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THE EMPOWERED NURSE

a loss of joy in nursing or leaving the profession (Wei, Roberts, humor in seeing the lighter side of challenging situations, use of
Strickler, & Corbett, 2019). Cultivating and promoting a positive a positive tone when providing feedback to less experienced
mindset is one important way we can help each other build re- nurses, and an overall conveyance of warmth and acceptance.
siliency. Take time to role model this behavior by expressing Importantly, these eight nurses also reported high levels of pro-
gratitude or reflecting on high points of the day. Dr. Martin fessional fulfillment, not because they didn’t have personal and
Seligman, a psychologist, completed a study that included daily professional challenges, but because of the mindset choice they
journaling of three good things for one week. Those who did made to meet and overcome adversity.
this were 2% happier than before, and their happiness continued I hope the concept of optimism resonates with you,
increasing up to 5% at one month, and 9% at six months (Selig- whether as an affirmation of a similarly held ideal or a pause for
man, Park, & Peterson, 2005). That is a fantastic return for just a reflection. No doubt there are challenges ahead for us in our
few moments of investment of gratitude. nursing careers. How will you meet them? Every day, personally
Nurses are educators, and these concepts of optimism and and professorially, we encounter circumstances that require us to
resiliency are important to teach our patients and newer genera- determine our inner response, positive outlook or negative —
tions of nurses. For patients, there are compelling studies what will you choose?
demonstrating the importance of a positive outlook to manag-
ing chronic illness and depression (Kristjansdottir et al, 2018; Ja-
cobs et al., 2014). Consider someone who has been a personal or
professional role model for you. What were some key attributes
that person possessed that drew you in and made you want to
emulate them? In a phenomenological study exploring this ques-
tion, Perry (2009) identified eight clinical nurses who colleagues
described as outstanding. Data was collected by interviewing
Michele M. Hasselblad, MSN, RN, NE-BC
coworkers and through observation of these eight nurses. The
Vice President, Adult Ambulatory Nursing
major theme attributed to these outstanding role models was an Vanderbilt University Medical Center
optimistic attitude. This attitude was reflected at times through michelle.m.hasselblad@vumc.org