Caring for SELF
Developing resiliency is an essential skill of every nurse. We, as professional nurses, witness much pain and despair. We hold the hands of the dying and comfort the ones left behind. Sometimes, we give so much that we give out. We then begin to shelter ourselves, defending against the next wave to crash against our heart. Resiliency is not about defending. Resiliency is about empowering ourselves to face what comes next openly and undefended. Resiliency allows us to feel and give of ourselves, our spirits, our hearts, and our souls and yet know that we will be okay.
"There is a pressing need to cultivate and
foster personal growth in nurses because we cannot give
our patients what we do not possess ourselves" (McGee, 2006).