NURSING AT LOVELACE HEALTH SYSTEM
OUR POSITIVE CORE
Lovelace Health System “The best place to give care and get care”.
The Privilege of nursing
When Lovelace is at our best, nursing as a part of that is compassionate and caring. Nurses blend scientific knowledge with intuition and understanding. For the professional nurse, the privilege to participate in the healing relationship is what creates and maintains the passion for nursing.
· Our patients are living lessons. We are blessed and humbled by this unique work. The returns are immeasurable. Our generosity of spirit opens an array of spiritual approaches. We explore and offer holistic health approaches, healing touch and prayer.
· We are technically adept and valued for our expertise. Heroic efforts are performed, as individuals and as partners on the health care team. The power of healing and saving lives drives our commitment. We are confident and proud of our special capabilities.
· Palliative Care is an emerging focus for us; dealing with death and dying, end of life. Among our most meaningful experiences are when families/friends are able to be together when someone dies. We ensure a patient has the opportunity say goodbye. We talk with patients about choices (DNR, last efforts) and we honor last wishes.
· We are specialists in transitions of life – sleep/induction, death, healing, birth. We are the facilitators of the health care team. We hold hands, touch, have eye contact, and voices. A brief window of opportunity is available to establish rapport and make a difference in a transition.
Humor: The other Vital Sign
Humor is an important sign of life – critical to our survival. It enables us to cope with absurdities, sad situations and the insecurities of our lives. Humor is vital to our ability to handle the stresses of the work environment.
· Human tragedy is often funny. A lot of funny stuff happens in delivering nursing care - even hilarious. We enjoy the off- stage, private amusements which lift our hearts and provide the glue for strengthened bonds among ourselves. Laughter balances the tears. Humor is a required ingredient for new hire nurses.
Appreciation
All of us yearn for fulfillment through meaningful work. The most gratifying appreciation is that which is expressed from the heart by active communication, a kind gesture or written words.
· We take a leadership role in spreading and perpetuating appreciation. We do things to make our own unit a happier place. We embody appreciation as part of medical team. We graciously and joyously accept and acknowledge compliments.
· Nurses take care of each other in our own ways. We share emotions and empathy. Our unique camaraderie renews us, gives us resilience, and strengthens us. We celebrate being nurses.
The Exceptional Team
An exceptional team is built on individual expertise and excellent collaboration. Cooperative teamwork, clear communication, and wisdom are essential elements in delivering superior patient care.
· Lovelace Health System is characterized by a respectful partnership between doctors and nurses. This powerful collaboration is strengthened by open communication, learning, coaching and teaching each other, taking time to listen deeply, and openly and explicitly valuing each others contributions.