The beginning of 2023 was not the festive celebration I had anticipated, having just learned of the passing of our colleague, UAMS College of Medicine Dean Susan Smyth. Since joining UAMS in March 2021, she supported our nursing programs and worked to enhance communication and collaboration between clinical programs and the College of Medicine.
I also lost another dear friend and UAMS colleague to cancer over the holidays. She was a celebrated national researcher and advocate for children and families, and she made everyone who spent time with her feel like she was their own personal advocate. She was an outstanding mentor and friend, and she helped many of us both professionally and personally.
I’ve talked with Elizabeth Sullivan to thank her for the thoughtful care she provided my friend in her final days, but I want to publicly acknowledge the E4 nursing team for their extraordinary compassion in caring for her, allowing her husband to grieve and cry and helping her pass with grace. He spoke of how wonderful the nurses were at her memorial service.
Grief has become all too common in the past three years, and it’s becoming increasingly difficult for many to cope with additional losses. Research from a study led by the UAMS office of Community Health & Research shows that one in four U.S. adults has experienced the death of a family member or close friend due to COVID-19. Other studies show that those grieving the loss of a close relative or friend experience increased chances of health issues.
We all know all too well that death is part of nursing. Many of us have vivid memories of the first patient we saw die, grieving families, or the loss of close friends and family. We each have our own way of handling grief, and I want you to feel free to express your grief in ways that help you cope.
Participants in our wellness retreats have learned about journaling as a way of coping with stress, and this can also be helpful in coping with grief. Writing down your feelings or memories of the person who passed away often helps. Don’t be afraid to talk with your colleagues about the losses you’ve experienced together. It may be helpful to know that others feel the same way you do.
If, like me, you feel less enthusiastic about a new year or a new you in 2023, please know you are not alone. It’s OK to want a little more quiet time than normal or an extra nap. Winter also affects our emotions, and we’ll likely have a brighter outlook as the days get longer. We will get through this like all the other challenges in our past – by supporting one another.
Watch for information about upcoming wellness retreats, other wellness resources, Schwartz Rounds and other support for the losses we have all suffered. If you need to talk to someone, our UAMS chaplains are only a phone call away, or you can use our Employee Assistance Program or AR ConnectNow.
Take care, and please reach out and let someone know if you see a colleague who needs support.
Trenda