In your career as a nurse, who appreciates you? Think about it. As a busy, hard-working nurse professional who comes by and says “Great job!”? Many times, in our nursing careers, the response is varied.

Some nurses might say, “My manager. My team. Where I work we all recognize and appreciate each other.” Others may respond with, “The patients. We have a bulletin board on my unit where patients can share their Kudos with the staff.” Finally, some may offer “The organization where I work. They have an exceptional program set up which highlights nurse heros.”

Whatever the case may be, these are all missing one extremely important person: You!

This morning, as I was walking down the steep hill of my driveway, a school bus started to approach. Since I always yield to oncoming traffic with my two highly energetic pit bulls, I gave them a quick tug on their leashes. “Sit” I commanded. To my pleasant surprise, they both sat immediately.

The bus driver sort of slowed down, gave me her usual wave and then a huge smile. Then she really, really slowed down and offered a huge two ‘thumbs up’ (quickly, taking the hands off of the wheel) and even let the children riding along see my nicely sitting, cool, calm and collected doggies.

I was so proud. 

I started beaming. Ear-to-ear, literally. I mean, sure my dogs do listen relatively well. And to get them both to sit immediately on the first command. And stay so calmly. Watching the bus go by. I was a proud parent.

When I started to walk into the street, after the bus had passed by, I gave my two boys pets and words of praise. “Great job, boys! You are such good dogs!!” Their tails wagged happily as they pranced along.

OK. We continued on and then I made my realization connected to nursing practice.

This is usually what we do.

Look for praise, recognition, and appreciation outside of ourselves. Totally raising my hand here; I did/do it too. It’s normal to want someone to see that you did a good job and tell you that. It feels really good. It’s OK to desire a simple ‘thank-you’ for the hard work put in; it’s your time, effort and energy.

And beyond this we have a place for growth. Room for greater nursing success. A chance to love our nursing careers even more.

Appreciation is most valuable when it comes from within.

Sure, it was great to get the ‘thumbs up’ from the bus driver. The smiles and waves from the kids riding by. Yet the best thing was the feeling on the inside. The smile in my heart. The quickening of my heartbeat as the adrenaline warmed my spirit. The feeling of pride that rose from my belly.

I encourage you to start this, if you haven’t already practiced, in your own career.

Where can you appreciate yourself? What have you done that was an excellent job? What skills do you have that make you proud? Make a list tonight before you go to bed. And then get into this practice each and every day.

When appreciation, recognition and joy comes from within- it doesn’t matter what’s happening around you. You can enjoy any space, workplace or environment. Enjoy the inner to appreciate the outer.

Leave a uplifted self-awareness expression below. What appreciation can you share with yourself? Let’s hear it!