I have been able to reflect back on my nursing career once more as I had just updated and provided my resume with recent development of job prospects. I have also been scanning the past for all the things that I have done in which has strengthened my understanding of what role(s) there are still to be evolving for nursing. I press on to develop the model I now call The Primary Health Care Collaborative Model (see to the side the Social Integration Model, for a bit of understanding of it). This is what I have been up to…soon to start an orientation to Renal Dialysis…will soon be on break for 5 months but will be returning to teaching at Western…and expanding my offerings as consultant, (beyond the nurse-consultant paradigm).

While I speak often of the nursing shortage and that the number one strategy needs to be - “decrease the need for nurses”- at least at the bedside… this will only come if we illuminate the role of nurse as health promotion, disease and injury prevention specialist. In the consideration of our now-degree-preparation, much of the additional education being community and health promotion, we can make a difference. Further, what makes the most sense of all….is to promote “nursing” and all that such a concept and context means…and merely promote health through the promotion of nursing art, science and philosophy for every person….and they themselves can prevent disease, treat the common ailment and comfort the sick and dying. This can enhance the quality of life of their neighbour, their family. Built into this can be the volunteer hours for students as part of High School community service hours and as well, those that are the newly retired and/or committed to living a legacy.

So there you have it…what I have been thinking about, writing about, “soap-boxing” about…lets all enhance our inner nurse ( and don’t forget if you already are a Nurse..reflect of what I have included in the left side bar….Zen and the Art of Nursing…and …Yoga for Nurses.

Go out and make it a great day… BE the change… BE a Nurse

Dave

CANADA- Growing from good to GREAT!