What Is On Your Heart? 100th Celebration of Integrative Nurse Coaches in ACTION!

What Is On Your Heart? 100th Celebration of Integrative Nurse Coaches in ACTION!

Nicole Vienneau  00:05

Welcome to Integrative Nurse Coaches in ACTION! The podcast where nurses, healthcare professionals, and consumers come to hear from inspirational nurse leaders in health and wellness coaching. We cover the latest innovations, ideas, and breakthroughs from nurses who are shifting the paradigm of disease care to healthcare through the art and science of integrative nurse coaching. 

Welcome back to the Integrative Nurse Coaches in ACTION! podcast. I am your host, Nicole Vienneau, and I’m also a board-certified integrative nurse coach. And today is extra, extra special because we are celebrating our 100th episode together. 100 episodes, 100 integrative nurse coaches, five years of connection, wisdom, vulnerability, laughter, inspiration, and heart. 

I honestly can’t believe how many beautiful humans we’ve had the honor of witnessing together, hearing stories from our integrative Nurse Coach family across the world, who are courageously creating change in healthcare in their communities and within themselves. One question has remained with us through every single episode: what is on your heart? 

And wow, the answers have been honest, tender, powerful, deeply human, and often exactly what we needed to hear. So, for this special 100th episode, I want to revisit some of those moments and share reflections from episodes 49 through 75. This is a beautiful collection of voices right in the middle of this incredible journey. Honestly, choosing favorites felt impossible, because every conversation has mattered so much. 

Every guest has brought something meaningful to our podcast family. To you, our listeners, thank you for walking alongside us, whether you’ve been here since episode one or just found us recently. Thank you for listening, learning, growing, breathing with us, and believing in what integrative Nurse Coaching has become in the world. 

To our amazing guests and graduates of the Integrative Nurse Coach Academy, thank you for sharing your hearts so openly. Your courage, compassion, and commitment continue to inspire all of us more than you ever know. And personally, I am deeply grateful, and honestly thrilled to be your host. This podcast has given me many beautifully inspiring and heart-filling moments I will carry in my soul for the rest of my life. 

So today, let’s celebrate together, let’s reflect, maybe tear up a little, and most importantly, let’s listen to what has been on the hearts of nurses all along. Here is to 100 episodes, and to the next beautiful chapter ahead. 

Now, before we get to today’s podcast, let’s take three deep breaths in and out together. One… two… and three. Now we’re ready. 

First up, we have Karen Day from episode 49.

Karen Day  04:12

The term self-care is bandied about so much, and has become so stress inducing with Nurses. You’re told, take care of yourself, take better care of yourself, you gotta prioritize your self-care, that it’s almost become a trigger for stress, right? I would love to revisit or recreate the idea of self-care, that it’s not a checklist of soak in the tub, have a glass of wine and go shopping. 

But that it is a lifelong journey, much like our Nursing career. It’s going to start, it’s going to stop, it’s going to get better, you’re going to learn new tools. But self-care is really, at a basic level, getting in touch with yourself to know what you need to, not just survive, but to thrive, what you need to refill your loving cup, and what you need to help you continue to grow as a Nurse. 

Because my hope is that every Nurse that goes into Nursing isn’t leaving the profession at three years like we’re seeing. I mean, that was never, ever even talked about, that Nurses trained and then left the profession, when I started. So, because that’s happening now, really breaks my heart. 

And I would love for Nurses to find a way to care for their cells and their Nurse souls, to be able to stay in it for the long run like I have, because it has been not just a great career, but it has helped me as a person, helped me grow, helped me learn so much about myself. And had I not been a Nurse, I don’t think I would be the person I am today. And I hope that other Nurses can stay in it that long.

Nicole Vienneau  06:05

Here is a beautiful reflection from Kimberly Foster.

Kimberly Foster  06:11

You are not stuck. That whatever little voice inside your head that you’ve been dismissing, that you’ve been shoving to the side, or shoving down because you think that you either don’t have time, that it’s not possible, that you don’t even understand how that little voice’s message could ever come to be. That that is… that’s your “why” talking, guys.

That if you tune in, and you listen, and you pause long enough to really hear it out, it will guide you. And if you learn the right tools, and you learn how to really become self-aware, that anything is truly possible. And it’s through action that we do this. But in order to have a clear set of action steps, you need to pause and you need to listen.

So, listen to that inner voice. And don’t be afraid to take bite sized piece action steps to reach whatever that outrageous insane, you have no idea, it’s terrifying, you don’t know how it’s going to work out. Be courageous enough to listen and take those action steps that really live inside your heart.

Nicole Vienneau  07:36

From the heart of episode 51 we have Holly Blankenship.

Holly Blankenship  07:43

I think the biggest thing that I’m feeling right now is I think a lot of people feel like they’re alone in whatever they’re going through. And a lot of us have to put on a certain face and smile, and pretend like everything’s okay. 

But there’s people out there that are like you that are going through something, that are struggling. And I wish people would talk more openly about that, honestly, because I think it would help de-stigmatize a lot. And I think people wouldn’t have to go to such drastic measures if they knew that they’re not alone. 

That this is not something that’s weird or strange, and there’s nothing wrong with them. It’s a normal part of being a person. And there’s other people that struggle with things that you do. And you can reach out, and there’s people out there that can be there for you. 

Nicole Vienneau  08:43

Let’s listen to Kim Karraker and what is on her heart.

Kim Karraker  08:49

I would love for people to believe that there is hope and that there is healing out there, and that you are enough. And that I think that the healing always starts from the heart. Always kind of look within and find out what it is that is truly the essence of what’s going on. And don’t be afraid to really look deep within first, when you’re looking for healing. I think that’s just very important to start the journey of healing.  

I have a really favorite quote of mine, which is on my website. I’ll have to just share this with you guys. I love it. “Start over, my darling. Be brave enough to find the life you want and courageous enough to chase it. Then start over and love yourself the way you were always meant to.” – Madalyn Beck

Nicole Vienneau  09:41

Another powerful voice from our Integrative Nurse Coach Academy community is Louise Bobbitt.

Louise Bobbitt  09:50

So what is really, you know, on my heart is around how, for me, being mindful is allowing me to be fully present, and fully present with myself and fully present with my emotions, and fully present with my patients, and my family. 

And for me, what that means, being fully present, allows me to get into touch with the wonders of life and the wonders of everything around. And I find that incredibly nourishing, and I find that incredibly healing. And I know, from the 10 years or more that I’ve been doing mindfulness, that I’ve become a stronger person in myself. 

And I’m more able to handle the other people’s suffering as well as my own suffering. And to recognize that, and to learn from that as well. So I know that my work and my personal life has deepened. You know, mindfulness has deepened my capacity to pay attention to those things and be present.

Nicole Vienneau  11:14

Lots of wisdom from episode 54 and Sandra Rousso.

Sandra Rousso  11:21

I just feel filled with joy right now, in this moment, just connecting with you, and just to be able to share some of those concepts that I use in my practice. And if one person hears this, if a listener hears this and gets one little pearl out of it, I am really joyful. 

And to do this with you and to know that, you know, there is really good in the world. And I think we’re in a time where it’s really rough in America and through the world. And I just hope I’m helpful. That’s what’s in my heart right now.

Nicole Vienneau  12:01

Here is so much love from Deborah McElligott on episode 56.

Deborah McElligott  12:09

I guess the main thing on my heart is, you know, listen to your heart. See how you can take a couple of moments to focus on what you want. I guess throwing it back to the group— what’s on your heart? You know, how can we help people find their meaning in our practice? 

How can we, you know, focus on the powerful work that we do as Nurses? I mean, you know, again, the most trusted profession, bringing ourselves to the place, it’s more than the rat race, it’s more than the …used for documentation. It’s more than the admissions and the discharges. 

But, you know, how can we really reflect and offer a sense of gratitude for the possibilities that we have? And I guess on my heart is for people to see their possibilities, to see the possibilities in your work, in your expertise in translating your meaning into practice. Not that I’ve done that, but it sounds like something I should write down and do. 

But again, you know, seek the possibilities, and be part of this community that has so much to offer. And I mean, many people do it way better than me. I mean, we have Nurses from my cohort that meet monthly and I haven’t really been a part of that, just because I have it at night. I set little timers, I plan to do it. But, you know, seek support. 

And there’s many ways of doing it, but you know, stay connected, really powerful to this group, you know, stay connected to the INCA group. And offer your resources and share, and if you can’t find a place for it, keep looking, you know, network with people, because there’s so many needs out there. 

And, you know, I thought somewhere along line, we had the logo, you know, “Nurse Coaching is the answer.” And it really is. When Nurses, we can hold the space, and we can really help people change, change communities and change the world. So I guess it’s the hope and the possibilities that we really have, and the perseverance.

Nicole Vienneau  14:09

Ashley Hagood shares her heart next.

Ashley Hagood  14:14

I think it’s important to remember what’s on my heart is the internal and external resources. It’s an internal and an external work. I truly believe that it’s very difficult to heal where you were hurt. But it’s also very difficult to leave the place where you were hurt, because in order to feel hurt, you have to have cared.

And so when you develop care for an environment, a family dynamic, a relationship dynamic, a career, anything that you’re caring about, and there’s been some level of extreme hurt or extreme disappointment, it’s really hard to heal in that space. But it’s equally as difficult to leave that space to heal.

And what’s on my heart is, I know how afraid, how scary it can be to take that step to turn and pivot your direction and go to a different space so that you can go and heal in a space where you can actually realize what it is that… who it is that you are and what that environment was teaching. What lesson that environment was lending to you.

But just outside of that space, outside of that area of darkness is that light. I like to think of the… I can’t remember which philosopher said it, but it was, and I might butcher this story so please bear with me, but the moral, the basis of the story is people who live in a cave and they see this light that’s flickering outside of the cave, and they have no idea what it is.

So most people are afraid. But there’s one person that’s curious and they want to go and they want to look but everybody keeps telling them no, don’t go, don’t go, don’t do that. You might get hurt. You know, there’s a lot of fear surrounding it. So then the person gets a little bit afraid, right, and alright, maybe I won’t go.

Go. Go. Do it. Make it happen. Do it afraid, go. Chase that light, whatever it is that you’re inspired to do. Whatever calling that’s been placed on your heart, take the chance, take the leap of faith, go, make it happen. Resources will come up along the way. Tools, people, wisdom, knowledge, all of that will come along the way.

Trust that the journey will be what it needs to be to get you to that destination. But go, take the step, go into the light. Do what it is that you’re called to do. And again, make it happen. Do it afraid.

Nicole Vienneau  17:07

I know many of us will relate to Love Hawkins.

Love Hawkins  17:11

Well, I do… like you said, yeah, take a breath. Because I am very much an open book. And my message, so completely, is to take care of yourself. That is so vitally important. And being Nurses, we’re such, such givers. And we will give until we are spent and there’s nothing left for us. So take care of yourself first.

And oh my gosh, it sounds so cliche to fill up your own cup first, but please fill your own cup up first. And give from that overflow of who you are, because you have allowed all of this greatness, wonderful feelings to come into your body, into your experience, to take that and then you’re able to give from such joy. You’re not feeling like it’s at all being depleted.

Nicole Vienneau  18:17

Aaron Williams’ reflection feels timeless, from episode 59.

Aaron Williams  18:21

Oh, wow, I might have already given that away. But yeah, that is all about leaning in. So lean into that resistance. I think it was a… it was an Insight Timer quote today that I read, it was change happens regardless, or change always happens, but growth is optional. And that was a John C. Maxwell. I think I misquoted it, but essentially, you can do nothing, or you can lean into the difficult and grow. And that’s where growth happens.

Nicole Vienneau  18:53

We have to choose the possibility, staying the same or leaning in.

Aaron Williams  18:58

On that note, I’m going to add: roots versus wings. So that was another thing, like at different seasons of our lives. Like, I had to grow wings and get out of Hawaii. I’m very grateful I got to live there, but that was kind of our traveling and experiencing time.

And then roots— we’re really literally and figuratively putting down roots here because we’re just ready to, you know, have a simpler life and eat clean food that we know what went into it and take care of our bodies and enjoy nature and positively impact the lives of others. So that’s where we’re at, and super stoked to be here.

Nicole Vienneau  19:38

Such honesty from Renee Panec.

Renee Panec  19:43

I think what I would really love is for every Nurse to really embrace their power for changing… changing the world. To me, that’s really what it comes down to with being in this world now, is that we’re looking around us, we’re looking at, as Nurse Coaches, who we can heal.

We’re starting with ourselves, we’re pouring that love and that care into our own being, and then what you do is you look around and you see who else needs your love and your nurturing and your care. And you start sharing that in whatever way works for you, whether it’s in a small way, helping your neighbor, helping your family be present in, you know, their lives in a real way.

And you sow those seeds for change within them, and you give them back that love. And the world needs your unique energy, your unique spirit. You are more than what you know you are right now, so just keep growing, keep healing yourself. And let that love and that energy and your spirit flow into the people that you come around with. And we will change the world, Nicole.

Nicole Vienneau  21:10

From Christie Kaywoods’ heart.

Christie Kaywood  21:14

Well, I would say if you are thinking of being a Nurse Coach, or just finding out more about it and how you can help your patients, and just the many, many different things you can do as a Nurse Coach, definitely check out the Integrative Nurse Coach Academy. There is also a wealth of other programs to look at if maybe you are not interested in the Nurse Coaching.

There’s so many other great programs. I would say even if you’re a Nurse or not and you’re listening, try out a coaching session with a Nurse Coach. Find maybe someone who has free offerings, which I do. Find someone who has free offerings, who works with individuals like yourself and the things that you are seeking personally.

For me, I offer a free coaching session, one hour session, and to see if we’re a good fit for each other. And see if I’m able to be a support for you on reaching your goals. Just continue on this journey. Everyone is in this together. One day, one step at a time is very important. And just, what made a difference for me was my morning routine, just waking up, being grateful for waking up and just saying one or two things I’m grateful for.

And not just in my life. When I go to work I say one or two things I’m grateful for related to the business or the job as well, because some days you might want to throw in the towel. Some days you might want to quit. So just try to focus on the positive aspect while working on things you aren’t happy with.

Nicole Vienneau  23:29

John Piazza DeDonatis shares his wisdom next in episode 62. 

John DeDonatis  23:35

It’s a great question. I guess if I’m trying to be motivating or influential to people listening, I would say just continue to ask yourself, not only if you’re happy, but if you have meaning, if what you’re doing is meaningful to you. That’s kind of one of the things that healthcare in general, during this shift that we’re having, I feel like is lacking.

The staff just don’t feel valued. So I would say to the listeners, try to just follow your heart and do what makes you feel valued. Whether it is getting into Nurse Coaching and finding your niche or something else. Just do what makes you feel alive. I’m trying to get there myself.

Nicole Vienneau  24:29

Yes, do what makes you come alive.

John DeDonatis  24:33

Yeah. Once I heard, live where your heart beats, but I feel like more specifically, do what makes your heart beat.

Nicole Vienneau  24:44

I love that, the imagery.

John DeDonatis  24:45

And everything else will fall into place.

Nicole Vienneau  24:48

Here’s a beautiful reflection from Kacie Salas.

Kacie Salas  24:54

Yeah, I think going back to that sense of joy and passion. You know, Nurse Coaches, our careers are a huge part of our life, right? And our identity as a Nurse. And Nurse Coaching has really brought just so much joy back into my professional life. And I’m so grateful for this path and new skills.

And I really feel like I’m living my soul’s purpose with this work. You know, I always knew I wanted to be a Nurse. But Nurse Coaching, really, I feel like this is my soul’s purpose. You know, I really just feel… I feel that deep in my heart that this is what I was meant to do. And I love it.

Nicole Vienneau  25:39

Ellie Monjoseph is up next.

Ellie Monjoseph  25:42

I think just expelling the idea that you have to be at a certain destination, or you have to be healed enough, or you have to have made sense of your personal story in order to do something. Or to get the support that you need.

Sometimes we don’t allow ourselves to move forward and actually learn along the process, and make mistakes if we need to. But trust that we’re going to learn. And you can’t… you can only win at that point. I love the phrase of you either win, or you learn. There’s no losing.

And so, same with the work that I do, the clients that I work with—  different circumstances in life that we’re all facing, sometimes we want a solution, or we want to get to a destination. And people get frustrated. Or they know that there’s relational conflict or something going on with the past and they want to get past it because it keeps surfacing.

And it’s frustrating that they’re not there yet. But the best thing we can do is just take one step at a time and learn in the process. Because in that process, we also learn to be with ourselves and resource ourselves so that we can show up differently, instead of replaying what we have in the past.

Nicole Vienneau  26:56

I felt a lot of connection to this one. Well, actually, I do for all of them, let’s be real, but here’s Tiffany North.

Tiffany North  27:04

I think that piece about, you know, the honoring part of the five A’s that I use. It can be so hard, because just as we have shoulds with food and body and, you know, all of that, there’s shoulds around showing up in a certain way, taking care of other people, you know, earning a certain amount, like all of that stuff.

And it can be really scary to diverge from the expectations and the cultural norms. But, you know, if you’re listening to this podcast that tells me that you’re somebody who’s seeking. And so I would just say, learning to honor that whisper from your body, of follow, you know, follow the… go down the little alleyway or the path or whatever it is that’s calling to you.

Honor that yes. Because, you know, there’s the cliche of like, life is short. And it’s really like, you’re the person, you’re the person who’s going to be… you’re the only person who’s truly in charge of what your own satisfaction and your own… really caring for yourself, right?

And so, if we’re able to honor what’s important to us or the things that we’re feeling called to do, it can really lead to so much more satisfaction, it can lead to so much more joy, it can just open up things that you would never expect.

Nicole Vienneau  28:25

Devon Donkin shows up with her open heart next from episode 66.

Devon Donkin  28:31

I think if there’s a voice inside that’s telling you something kind of over and over again, to kind of go with it. And it’s okay to, you know, to be different, or to make a change in your life. And sounds cliche, but it’s never too late to do something radically different, or make a shift for your health at any time. And that there’s support out there and that you don’t have to be alone. And yeah, to just listen to your intuition and go with it.

Nicole Vienneau  29:02

A wise and wonderful reflection from Caitlin Jarvis.

Caitlin Jarvis  29:06

What is on my heart, maybe this is a little bit because of Valentine’s Day, but is really, self love, and loving all parts of yourself, the good, the bad, and the ugly, and bringing love, compassion and gentleness to all those different parts of yourself, and releasing the shame or the judgment to those different parts of yourself. 

And I think when we can do that, that really helps us expand and truly help others and facilitate the healing of others. Because of course, we’re first doing it for ourselves. So yeah, that’s what’s coming up for me today is just like really releasing judgment around any different parts or behaviors or thoughts or interests. 

And instead just like bringing loving, compassionate gentleness to those different parts, and yeah, giving all those different parts a little hug. You know, I do work sometimes with like inner child stuff, or shadow stuff. And so being able to just love all those parts is beautiful. That’s what’s here for me to share right now. 

Nicole Vienneau  30:31

Judy Ratliff shares her heart next.

Judy Ratliff  30:34

You know, I think as we’ve been talking about listening to those whispers, that as Nurse coaches, we often in coaching sessions, or when we’re talking to people, we often really want to see those big aha moments, or those clients come up with these phenomenal, smart goals. 

And sometimes, especially when we’re Nurse Coach students, we think that maybe a session wasn’t overly productive if we didn’t have those. But it really isn’t about those grandiose, big aha moments, it really is about those subtle shifts that we often are a part of, but we don’t realize that we’re a part of when we’re working with our clients. 

And that we don’t underestimate those small whispers, those small shifts that we might help facilitate with a client, and they may walk away, and we think, oh, my gosh, that was the most unproductive coaching session ever. And the next week or two, they come back, and they’ve made all these fabulous changes, or they themselves have had this aha moment. 

And it was maybe instigated by those small subtle shifts. But it’s those subtle shifts that I think actually make sustainable change. So to not get frustrated, or flustered when we think a coaching session didn’t go well, or that we’re not making progress, because we probably really are, we just maybe don’t realize that at the time, because it’s still just a whisper.

Nicole Vienneau  32:14

Let’s keep filling up our hearts with Chandra Campanelli.

Chandra Campanelli  32:18

I will say that my heart is feeling very big this morning. I’m coming off of facilitating a group journey yesterday that, just, everybody got what they needed. Everybody got what they came for. I worked a program… the program that I created for the event, I think was one of the finest ones yet. 

It was so cohesive. And I always get, still, really nervous. I mean, no matter what, I always do. Because I take responsibility, and I take that to heart. And so I’m always still, you know, just nervous and want everything to… I know… I mean, at this point, I know everybody’s gonna get what they need. But yesterday was just… it was just a beautiful session. 

And the feedback already has just been so profound. And so I sit in the glow of knowing that the time that I’m devoting… which sometimes is quite an intense bit of time, you know, I take what I do very seriously, I don’t just, you know, take people’s money and show up. That’s not it. 

And so I’m really just basking in a really gratifying glow this morning, feeling that what I am doing is impactful and meaningful. And I’m so damn happy. As simple as that. And now I can relax, make my family a nice dinner tonight and catch up with my kids who knock on the door while I’m like, you know, knee deep in index cards and put my glasses down at them. 

They’re like, mom, are listening to that weird music again? I thought you were working. I’m like, it’s the same thing! You know, and so I get to turn that whole heart towards my family and it just makes for a really good day.

Nicole Vienneau  34:36

Nicole Monteserrato, and episode 70, is next.

Nicole Monteserrato  34:41

I went to a networking event, actually, towards the… probably right when I graduated last year. And there was a sign there that like, it was like their slogan of the night, and it said, feel the fear and do it anyway. And I remember being so nervous at that event, thinking, you know, as a Nurse, it’s very hard, the whole marketing business side of Nurse Coaching, right? 

And getting yourself out there, being vulnerable in that sense, and like kind of explaining to people what Nurse Coaching is and whatnot. So I remember sitting with that saying, and I was like, so fearful at the time, and I was like, okay, like, it’s not a bad thing to feel that fear. It’s not a bad thing. 

It just means that something’s coming, it means that change is coming. And that could be the best change in the world. So why not just do it. So I love that saying, and I would… my advice to other people would to really be like, embrace that fear that you’re feeling because it is so new and it’s so different, and you don’t know where it’s going to take you, but do it anyway. 

Get started. Make the proposal, make the connection with somebody, and it will happen as it’s supposed to happen. I truly believe that.

Nicole Vienneau  35:59

Lots of love with Lindsay Frey in episode 71.

Lindsay Frey  36:07

Yeah, I think it’s just encouraging people to take a chance, to really lean into your vulnerability, just kind of befriend yourself and see what comes up for you, knowing it doesn’t have to look perfect. And you have time, like you said.

Nicole Vienneau  36:30

Joanne Turnier shares her deep wisdom next.

Joanne Turnier  36:34

Well, first of all, I feel very grateful that I have the opportunity to share some of my experiences. And my hope is that whoever listens to this gets something out of it. Maybe they’re at the beginning of their journey. Maybe they’re the middle or the end. I don’t know. There’s never an end, though. 

But I hope they will consider some of the things we spoken about and really see how those things that we spoke about pertain to them. Where can they begin their journey for healing mind, body and soul? You know, their awareness journey, whatever you want to call it. 

You know, for me, that’s the soft spot in my heart. Because when I became a Nurse all the way back, I was like, 36 years old when I became a Nurse, right? And when I went to my graduation, I felt complete. You know, I felt complete in a different way than other aspects of my life. 

It was different than having my children, that was pure joy, right? Or being married, that was joyful. But there was a completeness that I felt, and I carried that completeness into the neonatal ICU with me because I didn’t…  I didn’t have any experience yet. I wasn’t tainted. 

I was just wide-eyed and… right? I hope that for them, I hope that they can continue to be wide-eyed, curious and cultivate a sense of wellbeing for themselves first. Always put yourself first. We were told differently. And then bring whatever joy, whatever happiness, whatever you cultivate within yourself, bring it into those rooms in the hospitals where it is so desperately needed. 

Your light. And for those of you who won’t work in a system, you can bring yourself wherever you go. Remember that. It could be in a supermarket, it could be outside, it could be anywhere. You are the office. You are the organization. You are whatever it is that you want, you are it. So, that’s it. That’s what I would say. And I hope I get to see it, just like I saw it that day at the symposium. Those moments are so pure joy. So, yeah, made me happy.

Nicole Vienneau  39:03

And here we are coming to episode 75 with Jill Arzouman, and I want you to keep listening after Jill, because we’ve picked two beautiful quotes from our co-founders of the Integrative Nurse Coach Academy, Dr. Barbara Dossey and Susan Luck.

Jill Arzouman  39:21

I just think that Nursing is such a noble profession. We are so honored to be able to be with people in time of need, and so I’m very honored to have had the privilege to become a Nurse, and feel very blessed the path that’s taken me to so many different things, from a staff Nurse to a clinical specialist educator. 

I’ve done so many different things. And I just think that it’s taking me this long, 150 years I like to tell people, to realize that taking care of me allows me to take care of my patients much better. And so if we can instill that knowledge in our newer Nurses and our seasoned Nurses, because it’s never too old to learn. 

We’re never too old to learn. I wasn’t too old to learn that too. And to all of our Nursing, you know, across the spectrum, whether you’re working from home or in quality, or in leadership or a clinic, it’s all Nursing care, and we have to take care of ourselves, and that’s just… 

and however you find a way to do that, and if you’re not doing it currently, dip your toes into maybe taking… maybe you take… you wash your hands for three minutes instead of one minute at the sink, and you just do some just mindfulness. I think that’s what our profession really needs, is take care of ourselves, and then just being kind to one another. 

You know, human kindness is so, so important. Reach out, ask people if they’re okay. Sometimes we just need to be asked. And that’s why I went into Nursing in the first place, is to take care of other people. But take care of ourselves, take care of others. There’s so much work, great work, to be done, and we need a solid Nursing force to do that. 

And I think we’re doing a better job of it. We’ve got a long ways to go, but there’s definitely great, great opportunities in the future. And the three Nurses I worked with last year who are just graduated in the past six months, future is very bright for Nursing. 

We have some amazing Nurses coming out there into the world. And we have some superior, intelligent, amazing, seasoned Nurses who have so much expertise to impart this new group, that, you know, there’s no place to go but up, it’s going to be great. Great partnership.

Nicole Vienneau  41:45

Wasn’t that just so exciting and so beautiful to listen to? Well, we absolutely cannot celebrate 100 episodes of Integrative Nurse Coaches in ACTION! without honoring two extraordinary women, who helped create and shape the very foundation of integrative nurse coaching. Barbara Dossey and Susan Luck have been deeply instrumental in bringing Nurse Coaching into the world with vision, courage, heart, and a profound belief in what nursing can become. 

Their work has impacted countless nurses, clients, patients, families, and communities across the globe, and so many of us are walking this path today because they first imagined it possible. So, of course, for this 100th episode celebration, we simply had to include reflections from both of these incredible co-founders. With deep gratitude and admiration, let’s hear what is on their hearts. First up, we have Dr. Barbara Dossey.

Barbara Dossey  42:53

What is on my heart right now is our beloved Florence Nightingale, the founder of modern secular nursing. To remember all that she went through. She was born 1820 died in 1910. She came into our lifetime. I can say my grandparents were born in 1880, Nightingale born in 19… I mean, died in 1910. 

Here is a nurse who was a healer, a philosopher, the founder of modern secular nursing, a statistician, a brilliant statistician, a multi-faceted complex genius, and a mystic. And for us to remember what the legacy that she left us, and how can we be the keepers of that light of healing for the world. How do we work together so that we have healthy people living on a healthy planet? 

That is what is on my heart, is to bring Florence Nightingale’s legacy of caring and healing, and that we are the flame keepers, and we have to keep that flame alive in ourselves in order for it to burn brightly out in the world.

Nicole Vienneau  44:07

And now let’s hear from Susan Luck.

Susan Luck  44:10

We, as nurse coaches, or potential nurse coaches, as holistic nurses, we are already way beyond the constraints of understanding of the medical construct and model, and having this expanded awareness, I think we each need to ask ourselves, what is it that I could contribute to a healthier planet, a healthier community, a healthier family, and a healthier me? And starting with ourselves. We all have health risk factors, and I would just encourage everybody to take a moment, read labels in your foods, in your personal care products. 

Go on the Environmental Working Group, ewg.org website, Google an article on heavy metals in the brain on pesticides and cancer, whatever you see in your community, or whatever is of interest to you, and find healthier alternatives. And I think that’s a beautiful way to participate in this process of health for our communities.

Nicole Vienneau  45:38

Wow, 100 episodes, and we got to listen to some of the most beautiful expressions of what is on our integrative nurse coaches’ hearts. Thank you so much for being part of this journey with us at the Integrative Nurse Coach Academy, and we look forward to more and more interviews with amazing nurse coaches from across the globe. See you soon. 

Thank you so much for your generous time and support of our inspiring integrative nurse coaches in action. Please share this episode with a colleague, leave us a five star review, and follow us on social media. We look forward to keeping in touch with you. Remember to breathe, and to rest.