August 2016

Dear Colleagues,

For many of us, the start of the new school year is a time of beginnings in other areas of our lives as well….in addition to perhaps going back to school ourselves (or registering for many of the programs being offered by the BU SHIELD program), we may have children of our own returning to school…or perhaps going off to college for the first time.  It may be the start of new job…and a new career in school health!  There may be other changes, too, but no matter what these changes include in your life this fall, please keep in mind these ten lessons from Florence Nightingale as we begin another new year in School Health (from AJN 2010, Parting Thoughts: Ten Lessons Learned from Florence Nightingale’s Life):

  1. Never, ever stop learning. An education in the arts and sciences helps with critical thinking and making important connections for us as nurses.  Florence used her knowledge of math, statistics, sanitation, religion, and architecture to put a holistic plan together to improve the systems that care for patients.
  2. Ground yourself and your work in facts and evidence. Make your case indisputable using the data you collect every day!  Every nurse should do this . . . not just those who call themselves “researchers.”
  3. Muster the courage to follow your convictions.Step beyond what you think you can do. And do the right thing!
  4. Treat every person holistically.Every person has a spiritual, mental, and physical side that must be nurtured for complete healing to occur.
  5. Know your strengths and know your weaknesses.If you don’t know what they are, ask someone. Choose a project where you can make the most of your strengths. Contribute, contribute, and then contribute some more.
  6. Use your network to accomplish what you think you might be unable to accomplish on your own.Don’t be afraid to ask others to help you finish important jobs and make needed improvements. Likewise, say yes to helping others when you are asked.
  7. Speak and write often about the lessons/learnings that you would like to share with others. Share these anecdotes and stories with other school nurses!  We will all learn from your experiences!
  8. If you see something that needs to be changed, change it!Nightingale said, “Deed, not creed.”
  9. Don’t blame others for how things are, if you are not willing to change those things yourself.Or at least solicit help from others to make needed changes.
  10. Keep your standards high.Lack of time, fatigue, and ambivalence all undermine high standards. Our students deserve more.

 

Just a few short updates as you begin your busy school year!  Thanks for all you do every day to support the health, safety, and education of our students.

Sincerely,

Mary Ann, Janet, Carol and Karen.