December Reflections: A Personal Story, Lessons in Healthcare, and an Exciting 2025 Ahead

As we close out the year, I want to share a deeply personal story that has stayed with me this holiday season. Yesterday, my mother was discharged from the hospital after being hospitalized for a few days. While I’m overjoyed to have her home, I can’t shake an interaction I had with one of her nurses during her stay—one that left me reflecting on the vital importance of clinical judgment and patient advocacy.

During her hospitalization, my mother’s blood pressure was alarmingly high, ranging from 190s to 200s over 90s. When I expressed concern, the nurse assured me, “Her blood pressure has been elevated, and the doctors are aware.” However, no action was being taken because “the medication is not due yet.”

Without knowing all the details of her care plan, one thing is clear: blood pressure readings in this range warrant attention. Elevated blood pressure is sometimes expected in specific circumstances, such as post-surgical recovery or certain stress responses, but these instances require diligent monitoring and trend reviews. Simply noting the elevation without acting does not align with industry standards of care.

As nurses, our role includes identifying changes in patient conditions and collaborating with physicians when interventions are needed. This is especially critical in situations like my mother’s, where overlooking trends could have life-threatening consequences. Thankfully, after encouraging the nurse to call the doctor, adjustments were made to her medication, and her blood pressure began to stabilize.

Three Ways Healthcare Organizations Can Strengthen Nurse Training:

1. Enhance Clinical Judgment Education: Provide hands-on training that focuses on assessing patient trends, recognizing red flags, and taking timely action.
2. Encourage a Culture of Advocacy: Foster environments where nurses feel empowered to raise concerns and escalate issues for the safety of their patients.
3. Invest in Ongoing Education: Offer continuous professional development opportunities to keep clinical skills sharp and aligned with current evidence-based practices.

This experience reminded me of the impact burnout and fatigue can have on healthcare professionals. Overwhelmed, exhausted clinicians may miss critical signs, inadvertently affecting patient care. It also left me thinking: What if I wasn’t a nurse? Would my mother have received the same timely intervention?

Download my free guide that includes strategies to overcome and beat burnout.

Looking Ahead to 2025 As we step into the new year, I’m excited about the opportunities to continue meaningful conversations and share resources that drive change in healthcare.

Upcoming Events:

• Encore-The Secrets to Transform Burnout Into Breakthrough Webinar | January 7, 2025
• Save The Date- Health & Wealth Expo: A Virtual Summit | February 22, 2025
• Nurses With Voices Podcast | Continues in January 2025 with Ongoing discussions on healthcare inequities and opportunities to work together to create positive change.

Let’s make 2025 the year of progress, resilience, and growth—together.

Five Tips to Prepare for an Incredible New Year:

1. Reflect on lessons learned and how they can shape your goals.
2. Prioritize self-care and wellness to start the year energized.
3. Create a roadmap for both personal and professional aspirations.
4. Commit to ongoing learning and skill development.
5. Build connections with those who inspire and support your journey.

As I unplug to spend time with my family this holiday season, I want to thank each of you for your support, passion, and commitment to making healthcare better.

Wishing you all a Merry Christmas, a joyful holiday season, and a Happy New Year filled with promise and purpose. Let’s gear up for an exciting 2025!

With gratitude,

Dr. Lendra

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