Susan Bartlett, nurse blogger whose blog, Don’t Curse the Nurse, came in 2nd place in the 2021 Top Nursing Blogs voting competition, shares her words on why she started her blog and her goals for her writing in the future. See Susan’s IntelyCare guest blog here.
To Susan, nursing encapsulates much of what it means to be human: hard work, joy and satisfaction, tragedy, and heartwarming tenderness. That’s why she has been compelled to share her story in nursing on her blog.
“I started my blog because I came to realize that nursing had figuratively raised me and expanded my breadth of understanding on what it means to be human.
I’ve laughed, cried, been overwhelmed by work, underwhelmed by lacking support, and met people that absolutely amazed me. Most important, I have felt grateful for all the patients that have let me take care of them. It has been a privilege.
It’s my hope in 2022 to not only to share new work experiences, but take a deeper dive into the perspective I have about the profession and its many facets. I’ve always tried to keep my blog a little on the lighter side. I don’t want to lose that. However, too much has happened this last two years.”
Susan explains how the COVID pandemic “pulled back the covers” and revealed systemic weaknesses in the healthcare industry. She noticed how “it also shined a light on those who see their position as a paycheck only — not an opportunity to help anyone.”
“I’m interested in learning if other nurses feel like they received adequate education to prepare them for this career,” writes Susan. “What do they do when burnout happens? Does the nature of the job impair the ability to practice self-care?”
At IntelyCare, Susan’s words inspire us to not only ask those questions, but solve them.
Check out the Top Nursing Blogs for the full list of winners.