On a daily basis we often do things that go above and beyond our duty, and most of the time we don’t share this, because it’s just part of what we do and how we look after our patients. We don’t do it for the gratitude and the thanks, but because we care, and it’s part of what makes us the nurses we are.
But some stories are just too special not to share.
I was a little worried to start with about writing my experience. I was unsure how to start, and what information to put in.
But one of the Schwartz Rounds facilitators was with me from the start, not to change my story, but to help direct it and really show the emotions involved in it. We had quite a few meetings, face to face, and I had plenty of support leading up to the Round. The story tellers share their stories with each other before the Round which I found really helpful; it meant taking part wasn’t too emotional, and it gave me the chance to practice my story.
It’s only natural to be nervous before the Round, but all the way through I felt supported by the facilitators and knew it was OK to get emotional because I was in a safe space to do so.
The whole process really opened my eyes about the work that goes on in other areas of the hospice, not just little bubbles we can find ourselves in. I found it really special listening to other story tellers about their experiences and how they are feeling, and knowing we can support each other as a bigger team.
I really feel it’s so important that stories are share with each other. These Rounds really incorporates the work we do as a hospice, bringing teams together and allowing us to share experiences and feelings that we all are feeling.
It felt really good to release some of the built-emotions we can all carry while working within palliative care, and share the nice parts of our job, not just the sadness.
