Greetings!
It’s hard to believe but 2021 is almost over. Equally hard to believe is that we are still fighting COVID. Our front-line staff has struggled with this pandemic as much as anyone, and I know it must be frustrating to still not be able to see an end, and to face even more uncertainty as we learn more about the Omicron variant. Please take care of yourself and look out for colleagues who may need help. What you have been going through for the past 20 months is unprecedented, and it’s OK to feel tired, frustrated and overwhelmed. UAMS has many resources to help – please seek out opportunities to get the help you need.
Last month we held the annual State of Nursing session via Zoom, and more than 150 UAMS nurses were able to participate in-person. If you were not able to listen live, please click here to see the recording of this event. The event included highlights of nursing over the past year, wellness information from Natalie Cannady and a Magnet update from Rebekah Thacker.
The Little Rock Marathon was another event affected by the pandemic, postponed from its usual March date to November. More than 35 UAMS nurses volunteered with me to staff the medical tent or participated in this year’s line-up of Marathon events. Check out the Nov. 21 UAMS Nurses Facebook post to see photos of our volunteers. It was a fun event, and it felt so good to be able to support an activity as community events begin to return.
Please make time over the holidays to relax. Spend time with your friends and family, and, most importantly, laugh. Laughter really is good medicine. My gift to you is this corny little nursing joke that will hopefully at least help you smile –
Did you hear about the nurse who lost his entire left side?
Well, he’s all right now.
Hey – I warned you it’d be corny!
Happy Holidays!
Trenda