Empowering New Nurses

Today is Your Best Day!

On page 47 of my book “Nurse: The Guide to Empowering New Nurses in The Delivery of High-Quality Care to All Patients,” I address the spiritual aspect of self-care as it relates to me. In addition, I embrace the affirmations that I have found so meaningful along my personal and nursing journey. A nurse asked to elaborate on the spiritual dimension of self-care as it relates to my patient's spiritual needs.

 I can attest that incorporating a spiritual aspect into self-care can provide profound strength, resilience, and peace, especially during challenging times. For those who draw from a Christian belief system, the verse "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me" (Philippians 4:13) can be a powerful affirmation. It reminds us that we’re not alone in our struggles on life’s journey. This belief can be an anchor, grounding us in the assurance that Christ’s strength supports and sustains us, empowering us to handle any challenge. Embracing this belief and faith can deepen one’s self-care routine by fostering inner peace, diligence, resilience, and a sense of purpose aligned with God's support. With this support, one can tackle any situation resulting in Your Best Day.

It can be challenging at times for breast cancer survivors. There are moments when survivors seem to have reached their lowest point and feel like given up. A new lift of strength and power infused through their bodies with the help of support including friends, families, providers, and support groups as a positive atmosphere hovers over them giving them freshness, and courage to carry on. If survivors share their stories, they not only help in the healing process but they inspire others currently going through these challenges. 

Breast Cancer Awareness is critical to all people. Early detection saves lives, and survivors should be educated on the importance of complying with their screening schedules and taking immediate action upon any feeling of something appearing abnormal to catch the disease early. Community support, self-care and wellness, resilience and strength, research, and innovation should be embraced in the journey to recovery. There has been ongoing research in breast cancer treatment that gives hope for better therapies and potential cures for this dreaded disease. We are optimistic and looking forward with hope excitement, and great expectation.

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Music Therapy is used in healthcare to address numerous patients' needs, including physical, emotional, spiritual, social, and more. The benefits are many which may vary from reducing stress, alleviating pain, improving memory, and communication. It may take different forms, from singing, listening, and then discussing it, increasing the connection with others as observed frequently. From my experience at the bedside with all kinds of patients who differ in age, sex, education, culture, and ethnicity, I stand amazed as I ponder on the impact music has on the I have seen where patients' moods shifted from being depressed or low affect and then seems to have sworn patient's response to their illnesses.

Breast Cancer Awareness Month is being celebrated in October. Did you know that many cancer months raise awareness about different forms of cancer? This disease can be challenging to the patient, families, and caregivers. There are many ways of coping to alleviate some of these challenges such as: listening to music, discussing music, writing journals, practicing mindfulness, participating in puzzles, walking, and gardening. For example, gardening helps physically and emotionally relieve stress. This can be achieved by sharing the experiences encountered with friends and family.

Inspirational Quotations that I found helpful as I cope with life’s challenges. I know that nursing assignments can become overwhelming at times. Therefore, within your daily schedule, please insert relaxation time as a treat for yourself to regroup. It is important also to take time out to celebrate your small or big wins. You can choose to celebrate with yourself by treating yourself to a special meal or having something special with your colleagues or special supporters. e.g. Watching a movie together.  @dr.miriamamandasmith9134 

Dr. Miriam Amanda Smith interviewed Marcia Robinson, a Nurse Practitioner. They both shared some of their coping mechanism during the COVID crisis, it was not very comforting for all so nurses found strength in their peers and provided emotional and physical support. Teamwork was embraced to ensure that the patients receive the best care possible and that collaboration would prevent burnout episodes. Nurses were encouraged to balance work and self-care to provide care for their patients and themselves. Some institutions provided counselors and therapists for mental and spiritual support during this time of great apprehension.  @dr.miriamamandasmith9134 

The reason why you chose nursing should have a compassionate component, that inner drive should set you apart. Your empathy and care will help patients heal physically and emotionally when it’s needed the most. In my book "The Guide to Empowering New Nurses" contains a wealth of information that will help you to guide you on your nursing path. My wish for you to obtain a copy and use this as one of your special nursing companions and reference. It's an "Amazon Best Seller" and can obtained there.  @dr.miriamamandasmith9134 

Exercise is one of the physical dimensions of self-care which has many benefits including :

Exercise improves moods by releasing endorphins, which help with mood by boosting one's confidence and way of feeling good about themselves. One's sleep can improve, in addition to reducing stress by decreasing the levels of stress hormones cortisol and adrenaline. It also improves brain health and protects against age-related cognitive degeneration. One feels less fatigues and more energized upon participating in exercise activities.

Advancing a nursing career can bring benefits, both personal and professional. The increased skills and knowledge will enhance your expertise e.g.: critical care, pediatrics, and midwifery.

Nursing is a dynamic and evolving field. Advancing your education ensures you stay current with the latest medical advancements and healthcare technologies. Learning about new challenges and learning new skills fosters personal development and stimulates your career. Patient care outcomes will be better since high-quality care will be improved. An advanced degree provides opportunities and career paths since more doors will be opened for roles such as leaders, nurse educators, and healthcare consultants. It is less likely for a specialized nurse to be affected by layoffs. A new nurse enhances his/her professional expertise, and increases job satisfaction, earning potential, and long-term career stability.