Don't Be Afraid

In the last 10 years or so of my nursing career, people have asked me to come and speak in front of groups.  A lot of my speaking engagements come from various AWHONN friends.  I think one of the best ones I have ever been asked to do was one by the Massachusetts AWHONN section to speak on Family Centered Maternity Care.  The best part of this one was that it was going to be held at my old school of nursing, Lawrence Memorial Hospital School of Nursing (now Regis College).    What was cool about this is that I was able to bring my mother and my sister with me to hear me talk.   I remember that I was nervous about speaking.  This is where my nursing career began.  My mother would be watching.   I kept looking over my shoulder as I spoke and was waiting to hear the voice of one of my original nursing instructors saying "Wait a minute, you shouldn't be up there speaking!"  But, I was there, I spoke and it was fun!  What my mother said to me after I finished was, "Wow, how can you do that?  Aren't you afraid to get up in front of all those people?"  I knew however, that she was very proud of me that day!

Since then I have had a few more speaking engagements, at AWHONN National Convention, at AWHONN Section Conferences and at local AWHONN Chapter Meetings, where I get to speak about my team and the wonderful work they do!  I think a lot of times about what my mother said to me that day and I realize that nurses should never be afraid to speak up and tell the stories of the great work that their teams do every day.  We should always share our stories with others.  It is important to share the good things happening on your units.   Never pass up the chance to speak and tell others what you do.   

Tonight I just finished speaking to another AWHONN Chapter on the east coast of Florida.  I shared the speaking duties with another colleague from my facility.  People come up and thank you for telling your story.  In the end, sharing stories helps others make changes in their practice and it helps mothers and newborns even further than your reach.   

So, don't be afraid.  Speak Up!  Tell your story.  Tell about the good things happening in your team!  It is through sharing that we all become great and the care for all mothers and newborns improves!