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 7
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.
Also, remember to care for yourself. Hobbies, family, friends or volunteering somewhere can help “refill your cup”. Remember why you decided nursing in the first place, who inspired you.
What you do matters, you matter, your health matters.
We all only have one life and your passion and commitment will be remembered by hundreds if not thousands of people.