"Nursing is an art, and if it is to be made an art, it requires as exclusive a devotion, as hard a preparation, as any painter's or sculptor's work; for what is the having to do with dead canvas or cold marble, compared to having to do with the living body-the temple of God's spirit? It is one of the Fine Arts: I had almost said the finest of the Fine Arts!"

-Florence Nightingale, Notes on Nursing

When Nightingale wrote these notes so very long ago, it seemed as if she knew there would be many artists drawn to the profession of nursing. I have witnessed the talents of several nurses who are singers, sharing their gifts of voice with their community.

Some are excellent handicraft nurses who knit, weave, embroider, quilt or make tapestries and form other creative designs. Then there are those who use their hands to paint, sculpt, stain glass, and create pottery and ceramics. Another way nurses express themselves is through creative writing as poets and novelists and sending special thoughts to family and friends.

When we look at all this talent, it becomes clear that artistic expression is both an outlet to relieve stress and a pure talent to be shared with others. Creativity is often expressed as the generation of ideas, the growth of individuality and a tool used to add to a body of knowledge. Creativity is freeing oneself of past barriers and cannot be done without open attitudes and allowing the exploration of new territories. It is taking a problem and turning it into an opportunity.

Certainly, there are many opportunities in nursing to be creative. During National Nurses Week, I had the privilege to experience a ceremony that celebrated and recognized the nurses at Evergreen Hospital in Kirkland, Wash. The chaplains made a blessing of the hands available to any nurse who wanted to participate. So, I had my hands blessed, even though I am seldom in a place to lay hands on patients. Other hospital staff asked if they could have their hands blessed as well.

As I visited the staff in their units, it seemed as though there was a special sense of innovation and creativity. Nurses were enjoying their work. The family-centered maternity area was especially full of creative art, such as a mural of flowers, which had the names and dates of infants born there. Grandparents and parents had the opportunity to make a financial contribution to the maternity center, as they designated a special flower for their new family member.

A homelike atmosphere can be created in almost any practice setting and this can help patients and families through difficult times when illness in a strange environment hinders recovery. Whenever you feel overwhelmed by your work environment and stressful patient care, think outside the box. Use your creative and innovative abilities to de-stress yourself. See what artistic and relaxing hands-on creative activity you can do, even if you haven't tried it before. Have fun with your many talents, and let me know what you are doing.

Discuss this and other topics with your colleagues at www.nurseweek.com/rnvillage.