She stood a foot back from my open office door hesitatingly surveying the scene. I invited her in, "Are you a student in the RN-BSN Program? I asked. "Yes, this is my first term and I am so happy to be here!" Her name was Lonnie. She recounted her journey into nursing, completing an associate degree program at age 38 years, working as a staff nurse for 3 years, and now pursuing a BSN. I sensed that there was more, "Tell me more about yourself, your goals," and out the story tumbled.
Lonnie was the daughter of a high-achieving, perfectionistic father who wanted a son and got Lonnie. He considered her "dumb as a stone" and would not invest in her attending college. She escaped into a marriage at age 18 years to a man who was abusive in his own way. "He suffered from severe dyslexia so I was not allowed to read or have books in the house. My occasional secret trips to the local library would infuriate him. When I suggested that he seek help, that I would support him, his rage at this idea was frightening. I finally asked for a divorce and part of the settlement was that he pay for my nursing education. So here I am!" She completed the BSN with distinction, earned an MSN and a doctorate, and joined a faculty where she continued to flourish teaching and mentoring students. Lonnie's journey is about overcoming adversity through empowerment-a theme for approaching the New Year.
The Me-Too Movement,1 with its emphasis on sexual abuse, has shone a light on broader issues for women including the importance of speaking out and relinquishing the victim role. The American Nurses Association Healthy Work Environment2 initiative enumerates 7 basic nurses' rights. These rights focus on practicing in safe work environments, negotiating for fair compensation and conditions of employment, and engaging in advocacy for self and patients without fear of retaliation.
In this New Year, let us commit to empowering not only ourselves and our colleagues but most importantly, our profession. Currently, there are 3 nurses serving in the US Congress and we need more.3 Visit the Nursing World Web site listed in the References section and read about US Congresswomen Karen Bass (California), Diane Black (Tennessee), and Eddie Bernice Johnson (Texas). No more whispering in the halls and holding back in meetings-get involved in local politics, advocate for improved health care and work environments, speak out on issues, and offer solutions. On behalf of our publisher and Editorial Board, I wish Holistic Nursing Practice readers a happy and empowered New Year!
-Gloria F. Donnelly, PhD, RN, FAAN, FCPP
Editor-in-Chief
REFERENCES