RWHC News & Updates

Gratitude is defined as “the quality of being thankful, readiness to show appreciation for and to return kindness.” When one is experiencing gratitude, true gratitude the heart is full. There is nothing else that is missing or desired in that moment. Gratitude in itself is a blessing because it opens our heart and helps us experience true heart centered living. Gratitude unlocks the fullness of life, the practice of mindfulness and an opportunity to reflect on the abundance of being alive…truly alive. It leads us to giving more to others. To being more helpful because there is more love and meaning in our hearts.

This issue includes: The Rural Vaccination Challenge, “I Have Never Seen Anything Like It”, “I Was Wrong”–Pro-Vaccination PSA, We Can Not Beat COVID With Anger, “Strategies for Managing Pandemic Anger”, RWHC Community Economic Development at 10,000 Feet, Upcoming RWHC Leadership Programs, National Rural Health Association 2022 Policy Institute, 30th Annual $2,500 Monato Essay Prize Accepting Submissions, Eye on Health Cartoons

You are not alone! Over the past several months I have heard so many colleagues talking about stress, burnout, grief, compassion fatigue, exhaustion, staffing challenges, not feeling heard, lots of turnover, early retirement, vaccine divisiveness, not being able to truly have a day off because the phone is likely to go off requesting you to come to work, the list could go on and on. Does this sound at all familiar to you?

This claim is one of a tiny number of things I am fairly certain about: most people underestimate their impact on others, you and me included. For a variety of reasons, most of us go around assuming that what we do on a day-to-day basis is not that noticed by others. It can be especially disconcerting to adapt to the increased visibility that comes with a higher level leadership title.

You are enough. You make a difference in lives every day. People need you, they depend on you. Their life is in your hands. Your smile can change their day. Your kindness may be just enough to keep them going. I know that you’re tired but you can’t give up. You make a difference. We are all frustrated, but together we will get through these tough times.

I know that this journey has been so long and hard to get to where you are now. But in this moment I want you to know that it is worth it. At some point in your life you were wishing to be in the place that you are at right now. We get so caught up in what is happening in the world that we forget to stop and look back at where we came from.

You are so much stronger than you know. You have made it to this point for a reason. You are meant to touch the lives of so many individuals that you have yet to meet. Through life, everyone has a journey that looks different, we all have our ups and downs, our triumphs and challenges. What I can promise you is that those challenges will set you apart and allow you to become an even better nurse. Remember during those challenging times that there will be a time when the challenge is not so challenging anymore.

Every day is a new day, a new fight, a new chance to be that positive impact on someone’s life, who without you, may not be here anymore, may be scared, alone, or depressed. There will be a day that a patient, resident, or family member will remember how you cared for them or their loved one, and tell you how much your care impacted their lives when they needed you most.

I know you’re struggling right now. You may not even know why. But please know that you are strong, smart, brave, caring and knowledgeable. You are all these things and more. Remind yourself why you wanted to be a nurse. Reflect on all you’ve learned up to this point. Remember that this day ill end and there is always tomorrow.

Remember how you got here and never forget your why. All the sleepless nights, tears shed, extra hours spent studying – all for what reason? So you could be where you are right now. Becoming a nurse was the hardest and most rewarding task I’ve done. Seeing babies be born to people becoming parents has reminded me every day of my why. The relationships I’ve built, the growth I’ve experienced over a year is something that I couldn’t see at one point and here I am Know that it is ok to cry. It is ok to not know something, you cannot be liked by every person in the world but you can sure treat people how you want to be treated.

by the "Stop the COVID Spread! Coalition"

It may not seem like it right now, but it will get better, things will get easier, you may have shifts that leave you in tears, but they will make you a better nurse. What you are doing matters. It may not feel like you are being appreciated for all your work but you are helping someone. What you do is affecting someone and they see it.

Remember why you became a nurse! Times are tough with COVID, but hopefully one day it will pass. You are making a difference in people’s lives! You are leaving a positive impact on your patients. You matter! The work you do matters! If you are unhappy with the area that you are in now, go out there and go for your dream job!

You. Are. Not. Alone. Remember who you are, and how far you’ve come. Sleepless nights, constant studying, passing your NCLEX, performing your first IV and getting it the first try. Little victories are BIG victories. Whether it’s performing CPR or giving a patient’s family member a hug – you are helping. You ARE making a difference.