Every business, profession and organization seems to have a mission statement. That’s a good thing—it’s always good to know where we’re going, how we’re going to get there and why we are going in the first place. I view that sort of mission statement as a big umbrella under which employees collectively operate. But, what about the individual employee? Should each one have a personal mission statement—a plan, a promise or a direction to strive for?
The question, ‘What is your personal [nursing] mission statement?’ was asked recently on an online nursing forum.
On the subject of mispronunciation of words a few months back, this same forum received over 500 responses. The mission statement question has, in the 15 days since it was posted, elicited a mere 11. I’m not sure how I would analyze the difference in the number of responses. Does it mean that nurses are just showing up and doing what needs to be done with no thought as to a greater purpose? I have no way of knowing. It can’t be that they are too exhausted at the end of the workday to bother with something as insignificant as expressing an opinion on a forum thread. If that were the case, there wouldn’t have been 500-plus responses regarding the mangling of our language.
There was a mixed bag of responses to the mission statement question. Some were thoughtful and sincere: ‘to make a difference in someone’s life every day,’ ‘to treat every patient the way I’d like to be treated,’ ‘to make the world a better place,’ ‘to make people feel better about their situation.’ Trite, yes, but also noble goals.
Others began with a snippy comeback: ‘welcome to the dark side,’ followed by LOL and, then, a positive statement.
Others were decidedly negative: ‘to get through the day without being physically assaulted by patients or family members,’ ‘ to cover my [behind] at all times because no one else is looking out for me.’
One seemed angry that the question was even asked. Overall, if I counted those that began with jaded statements but then mellowed out, there were eight positive responses. Only three came from the seriously disheartened (or so it seemed).
One respondent thanked the person who posted the question and opined that it is one we should all ask ourselves.
I agree. It should be easy enough to come up with one simple sentence we can silently chant like a mantra on a daily basis, especially in challenging situations—something to hang onto when we are at our wits’ end, to remind ourselves of something positive we’d like to accomplish.
What is your personal mission statement, if you have one? Please share it here.
Friday, May 22, 2009
Should Nurses Have a Personal Mission Statement?
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4 comments:
This is my personal mission statement
I am at my best when I have a puropse. When I am helping people. When I am motivated by what I am doing.
I will try to prevent times when I am bored. When I feel stagnant. When I don't have goals.
I will enjoy my work by finding employment where I can manage a group of people and reach a common goal. Where I can solve complex health problems. Where I can use specialized skills. And where I can educate patients about their health.
I will find enjoyment in my personal life through the creation of art. By volunteering with groups. By spending time with my friends and family.
I will find opportunities to use my natural talents and gifts such as my artistic nature, my leadership skills, my dedication, my quick wit, my ability to learn quickly, my open mind and my charm.
I can do anything I set my mind to. I will find myself in the non-profit or governmental health sector. I will seek opportunities in organizations such as the WHO, UN, or International Red Cross/Crescent in my future.
My life's journey is to advocate for the health of the worlds populace by lobbying to make policy and social changes that help to provide resources and education to improve the health of all men and women. I do this because I believe that as a fellow person, when one of us suffer, we all suffer.
I will be a person who is surrounded by my close friends and colleagues. I will make close relationships with those that dedicate their lives to a common vision.
My most important future contribution to others is the emphasis I place on expanding my knowledge in order to better prepare for my future endeavors.
I will stop procrastinating and start working on:
- Traveling abroad to experience the lives and cultures of others.
- Volunteering more often with groups that are close to my heart such as The Regional AIDS Project, the Flint Hills Community Clinic, Positive Directions, The Red Cross, and Our Lady of Guadalupe Clinic.
- I will have a stronger focus on my educational endeavors.
- I will be conscience of my health decisions and make an effort to participate in physical activities and a healthy diet.
I will strive to incorporate the following attributes into my life:
- Compassion
- Innovation
- Determination
- Drive
I will constantly renew myself by focusing on the four dimensions of my life:
- Begin a solid exercise routine and focus on my overall nutrition.
- Join a meditation group and look at other opportunities for group spirituality
- I will continue education with my education in Human Health. I will seek out work experiences in a variety of settings.
- I will continue to foster my existing relationships with friends and family and allow myself to begin new ones. I will seek membership in social and volunteer groups to enhance these relationships.
Hi Josh,
I haven't been checking my blog recently as NurseZone placed it on hiatus for awhile, therefor I apologize for my slow response.
Your mission statement is admirable and lofty and would serve all nurses well to emulate.
I must say that the ambitiousness of it does seem a bit daunting, though, and I wonder how it is that you keep yourself on track to achieve your many goals. Do you evaluate your performance weekly, for example, to determine your success and as a frequent reminder of what you want to achieve? I get the impression that you are incredibly organized and I would seriously like to know how you stay focused on where it is you want to go and how you want to get there.
Thank you so much for your response,
Glenna
Glenna --
Thank you for your kind words. I appreciate what you have said a great deal.
I am a CHRONIC procrastinator and suffer regularly from complacency. I've had to find a way to focus my efforts and writing this statement was the first step for me.
I took this "big picture" and broke it up into smaller attainable goals using what I call a "brain tree." Its essentially a flow graph with the overlying statement: ie "I wish to become a CNS in HIV/AIDS care" and break it down into smaller, measurable goals.
1. Volunteer for the Regional AIDS Project as a community educator
a. Turn in volunteer application by (insert date)
2. Become a certified HIV/AIDS nurse through the ACRN board
a. Enroll for class by (insert date)etc.
I then do short weekly look backs every Friday to see how I've done, then a comprehensive look back at the first of every month.
The key for me has been to really monopolize on my passions. If I do what I really love, and I know what my core values are, it motivates me to reach for a goal. I think the reason a lot of people fail at this process is because they don't spend enough time figuring out what motivates them.
Sure, most people are likey to put "More money" or "Better Job" down as a goal, but why? What about those goals is so desirable? If you cannot answer that readily, then you may want to look for different goals.
I could just go on forever, but I will spare you! Thank you again! Hope I answered some of your questions.
-- Josh
You say you are a chronic procrastinator, Josh, but it appears you have figured out a successful method for holding yourself accountable. It is certainly systematic and it cleverly works for you.
Congrats to you for taking the time to draw up a plan of action and then to stick to a check list for determining your progress. I don't have to go out on a limb to predict great career success in your future.
Thanks for sharing your outlines. I'm sure others who've had similar goals but were muddled as to how to achieve them will find your plan an effective road map to take them where they want to go.
Glenna
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