Writing is a beautiful craft. I also enjoy editing and through the editing process watching a persons full voice unfold. I enjoy reading newsletters/writings such as this, where someone considers aspects of our work in this instance in a deeper way. Where we can challenge ourselves without negativity and ask ourselves why we do something, why we do it this way, and what it means.
I loved how you brought up the word refused. For a long time I have found that word very harsh and never really explains why someone doesn't want to take or participate in something. As is the phrase "they are a difficult patient or family". They may not consider themselves difficult at all. I have always thought that we are the ones who are having the difficulty, and once again, assuming someone is difficult is not understanding the person's circumstances or what may be going on for them. I don't think for a second that it's always our difficulty, but sometimes I think we are quick to label, and then that label gets handed over, like a poison chalice or a curse. We, within our workplaces, with all of the processes and protocols that are rigid in a way, and we assume in many ways that people will just fit into our ways of working.
Being from a nursing background, I have found this style of reflective writing almost absent from nursing. Maybe I am not looking hard enough or maybe it doesn't cross my path. I see many more of my medical colleagues write and reflect like this: questioning practice, questioning approaches, and I enjoy the writings, the ponderings and find it a wonderful and generous offering, for when we write, we make ourselves open and vulnerable. We put the spotlight on ourselves, not to say look at me but to show that we are deep, considered, thoughtful people who are not perfect (never will be) and experience challenges, often every other day.
Maybe the other benefit of writing is inspiring others in our field to write. As you said, all of us in health are writers and maybe if we actually told our own stories, well who know what that would do.
Writing is a beautiful craft. I also enjoy editing and through the editing process watching a persons full voice unfold. I enjoy reading newsletters/writings such as this, where someone considers aspects of our work in this instance in a deeper way. Where we can challenge ourselves without negativity and ask ourselves why we do something, why we do it this way, and what it means.
I loved how you brought up the word refused. For a long time I have found that word very harsh and never really explains why someone doesn't want to take or participate in something. As is the phrase "they are a difficult patient or family". They may not consider themselves difficult at all. I have always thought that we are the ones who are having the difficulty, and once again, assuming someone is difficult is not understanding the person's circumstances or what may be going on for them. I don't think for a second that it's always our difficulty, but sometimes I think we are quick to label, and then that label gets handed over, like a poison chalice or a curse. We, within our workplaces, with all of the processes and protocols that are rigid in a way, and we assume in many ways that people will just fit into our ways of working.
Being from a nursing background, I have found this style of reflective writing almost absent from nursing. Maybe I am not looking hard enough or maybe it doesn't cross my path. I see many more of my medical colleagues write and reflect like this: questioning practice, questioning approaches, and I enjoy the writings, the ponderings and find it a wonderful and generous offering, for when we write, we make ourselves open and vulnerable. We put the spotlight on ourselves, not to say look at me but to show that we are deep, considered, thoughtful people who are not perfect (never will be) and experience challenges, often every other day.
Maybe the other benefit of writing is inspiring others in our field to write. As you said, all of us in health are writers and maybe if we actually told our own stories, well who know what that would do.
Many thanks for your ponderings!!
I love this for so many reasons. Really speaks to me and my process. Thanks!