Courage in Everyday Nursing Practice
Courage is an important attribute in life and in your nursing practice. As Helen Keller said,
"Security is mostly a superstition. It does not exist in nature nor do the children of men as a whole experience it. Avoiding danger is no safer in the long run than outright exposure. Life is either a daring adventure, or nothing."
Nursing is a noble profession that is not for the faint of heart. Opportunities to choose courageous acts present themselves on a regular basis because risk is everywhere. You can attempt to minimize the risks by playing it safe but there are risks to yourself, your colleagues, your profession, and those you serve when you don't take risks in showing up, speaking up, or practicing according to the highest standards of evidence-based practice. Choosing to practice courageously, consistent with your personal and professional values, will cause some discomfort, bumps, and bruises to you and your career. It will also bring professional and personal fulfillment, strengthen the profession, and improve patient outcomes. You will know that you are making a difference in your daily practice and throughout your nursing career.
One way to cultivate courageous behavior is through personal risk taking (PRT), but first you need to understand the nature of risk and its related concept, positive deviance.
Introduction
Courage is an important attribute in life and in your nursing practice. As Helen Keller said,
"Security is mostly a superstition. It does not exist in nature nor do the children of men as a whole experience it. Avoiding danger is no safer in the long run than outright exposure. Life is either a daring adventure, or nothing."
Nursing is a noble profession that is not for the faint of heart. Opportunities to choose courageous acts present themselves on a regular basis because risk is everywhere. You can attempt to minimize the risks by playing it safe but there are risks to yourself, your colleagues, your profession, and those you serve when you don't take risks in showing up, speaking up, or practicing according to the highest standards of evidence-based practice. Choosing to practice courageously, consistent with your personal and professional values, will cause some discomfort, bumps, and bruises to you and your career. It will also bring professional and personal fulfillment, strengthen the profession, and improve patient outcomes. You will know that you are making a difference in your daily practice and throughout your nursing career.
One way to cultivate courageous behavior is through personal risk taking (PRT), but first you need to understand the nature of risk and its related concept, positive deviance.