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TONL News & Updates
By Cynthia Plonien DNP, RN, CENP Lest we forget … the pandemic challenges that have occurred in nursing and in nursing leadership beginning in 2020 continue to this very day. Affected is the spirit as well as the physical aspects of being, touching the soul and the very essence of nursing. While the pandemic has subsided to a manageable level in many areas of Texas, the disaster continues for colleagues, patients and organizations in other areas. Below is an excerpt from an email to a professor by a grad student in nursing administration. It is written through the lens of a nurse, nurse leader. The student attends an online nursing admin program located in Texas, residing and working out of state. Her story is one of value for knowing, and for remembering that the pain of the pandemic is not over for everyone. The note reflects feelings related to the pandemic and the experiences of nurses and nurse leaders across the world. MSN Nursing Admin - Student E-mail: ”The pandemic has been a mess here in (my state), and our numbers are on the rise. I am an ER/trauma nurse and have been buried in this mess for nearly two years. This year alone, we have lost half of our ED staff, leaving us critically short-handed and overwhelmed in our work. Another problem we see is the change in people’s mindsets. Patients and their family members are angry, ill-tempered, aggressive, and overall, just different. We blame it on the fear that is being spread, but the reality is that we do not know the driving force of the mentality of our patient population. We have had more staff assaults than ever before. I am struggling to do everything I need to do to comply with mandatory overtime, being a single mom, and trying to get through school. I find myself wondering what other areas of nursing I might like, or where else to apply. I know everyone is struggling, but the ER is the front door to the hospital. My heart is not in my work anymore and I feel that separation – daily. I cannot keep track of how many patient deaths we have had now. Each one just makes you a little colder inside. The critically ill patients we have now are those who did not believe COVID was real, did not vaccinate, and want to fight you over a different diagnosis. At the beginning of the pandemic, we were in it for everyone, now we are working tirelessly to help those who are unwilling to help themselves. I have never had more of an internal struggle to find motivation in my work and a drive for what I do as a nurse. But shift after shift, we do the same thing, hoping in one way to make a difference somewhere. Lately, it does not feel that will happen for so many reasons. This is ER nursing in (my state) right now. I am wondering, how do we find the Why in nursing again? Nursing is painful almost as the pandemic has taken the best from within us.”
A few years ago, I read an article by Tami Forman titled "Self-Care Is Not An Indulgence. It's A Discipline," which spurred me to make healthy changes in my life. The article was about self-care and reframing what this concept means. Although written for women, I looked at self-care in terms of being a healthcare provider. Before reading the article, I too imagined the occasional massage and taking a vacation as ideal self-care. In reality, self-care is the behaviors and habits that will help us be more physically and emotionally healthy. These behaviors require daily commitment, not just the occasional indulgence we entertain. I was not taking care of myself, and it was affecting my ability to be the dad, husband, nurse, and person I wanted to be. I committed myself to make small changes and build on them once they became routine. Self-care means getting enough sleep, eating healthy, limiting alcohol, exercising, avoiding toxic relationships, setting boundaries, and prioritizing wellness. Frankly, these things appear boring but are so vital to our resilience and well-being. Self-care is not just something to do when your world gets out of control; it's what you do day in and day out to prepare for the storm. While I am nowhere near the exemplar of self-care, I recognize the importance of trying to be better than I was yesterday. Our profession requires a lot of us both mentally and physically, so we must commit to taking care of ourselves as much as we care for others. Self-care looks a little different for everyone in terms of behaviors, but the idea is that you are taking care of your body and mind every day. These small wins in caring for yourself and giving yourself grace allow you to better care for others. Please don't neglect your health and care for the caregiver that you are.
Kit Bredimus, DNP, RN, CEN, CPEN, CNML, NE-BC, CENP, NEA-BC, FACHE Chief Nursing Officer/Vice President, Nursing Midland Memorial Hospital TONL is seeking members who have a background and interest in Health Information Technology. If you are interested in serving, please use this form to let us know: https://app.smartsheet.com/b/form/355fb1cb92984d8e8d3a51d1988a6aa7 
Nursing Leadership
HealthLeaders Media
Making oneself accessible to the nurses on one's staff and listening to their concerns can result in a number of positive outcomes.
For the latest news from the Nurses on Boards Coalition, visit https://www.nursesonboardscoalition.org/news/.
Healthcare Industry
Practice and Patient Care
Daily Nurse
Telemedicine can be a good option for keeping up with patients in rural area and others who do not have easy access to to health care facility. 
Members in the News
Kathryn Ochoa
Registered Nurse Cheryl Farner
Clinical Assistant Professor UTHSCSA School of Nursing Rachael Farner
Transport Director University Hospital Sophia McEwan
Clinical Manager Midland Memorial Hospital Shinto Thomas
Manager, Clinical Education & Professional Practic UT Southwestern Medical Center |
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