This is the story of a Registered Nurse (me) who stood up for herself and her patients, and what happened in the process. Nurses are one of the most dedicated professionals on the earth. Nurses vow to protect their patients from harm. Here is Nightingale’s Pledge from 1935, and it (or an updated version) continues to be said at nurse graduation ceremonies around the world.
I solemnly pledge myself before God and in the presence of this assembly, to pass my life in purity and to practise my profession faithfully. I will abstain from whatever is deleterious and mischievous, and will not take or knowingly administer any harmful drug. I will do all in my power to maintain and elevate the standard of my profession, and will hold in confidence all personal matters committed to my keeping, and all family affairs coming to my knowledge in the practice of my calling. With loyalty will I endeavour to aid the physician in his work, and as a 'missioner of health' I will dedicate myself to devoted service to human welfare.
Change does not happen lickity-split. Ever watch a plant grow? It takes determination, attention, education, fertilization and time. Change is difficult. Change is complex, and while no one theory can explain all the nuances of behavior change, there are a few models that describe how many people cycle through stages of adaptation. Today's blog discusses the most common one and how you might feel to walk through each stage.
