As Thanksgiving approaches, we often reflect on what we're grateful for. As nurses, let's take a moment to appreciate something we rarely consider: our ability to make difficult decisions that impact patient care. Here's why we should be thankful for our decision-making skills and how gratitude can make us better decision-makers.
The Weight of Our Decisions
Every shift, we make countless decisions:
- When to call the physician
- How to prioritize patient needs
- Which symptoms need immediate attention
- When to delegate and when to handle things ourselves
These decisions can feel overwhelming, yet they're a testament to our expertise and professional growth.
Why Gratitude Matters in Decision-Making
Research shows gratitude reduces stress and improves clarity of thought. For nurses, this translates to:
- Clearer clinical judgment
- Better emotional regulation during crises
- Improved team communication
- Enhanced patient relationships
Three Decision-Making Gifts to Be Thankful For
- Our Experience | Each difficult situation we've faced has built our decision-making toolkit. Even our mistakes have made us stronger, wiser nurses.
- Our Teams | We don't decide alone. Having colleagues to consult, mentors to guide us, and team members to support our decisions is invaluable.
- Our Training | Our education and ongoing learning give us the foundation to make sound clinical decisions. This knowledge base is a precious resource.
Practicing Gratitude in Daily Decisions
Try this approach during your next shift:
- Before making a difficult decision, take one deep breath
- Acknowledge your capabilities ("I have the training to handle this")
- Remember past successes ("I've managed similar situations before")
- Appreciate your resources ("I have a team I can count on")
This brief pause can transform stressful decisions into moments of confident action.
When Decisions Get Tough
Remember to be grateful for:
- The ability to ask for help
- The wisdom to know when you need more information
- The courage to advocate for your patients
- The strength to learn from challenging situations
Moving Forward with Gratitude
As we celebrate Thanksgiving, let's appreciate not just the obvious blessings but also the daily challenges that make us better nurses. Each decision we make is an opportunity to grow, learn, and improve patient care.
