Writing an article in August for an end of the year publication has proven more difficult than I anticipated. The primary reason is the approaching end of the summer. I am a self-professed summer girl. Growing up and living in the Midwest has given me a wonderful appreciation of the four seasons; but summer is my favorite and we had a boiler this year in Indiana. When making the short walk from work to my car in the 95[degrees]F and higher temperatures, I thought this could be snow, wind, sleet, and below zero! At that point the record-breaking temperatures became a fleeting thought. Then there was the challenge of keeping anything green alive. I did a good job of conserving; because we can't eat grass, I forgot the lawn and concentrated on the flower pots and those precious vegetables in my garden. Neither was a blue-ribbon crop but they passed. I was happy only mowing my grass prior to congress in May and not again until August.
The second reason was my anticipation of taking an 18-day trip to Spain, Morocco, and Portugal. Your NAON president is not a worldly traveler. I have visited some Caribbean Islands during the winter (it's that summer thing) but otherwise my family, educational pursuits, work, and lack of travel opportunities have kept me home in Indiana. So, when presented with the possibility to accompany three crony girlfriends on the trip of a lifetime, I gladly said, "Color me there." I happily admit that for 18 days I did not think about work, home, or NAON. However being a good Nana, I did remember to send my eldest grandson a birthday greeting from Spain.
I could easily turn this message into my personal travelogue but it is not the purpose and I don't want to lose my audience. However, during the trip I was clearly impressed by the architecture, found the landscapes in each country beautiful, was intrigued by the history along with the juxtaposition and melding of cultures. It was the historical blending of cultures with mutual respect, consideration, and coexistence, which stimulated my message for the holiday season and year-end. Our holiday celebrations are dependent upon the specific beliefs or cultures we were raised with and have experienced. I believe that one common thread is being close to friends and family and remembering loved ones who have passed on. Our psychosocial education in nursing along with the underlying caring behaviors we demonstrate daily have enabled us to achieve a level of coexistence that is a key element to our strong values and strength in practice.
At this time of year, nurses not only care for our patients but each other as well. We know what day is significant for our colleagues and, we help by trading shifts or working for someone who needs a day of celebration or reverence. We are cognizant of coworkers experiencing difficulty; therefore, we do what is necessary to comfort, support, and assist them to cope with their troubles. As a nursing community, we foster our own traditions. Many nursing departments develop special ways to commemorate the holiday season. Some volunteer their time for a variety of activities, whereas others collect food, clothing, or gifts for donations. Previous units I worked on have adopted a hospital family in need of assistance or collaborated with our social work peers to aid a patient's family facing a tough situation. Then there is the proverbial pitch-in for those actually working the holiday. To ease the pain of leaving our family and friends, we come together over food, allowing us to learn more about each other, our traditions, and culture. We also develop great working relationships while getting an elusive meal break on what is generally a very busy shift. As a nursing leader, I was often home with family. I enjoyed contributing toward the holiday pitch in for my work family while providing a gentle reminder to monitor the food at the nurses' station, please leave the unit clean, and don't forget our purpose.
One interesting ritual I found shared by many people in different countries at the end of each year is either playing or singing "Auld Lang Syne" or a similar tribute. A Scottish poem, "Auld Lang Syne" is credited to Robert Burns in 1788; however, there is a record of similar lyrics printed in 1711 by James Watson. What started as a New Year's custom in Scotland spread throughout Britain and the colonies. Many years later the song was picked up by Hollywood and using today's nomenclature one could say it "went viral" from there. The song's message is universal. It is a celebration of days gone by. We recall those who went before us while reminiscing about love and fellowship with our neighbors, friends, and family. At the same time the song gives us a sense of belonging and camaraderie into the future. Observing the end of an old year and then rejoicing start of a new one seems to be about the closest thing to a recognized global holiday. As each of us approaches our specific holiday season and the New Year, I hope we are able to remember the spirit of "Auld Lang Syne" and find joy in our work, friends, and family.
NAON has closed the year with several accomplishments: an updated newsletter, website, and improved congress. We look forward to continued member benefits in 2013 through enriched products and educational services. For NAON members who are sharing your holiday with patients, thank you for the hard work, commitment, and dedication. I also thank all NAON members for your continued support and the opportunity to lead this great organization. By far, this is the best role I have experienced in my professional career. May the spirit of the holiday season fill your hearts and stay with you throughout 2013.