Intro from Erin Smital, Nursing Professional Development Educator & Nurse Residency Coordinator:
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 10
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. There are brighter days ahead. The world needs you. You make a difference every day whether you know it or not. You are the one to comfort someone on their last days. You bring new lives into this world. You save lives of those who don’t think they will make it. Being a nurse is the best title you will earn.