One of my Director’s sent me this picture with “what the hell?!?” as a subject line 🙂
During the Opening Presidential Speech at the 2014 AWHONN Convention, Cathy Ivory talked about the power of nurses as leaders.
It was amazing being honored as one of these nurses 🙂 I was overcome by so many emotions…I was trying very hard not to cry while on camera, I was bursting with excitement, and I was extremely nervous (I didn’t think either of my Director’s knew that I even had a blog!). Being mentioned by an organization that means so much to me, and in the company of nurses that have devoted their lives to our profession was an amazing experience, one that I will never forget. I am so very grateful to be part of an organization that is dedicated to the health of women and babies and honored that my small work was recognized.
Kahlil Demonbreun was also recognized. The epitome of a nursing leader, Kahlil pioneered nursing as the first male nurse practitioner in women’s health in the United States. His story was absolutely amazing. It gave me chills. I love that we all have the potential to accomplish great things 🙂
To reiterate a past post, I’d like every single person out there to know that we have the power to initiate change. We have to think bigger, be bigger, and strive for bigger things. How can we change our practice? Our unit? Our hospital? Our community? A population? Florence Nightingale was one person. Look at all one nurse can do. That nurse might be you. If there were not people to stand up and fight for us, fight for our patients, and fight for their babies, things would be so much dimmer than they are now. Think of everything we can accomplish together. Be brave. We can change everything. If you don’t know where to start, begin with yourself or begin with your patient. And believe that we are all leaders.
p.s. Both of my director’s were extremely supportive and proud of me 🙂
Me and Rose Horton, 2012 AWHONN President
True nursing leader, Kahlil Demonbreun. What an inspiration!! His story gave me goosebumps.
Categories: Professional Development
ADVENTURES OF A LABOR NURSE 
Congratulations! I have been enjoying your blog for awhile and have shared it with others. I found the AWHONN Convention to be inspiring also. Thanks for sharing for those who couldn’t attend.
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I wish I could have met you! Maybe in Long Beach 😉 Thank you so much for all of your support. Xx
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I’m so proud of you Shelly! I wish I had known that you were sitting right in front of at the opening reception, I would have been your supporter. Thanks for your passion for women and infants and your incredible blog! You’re an inspiration to many new and young nurses, not to mention us older nurses! ☺️
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Rose was my unit director! And your blog is a wonderful thing, I love it 🙂
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Sarah, that is so cool!!!
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thanks for all you do to help nurses tell their story! You are truly an inspiration.
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I was also at the conference and very excited when they mentioned your name! You are a leader you tell the stories that we all love and struggle with in our jobs as a labor and delivery nurse. I can not imagine doing any other profession.
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I was at the 2014 AWHONN convention as well! I heard you and your fabulous blog mentioned at convention! I’m so glad I found it! …What a gem! 🙂 Thank you for sharing all the amazing work of OB nurses!
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What is the name of the blog- I would love to read it
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