Celebrating Independence and the Freedom to Choose in Nursing

Dear Esteemed Nurses and Healthcare Innovators,

As we approach the 4th of July, a celebration deeply rooted in freedom and independence, let us reflect on what these principles mean within nursing.

Our profession offers a unique type of liberty—the freedom to choose our path and to express our nursing practice in countless impactful ways.

The Rich Tapestry of Nursing Paths

In nursing, independence manifests through the many routes we can pursue. Whether it's clinical care, research, education, or entrepreneurship, our field offers diverse avenues to deploy our skills and passions. This freedom to choose our trajectory is not just a professional perk; it's a core aspect of what makes nursing so fulfilling.

The Right to Be Bold

"Freedom lies in being BOLD." - Robert Frost

In our careers, being bold is not merely encouraged—it's essential. Freedom in nursing means having the courage to try a new specialty or unit, pursue innovative ideas, develop new products, or implement novel services that enhance patient care. It is about having the audacity to dream big and the tenacity to turn those dreams into reality.

Innovation and Perseverance

If you have an idea that can make a difference, the freedom inherent in our profession empowers you to bring it to life. Being bold means embracing the possibility of failure while reveling in the opportunity to try again. It involves taking calculated risks, pushing boundaries, and continuously learning.

The words perseverance and tenacity evoke thoughts of achievement, strength, and determination. We all must persevere in both our personal and professional lives. The alternative is to allow life to dictate our circumstances.

To persevere is to keep going, pushing, learning, and doing whatever is needed to keep momentum —

those who persevere bulldoze ahead, usually staying in their lane no matter what. Tenacity is a friend of perseverance, utilizing any new information that may make the route less circuitous and the destination arrive sooner.

The Freedom to Try, Fail, and Succeed

Embracing our independence in nursing means recognizing that every attempt, every failure, and every success is part of a greater journey. It's about having the choice to persevere, the resilience to overcome challenges, and the capacity to find joy and growth along the way.

Tenacity seems less common and, therefore, stands out in a crowd. This author believes perseverance is a way through life, and tenacity is the spice that makes it happen. Undoubtedly two necessary ingredients to be a successful leader.

Celebrating Our Choices

This 4th of July, let us celebrate not only the independence of our nation but also the professional freedom we enjoy in nursing. Let’s take a moment to appreciate our right to choose, be bold, and shape our careers and industry in ways that fulfill us and serve the world.

Let's continue to be bold, embrace our freedom, and push forward with courage and conviction. Happy Independence Day to a profession that epitomizes the spirit of freedom every day.

With gratitude and admiration,

Susan B. Davis

Let this Independence Day remind us of our freedom to innovate, our right to choose, and our power to make a difference. Keep being bold, striving, and celebrating every moment of this journey.