What an eventful day! Lots of lessons to be learned, but I think that ‘transparency’ was the idea that was the most profound to me. To be transparent, we must be honest…. which also makes us vulnerable. This may feel uncomfortable, especially for a student, new nurse, resident or physician. Is it okay to be truly forthcoming with information to patients, colleagues, faculty? Maybe when we’re vulnerable, we have the ability to grow the most. Brene Brown, one of my favorite sociologists from Houston, has an interesting perspective on vulnerability:
“Vulnerability sounds like truth and feels like courage. Truth and courage aren’t always comfortable, but they’re never weakness.”
Here’s to being courageous enough to speak up and keep our patients safe……even when it opens us up for criticism from others!