Questions
- Who is at risk for cancers related to HPV, and what types of cancers are linked to this virus?
- Who is eligible to receive the HPV vaccine, what are some of the barriers that prevent young boys and girls from receiving it?
Discussion Question
We all experience change and uncertainty in our personal lives, and at work. What personal philosophy or quote do you have, that sees you through daily challenges and changes? At my previous hospital, we had a tech that would smile and remind us all to "start each day with a forgiving heart." These simple words would set the tone for our day, reminding us that whatever happened yesterday, to just let it go, and start anew. These words still come to mind each day when I come to work. The words remind me that I have been given the gift of another day, and a fresh start.
Please send your answers to melissa.luebbe@ctca-hope.com. Thank you Jolie Witt for getting me back on track, I have been really dragging my feet on this fourth post! Our last journal club article will be out mid April.
The personal philosophy that I go by is “everything happens for a reason.” I have experienced this many times and believe that if I had done something differently it would alter the outcome and it might not be for the good. So anytime, anything happens to me, it is on purpose. I have learned to just have faith and to just go with the flow.
ReplyDeleteWell said Camille. Sounds like our philosophies are related and connected. There is a mysterious plan for all of us and the journeys we experience provide us with wisdom and valuable life experiences.
DeleteCamille,
DeleteYou statement reminds me of one that I was always taught as a child; God is in control". We are not in control and events happen all around us every day. Some touch us, others do not, some affect us, and others don't. What happens, happens and there is always a reason, even if we don't understand it.
Patricia Adams
I also believe that everything happens for a reason, even if I don't get to see what the reason is! That is super hard sometimes!
DeleteIn agreement that "everything happens for a reason"..sometimes we ultimately see that reason, with other things we are just left to wonder.....
DeleteI agree completely Camille! And I totally can tell you live with that mentality- you are always a pleasure to work with and your positive attitude rubs off on everyone else!
DeleteCamille I SO agree on this one! My mom has always told me this since I was little. Everything has a purpose to help us grow, to teach us, to help us not make the same mistake again, to teach us how to love and respect, etc. Even if the reason isn't apparent, it impacts our life in some way to help shape our future. We have to embrace it and do our best to roll with it. :)
DeleteI agree, what a great mantra
DeleteWhat a great quote Camille, you are what you are right now for everything happens for a reason.
DeleteI just remembered what the well-known Greek Philosopher Aristotle said,always believed that everything happens for a reason. And that every experience in our life, was designed to shape us and reform us into the ultimate and greatest version, that could ever imagine our self to be. The only thing that prevents this, is having the wisdom to see it.
DeleteEverything happens for a reason, this is how things get done everyday usually at work Camille, you know what that means..
DeleteEphraim
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DeleteAlthough we are all capable of carrying out actions to arrive at desired results, I truly believe that God is in control. When life brings me uncertainty or angst, I take a deep breath and tell myself that there is only so much I can do because God is ultimately in control. Another phrase I use is "Life is full of changes". It is up to us to realize this and use our power of adaptation to make the most of changes. Change can result in improvements if we let things play out. Change is often scary and unsettling but have faith that new and better things may result.
ReplyDeleteJohn, I agree with your philosophy. I also believe god has a plan for all of us. We may not always understand it at the time but there is usually a reason. There is the saying that "God only gives us what we can handle". Sometimes we feel that it is more than we can handle, but looking back we realize we made it through and have become a stronger and better person for it.
DeleteI truly believe that at a certain point in our lives, we have to pause and take a deep breath to regroup ourselves and calm our minds. It's part of destresing.
DeleteI try to keep what my brain is thinking from being expressed on my face. Some patients make decisions that I disagree with, but it is their decision. For example, when a patient decides on an inferior treatment to prevent hair loss, there is an overwhelming sadness. Often they are young and have young children. I know that at some point, they may progress and become terminal. I work hard to respect their decision and support them. I pray that my intentions are always pure and that I honor my patients' wishes even when I disagree with their choices. Those are often the patients I find myself praying for the most. Patricia Adams
ReplyDeleteAlways remember that respect is a way of compassion and you are God sent to these people for being understanding of what they go through.
DeleteI come to learn to respect others choices even if it would not be mine. As we all have different religious, cultural, and personal beliefs we all have different ways of dealing what life throws our way. I think sometimes that I am not sure how someone comes to the decision they have come to but then quietly remind myself that this is their decision to be made. We see a lot in health care that affects us an how we make decisions for ourselves and loved ones. This is what others are doing also based on their life experiences and support systems. Sometimes I think patients only do what their support system wishes for them to do and not necessarily what they would like to do. It has taught me to be humble and grateful for each day I am given.
ReplyDeleteI agree with your statement. I try to respect the diversity and cultural viewpoints of patients and how they approach their belief, decisions, and anxiety. We are all unique in our approaches. I agree with maintaining a humble perspective and being grateful for everything big and little thing.
DeleteWe all have our ways of respecting cultural diversity and whatever decisions every people have in their lives, but we also have to understand that we have a role as a nurse to guide them to make an appropriate one. We are their advocates and we should be proud of it.
DeleteI don't have a specific mantra or quote that I aspire to each day. Instead, I tend to focus on being grateful for the good times and looking for the opportunity in not so good times. Like others have said, letting go of things I can't control and focus on what I can control is something I continue to work on.
ReplyDeleteAgree with this idea Sarah!
DeleteThis so true! Sometimes it seems easier to focus on the negative, but if we take a minute and reflect and realize all the positive things/outlook, it is definitely a game changer
DeleteSame her Sarah,it is a waste of time focusing on thins we don't have any control . just be grateful everyday of the blessing that we have and work on things that don't go our way
DeleteBeing grateful is always a humble act!!!
DeleteThe scriptures that sustain me in difficult times are the 23rd Psalm and Jeremiah 29:11.....
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DeleteMy favorite Bible verse is Phillipians 4:13
DeleteI can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.
No certain quote or mantra for me. I do try to find the positive in things and try to roll with the changes. Speak up about my concerns and then move into the accepting mode. With the work we do, we should really see that things really can be worse. Even if you "fake it til you make it", it is better than giving into and feeding negativity!
ReplyDeleteI completely agree, sometimes when I get caught up in the day to day nonsense I have to remind myself of those we care for and that these things that seem big at the time are really miniscule in the reality of our patients lives.
DeleteI have a couple quotes I like to live by:
ReplyDelete#1: "Become the change you want to see." There is plenty of stuff that goes wrong or that seems unfair. Responsibilities/roles change. However, rather than just sitting around and complaining about it, figure out how you can make a difference/change. While some things are out of our control, find something that we can control and make a positive impact. At work, for instance, I find myself always pushing myself to crosstrain to different areas (current venture is cross-training to ICU/vents)... I feel like by doing so I can positive impact patient care and teamwork amongst my peers.
#2- "One day closer to retiring"- No matter how difficult/frustrating work is, just remember work and nothing for that matter lasts forever. It is more of a joking statement, but the seriousness behind it is that everything is temporary. What seems impossible won't last forever andyou will get through it- whether it be studying for OCN, getting through your third 12 hour shift in a row, waking up every 2 hours with a newborn infant for three months straight.... it is all temporary and just remind yourself there is a light at the end of the tunnel.
So true Amy-1 day closer to retirement-love that...another one that that I saw on a coffee mug that makes me laugh is "I can sleep when I'm dead"-LOL....
DeleteI love that one day closer to retirement! I also think like that. I also think, however, that once I retire I will miss all of this so I need to find the mix of looking forward to when it will all pay off and I can enjoy the fruits of my labor, but also know that this is temporary. Little self talks are helpful :)
DeleteIt's always important to find ways to make a change, because it is through this that we make a difference!!!
DeleteI tend to say and think "Flexibility is key to survival." With all of the changes in our work environment the past several years and changes in life, rolling with the changes, adapting, evolving, and recognizing the blessings along the way, is key to sanity and survival. I continue to be grateful that I fill a grocery cart at Jewel rather than standing hours in line for bread, or my sleep may be disturbed by planes landing at OHare rather than hearing bombers cause I could live in a war zone. This may sound silly, but I am hugely grateful for my life and my career, including changes in it all. These are changes I can live with and continue to adapt.
ReplyDeleteYou definitely put it into perspective with your comparisons. Great quote!
DeleteI heard a quote recently that "Adaptation is a key to survival" a little different but close. I agree with the flexibility a lot and especially pertaining to flexibility of the mind. We all have certain belief systems and see life through our own filters. Staying open to change and uncertainty is a skill. Another quote is "Accept - then act. Whatever the present moment contains, accept it as if you had chosen it. Always work with it, not against it." Eckhart Tolle.
DeleteI always believe that our profession requires a lot of flexibility because of the on going changes that are happening. Flexibility + resilience will give us the best output in our nursing practice no matter what.
DeleteWith all the recent strife and stress at work it becomes easy to join in negative conversation and even gossip. One of the old managers who is no longer working with us, Marcie, provided this bit of wisdom...Is it true, is it kind, is it necessary?I try to draw on that when I see myself going to the dark side.
ReplyDeleteUgh I miss Marcie...she is such a special person!!! Just being around her was a blessing!
DeleteI too miss Marcie. She always had a way of coming up with the right words at the right time. Thanks for sharing.
DeleteYes, Mary. This is a good filter through which to screen my thoughts/words/actions.
DeleteAt times we ponder what do we get from gossiping??? Is it true, is it kind, is it necessary...such beautiful words that struck us like a bullet in our heart. This words teach us to be mindful because if it happens to us we can just say is it true, is it kind, is it necessary?
DeleteMary, I remember you telling me that Marcy said this. I love it! Thanks for the reminder, I will start using this as well. You are a blessing to work with.
Delete"everyday is a blessing " the moment I wake up in the morning I thank God that I'm alive and I'm breathing and start counting all my blessings like I have hot water at home, my car is working , my kids and husband are healthy and safe. there is so much things to be grateful for and to me its changes my outlook in life when you feel bless, you tend to bless other people and you appreciate every little things that comes your way.
ReplyDeleteThis is very true Vilma, I always thank God for all the Blessings.
DeleteI agree! I am noticing that when I focus on and thank God for the blessings in my life, I feel happier and more positive. Instead of saying something negative (or if I say something negative) I try to find something positive about the situation.
DeleteVilma I agree that attitude of gratitude is a desired state of mind. Negativity is contagious, and we need to constantly remind ourselves to stay positive. The present moment is a gift. The act of gratitude or a prayer brings us back to the present; not the past or the future. Gratitude is very powerful practice.
DeleteVery true Vilma, everyday we should thank God for all the blessings no matter how small or big it is.
DeleteThere are a lot of things we can be thankful just like what you said. Sometimes instead of complaining about little things, we have to look around and see how fortunate we are compared to other people and yet they are not complaining.
DeleteThis is a good daily reminder, especially in this Covid climate! Every day is a gift to be celebrated.
DeleteHi everyone,
ReplyDeleteSomething that I live by is "work hard and be nice to people". I really think that is one of the main keys to life. There is a school by my house that has a memo board and it has had that message on it for over a year and I love it. If we work hard at everything we do, and be nice to the people we encounter, there is no possible way it won't make a positive difference.
Like the others I don't have a particular mantra per say, actually I have a lot. One of them is the " Golden Rule" if you observe that, you will always think of what is good for you & the patient. In line with our mother standard of care. The other quote is "Everyday Live your life to the fullest". Because you don't know what's instore for you the next day. No matter what obstacles on your journey you will be able to accept it and make the most of it. Flexibility and positively is one of the requirements too. Do not forget to Thank God for all the blessings we received every single day.!!!
ReplyDeleteI will never forget that GOLDEN RULE, the most important rule my parents have instilled in me when I was a child. It's an awesome rule to live by and you will never go wrong with it.
DeleteThe past year has been the most challenging year of my life. Each day is a new chance to do your best, stay humble, and seek serenity- find peace in your own circumstance.
ReplyDeleteFinding peace is such an important thing and I feel like I'm just now starting to find peace within myself. I have a long way to go but it's a start. I love that you say "each day is a new chance to do your best" because no matter what happened yesterday or last year, we get another shot at being our best self every single day.
DeleteI agree that each day is a new chance to do your best. Good luck to you in seeking your serenity!
DeleteI have a tattoo on my inner arm that states "It is well", short for It is well with my soul. It is my personal reminder of why I am a nurse and the type of person I am at my core. When the day to day distracts me it helps me come back to who I am as a person and gives me the motivation I need.
ReplyDeletea great way to remind yourself and keep your motivation
DeleteThat is cool........
DeleteI start everyday with a prayer. Before work I try to start the day with a new positive thought when I get to work I listen to my co worker Lisa who always tries to be positive and has a happy thought and Steph to keep me on the right path. Thank goodness for great co workers!
ReplyDeleteI always believe in the power of prayer, just like you that is how i start my work. I pray for strength, wisdom, and patience to be able to deliver my work in the most safest and compassionate manner.
DeleteOur new healthy rewards or healthy encouragement app, Rally Health one of the positive thinking quotes is "Be grateful each day." I attempt to use this app daily to remind myself of all things that I am grateful for in my life. It helps to put a positive start to my day.
ReplyDeleteThat is a great quote indeed!! I think we can be so consumed about negative things that forget to be grateful =)
DeleteEveryday is such a blessing, we always have to be grateful especially now that we are facing such crisis. God will always be in control.
DeleteI don't think I really have a mantra or saying. I used to say "You can't have a bad day when you sparkle" but there are always going to be days that are not so great even if I were to shower in pink glitter. I used to be a pretty negative person and although I was always grateful for my life I didn't try to find the positive things on a regular basis. This year did not start off so great for my family and since then I have really been trying to change my thinking and attitude. I try to purposefully focus on the positive things that I am thankful for and stop complaining. For example, I used to complain that I'd have to clean off my car after it snowed, but now I try to be grateful that I have a warm car to drive. I have been listening to Joel Osteen on my way to work to help bring some perspective and insight into my life. If I'm having a "bad" day at work I try to quickly snap myself out of it and remember that my patients need me to be present for them. I try to start each day as a new opportunity to make it a great day for myself and those around me.
ReplyDeleteKim, Joel Osteen is a great person to listen. Another great resource is Andy Stanley.
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DeleteWe always have to find ways to make life exciting. It should come from us not from others.
DeleteMy mantras include "everything happens for a reason" and "God is in control". Starting each day with prayers and positive thoughts and pondering these thoughts throughout the day. Sometimes it is easy to get caught up in the thoughts of job security or issues throughout the day but when the day is over, we are healthy and still have a job. I like to encourage patients and coworkers. I allow God to use me in many situations throughout the day.
ReplyDeleteThat's right, Sheila. We must count our blessings.
DeleteIt would impossible for me to have one universal quote. I do practice yoga frequently, and each class comes with a quote which is an intention for the practice. The popular topics are balance, peace, and surrender. Everyday is different and in yoga you cannot just master a pose to own it. Each time on the mat, you will struggle so it teaches you surrender. Spiritual surrender is not weakness but strength. You let go off control and things just happen on its own. As for life difficulties and change, I see it in the similar way. Everything is temporary. That's just the nature of things. We want to hold on to things and people, and we want security and abundance.It all starts with acceptance and surrender. Many quotes I love are by Eckhart Tolle - the spiritual author of "The Power of Now".
ReplyDelete"Acknowledging the good that you already have in your life is the foundation for all abundance"
What sees me through daily challenges is my reliance on God. I ask for His protection each and every day, for my patients first and then myself, and ask Him to help me be a blessing and an encouragement. To serve them well. I try to count my blessings and see each day as a gift. Not always good at it, but this is my goal.
ReplyDeleteFunny, I just read your comment after I posted mine. I agree, relying on God and seeking Him for all things makes my days go much easier.
Delete"Everyday is a Gift". This gets me by all the time. Be grateful and appreciate the day because you did nothing to earn it. And the best part is that the day/gift is what you make of it.
ReplyDeleteCliff,
DeleteEvery day is a gift. Our patients we serve show us that as a reminder every day! Tomorrow is not promised to anyone, so as you expressed, make the most of each day you are given!
Brenda Chiappetta
Such a good reminder, yes! It's all too easy to get caught up in the "what ifs" of this world. With God's help, I will focus on the here and now, and rely on Him for the rest.
DeleteI don't really have a quote, but I just show up to work, shut my mouth and do my job that is asked. I tend to tell myself and my family that everything will work itself out!
ReplyDeleteEverything happens for a reason, God is in control, Everyday is a gift and a blessing are great quotes I love that helps me through my daily challenges and changes especially of what's going on right now. But one of my favorite saying or quote is " LAUGHTER IS THE BEST MEDICINE " Aside from using lesser number of muscles to laugh than to frown; laughter helps reduce pain, it connects us emotionally thus increasing our job performance and it does improves the flow of oxygen to our heart and brain.
ReplyDeleteI wanna end my blog with these words I've seen on facebook "Laughter is the best medicine, but if you laugh without a reason, then you need a medicine. "
I truly agree with you Alex, sometimes as nurses we forget to laugh and have fun because we are delve too much in the stress of our work. We should not forget that we are also humans and humans have he right to laugh.
DeleteI always believe that challenges will always be a part of our everyday lives be it at work, family, or even in certain circumstances such as what is happening in our world right now. The best thing about these challenges is that it helps us to grow and motivate us into deeper meaning of life and that is to "take one step at time and face it with courage and belief in the presence of God." One of my favorite mantras that I usually apply in my life is "The greatest test of courage is to bear defeat without losing heart." I always believe that no matter what we face in our daily lives in any circumstances, we have to be strong and continue to fight, cause life does not end when we fall but continue its race when we rise.
ReplyDeleteI want to inspire all of you from the clip I got from NIKE.
The race is not to the swift but to those who keep on running.
Run till it hurts, if it hurts run some more.
If it still hurts, run until it hurts no more.
Each step brings you closer to the finish line.
If you think you can, you can.
Never make excuses for the bad days, say thanks when it is done.
You can do it.
I agree with you, this is a good one for what is happening right now! good job!
DeleteEvery morning as I drive into work I say a prayer to keep my patients, peers and myself safe. Every morning I wake, I tell myself to make it a fabulous, smooth and blessed day and leave it in God's hands.
ReplyDeleteAnanda,
DeleteThat is a great idea and practice. Prayer helps Ilya in so many ways. Always put your faith and trust in God and He will see you through!
Brenda Chiappetta
Yep- giving our days to God is always a good plan! Thankful to work with you
DeleteAgreed. Every day is a gift and so blessed to work with you all.
DeleteThe personal philosophy that I hold near and dear to my heart is, “God is in control...and his timing is perfect!” All I have to remember in any area of my life are these two things. It helps to take the stress off of me, and to cast my cares on Him as that is what the Bible tells us to do. It makes everything in life easier to accept and handle.
ReplyDeleteHave a wonderful day everyone!
Brenda Chiappetta
Good words, Brenda!
DeleteWell I had my quote all ready to go and then hopped on and saw Brenda's! That is honestly what I try to live by and remind myself daily! "God is in control...and he has a plan!" Also all things work together for his good. We are in a time when Faith carries us through and it is our Hope and what we have to hold onto. I pray for all of us daily in the front lines and I pray we are covered by his Love for us! Stay safe everyone, stay hopeful and be proud of how we serve others!
ReplyDeleteHe is our very present help in time of trouble. Amen!
ReplyDeleteAmen, Jen....when all else fails, God is still good!
DeleteI thank God for every day and pray for my family and friends. I always think to myself that things could be better or they could be worse, but it is my choice for how I start my day and how I react to certain things.I hope everyone comes through this crisis safely!
ReplyDeleteI remember when I first started working here it was amazing to me to see such positivity from the patients and in all of the staff. Many of the patients were told to "get their affairs in order etc." and came here for a 2nd opinion. This is not a quote but... I thought, if they can be positive through that I can try to be an a ray of sunshine for them. It has helped me through the years to try to do one thing that will make my patients journey easier. In regards to raising my children I was told once "the days are long but the years are short." I believe that in most things, like in times like these, the days seem so long but hopefully soon, this time will seem short. Stay healthy everyone!!! prayers for all in this most difficult time.
ReplyDeleteI believe that everything happens for a reason, even though we may not always know what that reason is. Whether we are going through times of joy or grief, we need to remember this. Also, with everything happening in the world right now, we have to remember to be kind to one another. We do not always know what others are going through.
ReplyDeleteThat is a good thought for this season of life when many things are happening and we don't understanding the reasons.
DeleteSame as most with everybody here, I live by everything/anything happens for a reason. I believe that all the challenges, failures and achievements in our everyday life are meant to teach us lessons for ourselves and could also make difference in our lives and with others as well.
ReplyDeleteI have the Chinese symbols for 'survivor' tattooed on my back, have a bracelet that I received when I reached my 20 year survivor mark, and I have a key chain with those words too. I am a 22 year survivor of childhood leukemia and although I have side effects of my chemotherapy that influence my day to day -- I survived, I am surviving, and I will survive.
ReplyDeleteElizabeth, that is an awesome way to celebrate your achievement! Congratulations on 22 years of staying strong!
DeleteWhen things get stressful and it is hard to think positive, I always have liked the saying "Count your blessings, not your problems". It is easy to get caught up in the negativity when things get rough. But this saying helps me to think about all of the good things going on in my life, rather than to focus on the few bad things. It is very important to have a positive attitude in every day situations.
ReplyDeleteI believe this is good, to focus on the blessings we have keeps one from getting too involve in problems. An attitude of gratitude.
DeleteMy personal motto is "be the change you want to see". I feel that is a positive affirmation to first expect positive change to happen with my own self. Attitude leads action.
ReplyDeleteI have two....
ReplyDeleteChallenges are what make life "interesting" and overcoming them is what makes life "meaningful".
Just believe....cause anything is possible!
My personal motto that I have chosen to live by right now is:
ReplyDelete"Out of crisis, comes opportunity." Not sure who to give credit to, but I try to reflect on this as I grieve all the changes and loss that the COVID 19 pandemic has caused. It helps give me hope that, even though change will occur, we can use this time to seek better things that can come.
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