You Are Never Alone: The Power of Nursing Community

Have you ever taken a moment to look around you at your community of nursing colleagues? As I attend the AANP national conference in San Diego this week I reflect on how this is an event that always restores my soul.

Is that not what you expected me to say? I could mention all the CE opportunities, all the chances to expand my knowledge both inside and outside my practice specialty, but walking into the general session every year takes my breath away.

Thousands of nurse practitioners,

All in one place.

As I sat listening to the opening address, I was overwhelmed by the NPs around me, all from different walks of life, in different specialties and at different points in their careers. I pictured all the patients that just one NP would touch this week and then magnified that over the course of their career. Looking at that conference room, picturing the millions of patients just this one room of NPs would care for, was mind blowing. 

I thought about this further, I knew if I had a problem, of any kind, I could go up to any single person in that room and they would willingly help me, a complete stranger. 

This is the power of nursing, the power of community.

And there are 441,000 NPs in the US alone. There are 4.2 million RNs.

Am I exposed to all of them on a daily basis? No. It’s just me and my colleague Kim in our pain management practice. But we are part of something much much bigger.

I know work can be hard. I know there are days that you just want to stay in bed.

But think of all of us out there doing the work.

Think of the nurses that have touched you throughout your career, who have mentored you or worked tirelessly by your side.

Think of the amazing people you work with now.

Focus on the team that you are part of, even if you feel alone…especially if you feel alone.

You can’t be alone as a nurse. There are millions of us standing with you, ready to learn, ready to help, ready to continue building a force for good in the world. 

Allow yourself to be supported, and to be proud. You are doing a good job.

P.S. If you are really glad you chose to be a nurse but are struggling to get through the day to day stressors, reach out for a consult call. 6 weeks of 1:1 coaching may be all you need to completely change your life. I look forward to connecting with you! Megan@NursingBeyondtheJob.com