You are probably wondering . . . who is this new person, and what is she doing on the cover of Open Letter to Nurses . . . where is the picture of Lori?

When Lori Lamont, called and asked me to meet her one evening in May, I said yes, of course.

And then my mind started to wonder . . . why are we meeting in the evening . . . what have I done?

I will admit I did not initially think she had good news for me. So I was especially surprised when I discovered Lori Lamont, who had recently accepted the role and responsibility of Interim President & CEO for the Region, asked me to consider the role of Acting Chief Nursing Officer and Vice-President of Interprofessional Practice for the Region.

Opportunity. That's what this moment represented to me.

Opportunity. Life is full of them really. Every interaction and communication that we have with our patients and clients, our managers/directors, and with each other offers opportunity. Sometimes these interactions and communications cause you to pause and reflect on your own strengths and abilities. Most times though, it is others noticing your strengths, abilities, and your potential, bringing them to your attention, encouraging you. It is these words of encouragement that are so important, and make you begin to think . . . "Can I do this?"

At Nursing Leadership Council, I had the opportunity to hear Kate Hodgson's presentation on her thesis research work. Click here to read more, as her work is highlighted in this article.

Her findings resonated with me, and caused me to reflect on my own experiences and my own actions in nursing, mentorship, leadership and opportunity. Like many of the articles highlighted in this letter, there is an underlying focus on communication, the relationships we have developed and their impact on our leadership development and our nursing career.

Relationships in nursing and leadership are important. Regardless of the setting you practice in, or the role you are in now, take the opportunity to reach out, connect and share experiences and knowledge. Seize opportunities to learn from each other and just as important, as nurses, we need to encourage and support each other. Rich opportunities like these to connect, share and support, can help you become more open to change direction or discover a new path.

It can be more than a little daunting to consider a change. Often, "oh, not me" or "not now" or "why me" or even, "I can't do that" are statements and phrases we tend to silently tell ourselves when someone suggests an opportunity. Change is hard.

Counter those doubts and ask . . . "Why not me? Why not now?" Waiting for "ideal" circumstances or the perfect time . . . that scenario may never come.  

Harness that inner critic (sometimes easier said than done, believe me) and have the courage to try something new, something different. Utilize those supports and relationships you've developed and don't be afraid to ask for their help. These supports and relationships are generally the ones that encouraged you in the first place.

For me, the chance to act in this role is an opportunity for a new experience in my nursing career, to learn more from others that I now have the chance to work with, to develop different relationships to grow professionally and possibly (hopefully) to make a difference. Truthfully, I am still getting used to doing something different, and yes, making mistakes along the way. That is part of growing.

Despite this, I'm still excited about what I am  gaining from this opportunity.

So, the next time someone encourages you, listen very carefully. When presented with an opportunity - whether it be taking on  a practicum student, being in charge of your unit/ area,  representing your program/ site/ unit on a committee or project, or applying for a formal leadership position such as a  clinical resource nurse, manager, director . . .  take that leap, stretch yourself, and trust yourself. You never know what you will learn or where you will go.

You miss 100% of the shots you never take!

How are you embracing opportunity? Encouraging others to consider opportunity? I want to hear about it, so drop me a line at wrha_nursing@wrha.mb.ca.

Rescources to consider

Playing Big

Daring Greatly

Fire Starter Sessions

Radical self-compassion