“The two most powerful words when we’re in struggle: me too.” — Brené Brown
I laughed out loud as I typed the title of this article. It’s a rhetorical question for all of us.
“It’s a breeze to change practice in our NICU. The staff jumps right on board, the educational process is efficient, and in no time, our outcomes, parent satisfaction scores, and staff morale are off-the-charts,” said NO ONE EVER.
And why is that? Why is it challenging to change NICU practice? The reasons are many. But one in particular leaps to the surface:
We are educated and prepared to care for the tiniest human beings, not to simultaneously create new systems, integrate change, and advocate for resources. And yet, because we care so much about the infants and families we work with, we support and often lead new initiatives.
We may not always know where to begin or what tools to use, but we DO see the result we aim for. And we know for sure we won’t give up. Well, at least not for good.
I almost gave up once upon a time. I nearly surrendered a NICU-wide clinical project I believed in because I was kicked around ‘in the arena’ one too many times. In the end, I learned so much from the roller-coaster ride of that project, things I still use today.
While we (NANT) continue to build resources and programs to aid you in the battles you face at work, for today, know this – your efforts toward implementing change in the NICU are never lost. They are, at the very least, rich soil for growth and, at the very most, life-changing.
Your sheer will to be part of the solution inspires.
