken on the challenge. Keep an eye out for my first article in the challenge!
And here's the remainder of my week: Focus in on taking on new challenges and experiences [to build confidence] while taking in the glorious sounds of Rodrigo y Gabriela.
[If you missed the first "Music Wednesday" be sure to check it out!]
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
Confidence
Confidence is gained through overcoming challenges. Confidence can be found in the elation and pride we feel after any small or major challenge. Whether it's being kind to a difficult patient or finding data to support your research thesis, we are assured of our potential through these challenges.
The beginning of my confidence building began with the challenge of studying abroad in Rome, Italy. This was the first major challenge to my world view, and my first exposure to other countries and cultures. As I first stepped off the bus on a busy street in the center of Rome, I was very uncomfortable-a good indicator I was being challenged. As I returned home after 3 months from Austria-by myself-I was loving and thriving in my independence. The entirety of the transformation that occurred in Rome was not apparent until I returned. I entered classes and campus involvement with acute awareness of my strengths, weaknesses, passions, and excitement. This confidence carried over to success in my core nursing classes and clinicals, and inspired diligence and enthusiasm for nursing.
Last semester, my confidence faded in clincals. My clinical evaluations were great, except I needed to work on confidence. Some may say this is typical of a nursing student, but there is a distinct difference between nervousness and doubting your abilities. Many aspects of nursing in the hospital setting contributed to my uncertainty. However, being out of the hospital setting in my public health clinical has helped restore my confidence. Facing public health issues in specific community aggregates and engaging clients expanded my view of nursing, and renewed my interest and passion for nursing. My lacking confidence in clincials last semester interfered with my ability to reach my full potential, and it made me value the challenges and experiences that contributed to my confidence.
Confidence affects the practice of nursing students and nurses everywhere. Nursing is a highly technical and skilled profession, but it is often undermined and not fully appreciated [by the public, patients, physicians]. Along with many other factors, this can impact nurses' confidence, and consequently affecting their practice. Confidence is an important part of nursing excellence that is not specifically addressed often. Understanding the effects of confidence can be very informative and helpful. "Confidence in Critical Care Nursing" published (2010) in Nursing Science Quarterly, found "preserving a sense of security despite barriers and accommodating to diverse challenges" (1) as themes in the confidence in their study. A business blog-Blogging Innovation-states "You’ll find confident leaders have broader spheres of influence, attract better talent, engender more confidence, and earn more loyalty and respect..."
Building confidence requires self-awareness and competence. Both of these come from challenges and experiences of any kind. Value your unique experiences, and continuously reflect on them to learn more about yourself. Be attentive to the effect of confidence on your practice. Engage your reality, and embrace challenges. A confident nurse is the best kind of nurse.
1. Evans, J., Bell, J., Sweeney, A., Morgan, J., & Kelly, H. (2010). Confidence in Critical Care Nursing. Nursing Science Quarterly, 23(4), 334-340. Retrieved from EBSCOhost.
The beginning of my confidence building began with the challenge of studying abroad in Rome, Italy. This was the first major challenge to my world view, and my first exposure to other countries and cultures. As I first stepped off the bus on a busy street in the center of Rome, I was very uncomfortable-a good indicator I was being challenged. As I returned home after 3 months from Austria-by myself-I was loving and thriving in my independence. The entirety of the transformation that occurred in Rome was not apparent until I returned. I entered classes and campus involvement with acute awareness of my strengths, weaknesses, passions, and excitement. This confidence carried over to success in my core nursing classes and clinicals, and inspired diligence and enthusiasm for nursing.
Last semester, my confidence faded in clincals. My clinical evaluations were great, except I needed to work on confidence. Some may say this is typical of a nursing student, but there is a distinct difference between nervousness and doubting your abilities. Many aspects of nursing in the hospital setting contributed to my uncertainty. However, being out of the hospital setting in my public health clinical has helped restore my confidence. Facing public health issues in specific community aggregates and engaging clients expanded my view of nursing, and renewed my interest and passion for nursing. My lacking confidence in clincials last semester interfered with my ability to reach my full potential, and it made me value the challenges and experiences that contributed to my confidence.
Confidence affects the practice of nursing students and nurses everywhere. Nursing is a highly technical and skilled profession, but it is often undermined and not fully appreciated [by the public, patients, physicians]. Along with many other factors, this can impact nurses' confidence, and consequently affecting their practice. Confidence is an important part of nursing excellence that is not specifically addressed often. Understanding the effects of confidence can be very informative and helpful. "Confidence in Critical Care Nursing" published (2010) in Nursing Science Quarterly, found "preserving a sense of security despite barriers and accommodating to diverse challenges" (1) as themes in the confidence in their study. A business blog-Blogging Innovation-states "You’ll find confident leaders have broader spheres of influence, attract better talent, engender more confidence, and earn more loyalty and respect..."
Building confidence requires self-awareness and competence. Both of these come from challenges and experiences of any kind. Value your unique experiences, and continuously reflect on them to learn more about yourself. Be attentive to the effect of confidence on your practice. Engage your reality, and embrace challenges. A confident nurse is the best kind of nurse.
1. Evans, J., Bell, J., Sweeney, A., Morgan, J., & Kelly, H. (2010). Confidence in Critical Care Nursing. Nursing Science Quarterly, 23(4), 334-340. Retrieved from EBSCOhost.
Saturday, February 5, 2011
Maximizing the potential of data & information
The shift to electronic medical records has been a little shaky for some, but it has the potential to complement the (pending) health care reform very well. The electronic records could increase collaboration and communication between health care providers, and provide community & public health nurses with clear data to target their interventions. This article prompts nurse managers to embrace this shift to electronic records, and outlines some of the benefits.
Check out the video below-from Nursing Ideas-about a way to better utilize and maximize electronic records:
Then check out this video-from TED- for another perspective on how health care providers can advocate for their patients by providing information in an effective way:
Technology can help us shift the focus to preventive health...Are you embracing technology in your work or viewing it as another hindrance to your nursing care?
Check out the video below-from Nursing Ideas-about a way to better utilize and maximize electronic records:
Standardizing and Collecting Nursing Data from Robert Fraser on Vimeo.
Then check out this video-from TED- for another perspective on how health care providers can advocate for their patients by providing information in an effective way:
Technology can help us shift the focus to preventive health...Are you embracing technology in your work or viewing it as another hindrance to your nursing care?
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)