How nurses can support each other like our lives depend on it | THE BEST OF The Podcast by KevinMD

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How nurses can support each other like our lives depend on it

I often wonder, for myself and my fellow nurses, what it truly looks like to hold onto each other as though our lives depended on it. Caring for each other in this way is vital because, at the end of the day, our lives truly do depend on it. Our well-being and resilience are closely tied to how we support one another through the challenges we face.

To healthcare institutions, I say this: the burden of overcoming stress and burnout cannot fall solely on healthcare workers. You must step up by implementing robust peer response programs and regular debriefing sessions. Create spaces for workshops outside of work, where we can come together for extended periods to lay down our grief and share the stories that have been etched into our bodies and bones. These sessions allow us to release the emotional weight we carry and fill those newly created spaces within us with joy and rejuvenation. This renewal is essential for us to return to our duties refreshed and ready to continue holding and supporting each other.

Tara Rynders is a nurse, dancer, and choreographer.

?? FULL EPISODE → https://www.kevinmdpodcast.com/dance-play-heal-a-nurses-guide-to-processing-trauma/

The power of shared stories

When I conduct these workshops for healthcare providers, the most significant feedback I receive is their astonishment at the profound impact of being in a room with peers who truly understand their experiences. Participants often share that, while they can talk to their partners or therapists, there is something uniquely validating about hearing others say, "Oh yeah, that happened to me too. I get that. That was hard." The shared experiences foster a sense of solidarity and understanding that alleviates feelings of isolation and shame.

One of the most important lessons I've learned from these workshops is the power of storytelling. When we share our stories, we not only connect on a deeper level but also release the burden of shame and realize that we are not alone. It's this collective recognition of our shared struggles that brings a profound sense of relief and community. Additionally, I believe it's crucial to be honest about what these experiences feel like. Sharing the unfiltered truth of our emotions and challenges helps to foster a supportive environment where everyone feels seen and heard.

Tara Rynders is a nurse, dancer, and choreographer.

?? FULL EPISODE → https://www.kevinmdpodcast.com/health-care-costs-looking-in-the-mirror-for-solutions/

Navigating the challenges of sepsis diagnosis in emergency departments

Sepsis is an incredibly challenging diagnosis, particularly in the emergency department where most septic patients first enter the hospital. These patients often present with a wide variety of symptoms, unlike more immediately identifiable conditions such as STEMI, which shows ST elevation on an EKG, or stroke, which has clear physical exam findings.

Currently, most hospitals lack effective tools to accurately identify septic patients. We rely on the SIRS criteria for sepsis screening, despite its lack of validation and limited reliability. This often leads to both underdiagnosis and overdiagnosis, resulting in missed cases of sepsis as well as the unnecessary utilization of hospital resources. The complexity and variability in sepsis presentations make it difficult to ensure timely and accurate diagnoses, highlighting a significant gap in our emergency medical practices.

Robert Scoggins, MD, PhD is a physician executive.

?? FULL EPISODE → https://www.kevinmdpodcast.com/using-technology-to-diagnose-sepsis/

Embrace your inner strength and transform lives

Believe in yourself, trust in yourself. Find the good within and nurture it. The more you cultivate and express your inner strengths, the more you’ll find healing within yourself. This inner healing will radiate outward, enabling you to help others heal. First and foremost, you’ll feel better about yourself. This self-assuredness and compassion will naturally extend to others, reminding us all of our shared humanity.

Don’t be harsh on yourself for being human. When challenges arise, learn from them. Embrace these experiences, discuss them with others, and share your journey. These interactions can be transformative, offering valuable insights that not only change you but can also inspire and help others. Learn from others’ experiences and mistakes as well.

By engaging with others and sharing your journey, you’ll propel yourself forward much faster than if you were to isolate yourself. Interacting with others and utilizing the support around you is key. Remember, there are many good people out there who want to hear from you and be a part of your journey.

Joshua Schwarzbaum, MD, MBA is an emergency physician.

?? FULL EPISODE → https://www.kevinmdpodcast.com/mistakes-make-us-better-doctors/

Balancing care: the secret to thriving in clinical professions

Believe in yourself, trust in yourself. Find the good within and nurture it. The more you cultivate and express your inner strengths, the more you’ll find healing within yourself. This inner healing will radiate outward, enabling you to help others heal. First and foremost, you’ll feel better about yourself. This self-assuredness and compassion will naturally extend to others, reminding us all of our shared humanity.

Don’t be harsh on yourself for being human. When challenges arise, learn from them. Embrace these experiences, discuss them with others, and share your journey. These interactions can be transformative, offering valuable insights that not only change you but can also inspire and help others. Learn from others’ experiences and mistakes as well.

By engaging with others and sharing your journey, you’ll propel yourself forward much faster than if you were to isolate yourself. Interacting with others and utilizing the support around you is key. Remember, there are many good people out there who want to hear from you and be a part of your journey.

Koshin Paley Ellison is a psychotherapist and author of Untangled: Walking the Eightfold Path to Clarity Courage and Compassion.

?? FULL EPISODE → https://www.kevinmdpodcast.com/how-contemplative-medicine-revived-a-doctors-passion/

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