Intro from Erin Smital, Nursing Professional Development Educator & Nurse Residency Coordinator, RWHC:
I want to take a moment and share an incredible experience I have recently been a part of here at RWHC. We offer a Nurse Residency Program that is designed for the new graduate nurse. It is structured around monthly learning sessions, with a focus on providing an interactive, reflective and enriched learning environment. The program is designed to enhance recruitment/retention of the new graduate nurse and support their transition into a competent practitioner. I am proud to announce that we recently completed year 17 of this program and in doing so asked that our participants write an open letter to "The nurse struggling right now... ". The original intention of these letters was to share them with the year 18 participants. After speaking with the participants and reviewing the letters, I realized that these kind words of support and encouragement are meant for a larger audience... they are meant for every nurse, in every position, in every stage of their career.
LETTER 2
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. This is your calling. Keep putting one step forward. There will be days when you’re stuck in the fog, and days when a rainbow appears. Remember – whether you feel like you don’t know what you’re doing, the patient only sees your help. I promise you, it will get better. But until then, find your person. Who do you look up to as a nurse? Who is supportive and willing to help when you need it? Lean on them! Because they were in your shoes once. Give yourself a hug. Go pet a baby goat. Do whatever refills your cup. You’re doing an amazing job!!