Every nurse knows of Florence Nightingale. Her tenacity, her wisdom and her visionary Notes on Nursing remain a mainstay in most nursing programs to date. But what most nurses do not know about Florence Nightingale is that she was a pioneer in the practice of wellness. She believed in the ability of nature as the ultimate healer, and that patients were the best keepers of their care. Her practice emphasized the nurse as a vessel or conduit in assisting the patient on their path to wellness, coaching and empowering them to be in a position where medicines and medical treatment would have its optimal impact. In Nightingale, public health nursing was born, yet we continue to struggle with how best to promote health and wellness in our communities. In this era of personalized medicine and person centered care, it is humbling to read her notes on nursing and be reminded that Nightingale was trying to address these very same concepts in her nursing practice over 100 hundred years ago.
In contrast to Nightingales practice era, modern nurses are faced with tremendous expectations and extremely limited time constraints placed on them by the healthcare system and often by themselves that make it very hard for us to intentionally promote the concepts of prevention and wellness. In 2008, the Committee on the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Initiative on the Future of Nursing, at the Institute of Medicine, published their seminal report on The Future of Nursing: Leading Change, Advancing Health.1 This report is really a desperate call to the nursing profession to aid in transforming the health of ourselves and the nation. It is also an opportunity to be reminded of the very same call put forth to the nursing profession by Nightingale in the year 1859. As nurses we are role models to our family, children, patients, clients and communities. We often take charge of the health of our patients and families without thinking twice of the consequences or the stress that may come with it. This is a large burden to carry, and often results in us losing sight of our own health in the process. Since my personal health scare over 2 years ago, I have taken a hard look at my everyday activities to see how I can become healthier and happier, while still doing with I love. Promoting intentional wellness, as outlined in the IOM report, has not only become a professional challenge, but a personal goal of mine. Intentional wellness implies that we actively seek wellness in all facets of our life and become role models to promote balanced and healthy lifestyles in others. Happiness is a choice. All too often we fall prey to the belief that our situations control us; it is quite the opposite—we control our situations! Every single day I work hard to improve my wellbeing. I will say that some days are much harder than others. Many times I wished I had a network of wellness advocates to keep me in check! This is one reason I’ve created this website. We have been called to transform our health and that of our nation, and we cannot do this alone. Not only do I hope to be a resource to you, but I sincerely believe you will be a resource to me. The best teachers are also the best learners. So please leave your comments and feedback below; you never know who may need to hear your words.
- Institute of Medicine. (2010). The future of nursing: Leading change, advancing health.
Nurses are uniquely poised to be advocates for health and wellness, as we often have the most contact with patients and are viewed as the most trusted healthcare profession. Just as health and wellness happens everywhere, Nurses are everywhere! So let’s join in the wellness movement, and help each other realize our full potential. Check out the ANA’s Well Nurse program and RWJF cultures of health. If you are new to nursing, or thinking about nursing, visit Johnson and Johnson, Campaign for Nursing. Let’s share how we promote health and wellness in our homes, workplaces and communities. If you are not a nurse you can still join in on the fun! Wellness Champions can come from all backgrounds and are much needed. Well wishes, Taura
taurabarr 