Colleagues,
The holiday crunch between Thanksgiving and Christmas is the perfect time to reflect on everything we have to be grateful for and things that bring us joy.
I have to admit that I’m not the best at stopping to count my blessings or reflect on the past, but I had time when preparing for our Magnet notification call to think back over our journey and was almost overwhelmed with feelings of gratitude for all those who contributed to this effort.
My first thought was of Mary Helen Forrest, my boss and mentor who started us on the Magnet journey and taught me so much about leadership. My next thoughts were of the hundreds (sorry I can’t name each and every one of you!) of nurses and other colleagues I’ve worked with along the journey and the impact you have had on me as a person, a nurse, and a leader, and the impact you have on your patients every single day.
I’ve grown so much over the past 17+ years, but what’s even more exciting to think about is the growth and development I’ve seen in so many nurses, colleagues and team members. I laugh now when I think back on how stressed out I used to get about wanting to suggest a change. I’m not talking about “bucking the system” or anything – just little things that weren’t “the way we’ve always done it.” Back in the day, young nurses weren’t really at the table for decision making. Our job was to make sure the doctor’s orders were followed and patients were taken care of. I love how now our team feels empowered to share ideas to make patient care the best possible. It’s better for our patients, and our jobs are so much more satisfying.
Looking back at our Magnet journey also helped me realized how much the care we provide has advanced and how much technology has changed. Take a minute to think back on the way we used to do things, and you’ll see what I mean. Who can remember writing those SOAP notes and nursing care plans, manual counting of narcotics at shift change, and counting drops (gtts)to establish an IV rate. Yes, I am showing my age, but boy have things changed. Some of us more “seasoned” nurses may long for certain aspects of the good old days, but we have to concede that most advances have resulted in higher quality care.
To be honest, I don’t think we would have grown and evolved so much if we weren’t on the Magnet journey. This process pushed us to look for better ways and try harder to make meaningful change. My hope is that this drive is now such an integral part of our culture that UAMS nurses will forever remain on a journey toward excellence.
The employee satisfaction survey (there’s still time if you haven’t completed yours!) inspired me to reflect on my favorite things about working at UAMS. Striving for excellence is right up there at the top. Several of the other things that came to mind are those that involve one-on-one interactions such as the slower-paced Saturday morning rounds, presenting awards to the DAISY and BEE honorees and the Outstanding Area of the Month, meeting new members of Team UAMS at orientation, talking with new grad RNs and absorbing some of their enthusiasm, seeing your passion and creativity at the Ambulatory and Inpatient NQUEST council meetings and talking with old and new friends at the Talk with Tammy sessions.
I have so much to be grateful for! When you get trapped in the hustle and bustle of the holidays and feel down or frustrated, try taking a break with your favorite comfort snack and beverage and write down some things you are grateful for. If you’re like me, the list may quickly become longer than you expected and leave you feeling much better! Wishing you and yours a very happy and healthy holiday season!
Tammy Jones, PHD, RN, NE-BC
Chief Nursing Officer
Associate Vice Chancellor for Patient Care Services & Clinical Operations
Perioperative, Interventional & Imaging Services Division