The Courage to be Vulnerable

In my first presidential message, I introduced us all to theme and challenge for 2021—To Elevate. A improve ourselves, our profession, colleagues, communities around us. The March message discussed burnout moral injury the impact they can have on of profession. This May issue, am addressing a topic that help elevate many aspects lives as well mitigate injury. emergency department, learned put up wall protect ourselves from repeated pain we see in patients their families. lead becoming cynical burnout. want address be very tough us: being vulnerable. Vulnerability is defined openness attack or hurt, either physically other ways. encourage conversation about vulnerability because it transcend others us, communities. Being vulnerable allows open honest with emotions feelings. profession nursing so rewarding challenging too. last 12 18 months been especially hard Letting share thoughts It gives permission time reflect. reflection valuable maintaining good mental health ourselves. Our friends, families will taking this sometimes-scary step, courageous act let them know okay safe well, creating an avenue supportive dialogue Nurses are trusted members communities, which places excellent position make impact. We increase by diversity, equity, inclusion. Be who differences us—start religion different yours, race gender identity, political beliefs. honest, vulnerable, respectful. together world nurses love help; blood. too often exhaust energy caring providing others, leaving little no If take small step show vulnerability, channel some helping How empowering producing, become better. her book, Daring Greatly: Courage Vulnerable Transforms Way Live, Love, Parent, Lead, researcher author Brene Brown writes “Vulnerability not weakness. And myth profoundly dangerous. birthplace innovation, creativity, change.”1Brown B. Lead. Avery Publishing, 2012Google Scholar each brave Stay positive, stay focused, good! ELEVATE Ron Kraus President, Emergency Association, Schaumburg, IL. Twitter: @RonKraus1