Hello, my name is Frank Gliha. I have been a nurse for over 15 years focusing on the emergency department and leadership.  I have a sincere passion for patients and for empowering the best nurses to be even better.

The question is simple: Are you a hero?

Does nursing make you a hero? Do you feel like you are doing something heroic when you go to work every day? If the answer is no then I invite you on a journey. One of leadership, self-discovery, and possibly stepping out of your clinical comfort zone. Now you might ask why on earth would I wanted that?

The reason is simple.

If you feel heroic than you consciously feeling like you’re making a difference.  If you are making a difference will pay very close attention to how you, a clinician, interacts, empowers and treats everybody you come in contact with throughout your day.

Now you might be saying that’s all great but why? Honestly, after a long shift of 12 hours do you feel like you made a difference? Do you feel that everything you did made an impact, or do you feel there are times when you feel that you are just spinning your wheels?

It’s a choice… choose to be a hero

Simple Heroic action steps:

1. The power of thank you -try saying thank you patients, coworkers and (gasp) your  manager. Better yet write somebody work with a simple thank you note.  (A little goes a long way).
2. Promote the good rather than oppose the bad. The most successful people focus on the positive. They know that negative energy, is ineffective for promoting positive change.  Mother Teresa is famous for saying, quote I was once asked why don’t participate in an antiwar demonstration. I said I will never do that but as soon as you have a pro-peace rally, I’ll be there.”
3. Exceed your patient’s expectations.  Take some time in your busy day as a clinician to really focus on your patient. Be proactive and anticipate their needs. For example, provide them with a pillow and a blanket before they even ask for it.

What steps are you taking to be a Hero?