It's a wonderful life

Arizona Nurse,  Jan 2001  by Rissi, Jill

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President's Message

Jill Rissi, MPA, BSN, RN

My all-time favorite film is the story of George Bailey in It's a Wonderful Life. In this story, George is facing catastrophe and thinking that everyone would be better off if he were gone, then is given the chance to see what his world would be like if he had never existed. As I'm sure most of you know or have guessed - the world much a much richer place with George Bailey than without.

In real-life, the same can be said for the nursing profession and, more specifically, the Nurses' Association.

Just as each of you touch people's lives in ways you know and, probably more frequently, in ways you never see, the Association is there supporting you and the profession in ways you see, and ways that are less visible.

Recently, I had the opportunity to attend a meeting of Women in Healthcare that focused on the role of mentoring. As I listened to the stories and insights of the four women who were being recognized for their roles as mentors, it occurred to me what a great gift we are given when we are given the opportunity to help a colleague. We have all had the opportunity to be a preceptor, or provide an orientation to new colleagues, but truly mentoring another person is somehow different. More insidious in its inception, the mentor relationship is longer lasting and more challenging for both mentor and the person being mentored. Often, no one asks or gives 'permission' for the relationship, there is no assignment, you're just there when needed, sharing the benefit of knowledge, experience and compassion. The gift that is given - and the gift that is received - is all the greater for not being asked or expected.

As we are often mentors to each other, so is the Association a mentor to the profession. What would the world and work of nursing be like without a professional association? What would happen if we no longer had the opportunity to meet with colleagues to discuss common issues of concern? If we were not able to advance the science and art of nursing through practice and research? Especially, what if nurses were no longer able to influence the delivery of healthcare for those in need?

At the end of the film, all of those whose lives had been touched by George Bailey come to his aid and he realized how fortunate a man he was. During this holiday season, take a moment to think, not about the challenges you face, but about the great opportunity you have to be a mentor to a colleague, and to recognize the many ways in which you make your comer of the world a better place. Then share the gift of Association with those colleagues. What greater gift than to share the insight, experiences and support of thousands of nurses?

Happy Holidays!

Copyright Arizona State Nurses Association Jan 2001
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