You know, it’s a little jarring when your proctologist tells you to look at things from his point of view! That’s not really a perspective I want, you know?
However, a prospective change is worth a discussion.
When life gets tough or when we feel stuck, many of us think we need a position change. And I am not talking about peeling ourselves either off the floor or off the ceiling. We tend to think, “I need a different job” or “I need a promotion.” Like, maybe I need to become a med aide or a director of nursing or an administrator, or whatever.
I am not saying that professional growth is a bad thing, but sometimes we need a different perspective. And I am coming at you from the perspective of impact. Whatever your position in long-term care is, you are already incredibly impactful.
Whether it is preparing and serving a nutritious and delicious meal, or uncluttering and straightening a room while holding an engaging conversation with a resident, fixing that resident’s hair just right so that she feels beautiful, holding the hand of a resident who is anxious, running a fun and engaging activity. Or taking the time during a med pass to explain to the resident what the medications are and making sure they take the needed meds, asking “Is there anything else I can do for you?” before leaving the room… all of that is making a positive impact.
YOU make a difference. YOU have a positive impact no matter what the position. While planning on your growth in this career is a good thing, don’t lose sight of where you are now.
I guess what I am saying is, perspective is important, just as long as it’s not from your proctologist’s point of view!
Just keeping it real,
Nurse Jackie
The Real Nurse Jackie is written by Jacqueline Vance, RNC, CDONA/LTC, Senior Director of Clinical Innovation and Education for Mission Health Communities, LLC and an APEX Award of Excellence winner for Blog Writing. Vance is a real-life long-term care nurse. A nationally respected nurse educator and past national LTC Nurse Administrator of the Year, she also is an accomplished stand-up comedienne. The opinions supplied here are her own and do not necessarily reflect those of her employer or her professional affiliates.
The opinions expressed in McKnight’s Long-Term Care News guest submissions are the author’s and are not necessarily those of McKnight’s Long-Term Care News or its editors.
