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When the lighted ball has descended into Times Square
and “Auld Lang Syne” has been sung in every
time zone, what’s different about 2003? That’s
something for each RN to decide by making and—here’s
the important part—keeping what might be the Top
5 New Year’s resolutions for nurses.
University of Pittsburgh assistant professor Carol
Stilley, Ph.D., RN, agreed to compile the list. She’s
a psychologist whose specialty is research into personality
and cognitive function as it relates to adherence to
complicated medical regimes, especially in organ transplant
patients. She also is director for the nursing school’s
Center for Research in Chronic Disorders.
Stilley, who earned a bachelor’s degree in nursing
from Columbia University and her doctorate from Pittsburgh,
has seen 61 new years. There’s no doubt she’ll
make a 2003 resolution, she said, but with a syllabus
to get through for her class “Alternative Complementary
Medicine,” she had yet to give it much thought.
Which is a big reason why many resolutions fade with
the first light of the New Year.
“They’re approached rather spontaneously:
‘Oh, I think I’ll do this tomorrow,’
rather than having a plan of doing it,” Stilley
said.
“New Year’s is a transition time,”
she said. “It’s seen as a fresh start, pretty
universally. When you come up against times like that
in your life, you tend to automatically think about
making some changes.”
To succeed, Stilley said resolutions first need to
address something within your control. For instance,
don’t try to change the behavior of another person.
Also, take small steps toward an achievable goal. If
you’re going to diet, don’t vow to lose
too fast; if you’re going to exercise, build up
to a therapeutic level. Finally, reinforce commitment
by involving a friend or partner and reward success.
So, knowing that most nurses fill multiple roles—child,
spouse, parent and caregiver—and don’t spend
enough time and energy on themselves, here are Stilley’s
Top 5 New Year’s resolutions, written with you
in mind:
1. “I will practice what I preach.
I will treat my body as well as I teach my patients
and my family to treat theirs.”
- My diet will be well balanced and nutritionally
sound.
- I will exercise at least three times a week, for
at least 45 minutes.
- I will limit alcohol and not smoke.
- I will take rest breaks during the workday and
I will get enough sleep to awake feeling refreshed
and restored.
2. “I will take charge of my
time. I will decide how often and how long I am willing
to work. I will decide what I want to do with my leisure
time.”
- I will say no to extra shifts or hours unless I
want or need them.
- I will do one thing I want to do every day: take
a class, read a book, listen to music.
- I will watch a TV program all by myself.
- I will take a nap, call a friend, make or build
something just for fun.
- I will go out to lunch, to a movie or a concert,
or for a walk.
3. “I will treat my mind and
my spirit with love and respect.”
- I will smell the grass, see the trees, hear the
birds, feel the sunshine.
- I will keep at least one fresh flower in my bedroom.
- I will get my own bubble bath or shower gel, and
I will not share it.
- I will wear cologne and give myself a manicure.
4. “I will treat myself to pleasures
and treasures.”
- I will buy something I want but don’t need,
without guilt: a magazine, CD or tape, a new lipstick
or nail polish, a sweater, shoes, scarf, tie or belt.
- I will take the first chocolate out of the box.
- I will watch my favorite TV show every week even
if I have to tape it.
- If I’m driving, the car radio is mine.
5. “I will connect with other
people in my world.”
- I will make eye contact with and smile at strangers
at the mall.
- I will talk to store clerks, and say “thanks.”
- I will sit with and listen to at least one patient
on each shift.
- I will sit with and listen to my children/husband/parent,
etc., once a day.
- I will tell those close to me of my wishes, dreams
and hopes.
Contact Phil McPeck at getpjm@aol.com.
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