“I would like to especially compliment and thank Nurse Stephanie. She went well above and beyond in her care. She made our Mother comfortable and was very attentive to her needs. She was also very helpful in explaining and providing counsel in the process of transitioning our Mother to hospice care. Stephanie was always available to answer questions, and also provided small comforts for family members keeping vigil at our Mothers bedside.”
Patient Family Member in Wisconsin ICU
Opportunity for Reflection
Individual or group reflection (5-6 minutes)
The nurse in our story above went above and beyond what was required of her and it made a positive impact on her family members. Nurse Stephanie also embodied our Ascension Value of Dedication. From this family member's story we get a sense that this caregiver is doing work that she loves.
In this reflection we invite you to explore the types of activity that you would like to dedicate yourself to more fully.
Step 1. What do you wish you had more time to do?
If there were more hours in the day, how would you like to fill them? Use the two-and-a-half minute timer below for writing or silent reflection.
Groups may use timer for breakout discussion. Deep Listening guidelines are below to aid in group facilitation.
Step 2. What activity in your day would you eliminate?
What would you remove from your daily activities if you had the choice? Use the two-and-a-half minute timer below for writing or silent reflection.
As you reflect, allow reactions, emotional responses, and feelings as they arise and try not to be judgmental of yourself and others.
Groups may use timer for breakout discussion. Deep Listening guidelines are below to aid in group facilitation.
Step 3. Share your findings with a friend or colleague.
Sharing our experiences with others can help us build connections to one another. Storytelling is an intimate and crucial part of building community.
Groups may gather in a circle and take turns sharing with and listening to one another.
Opportunity for Connection
Consider inviting a team member to reflect
Asking these questions of your team members is a great way to build community and practice your deep listening skills. Click here for a refresher on the six skills of deep listening (L.I.S.T.E.N.).
1. Let Go: Make room so that you have the capacity to listen.
- Set aside any distractions necessary to be present with others.
- Take a deep breath and center yourself.
2. Insight: Welcome your natural insight and wisdom.
- Offer the question: What do you wish you had more time to do?
- Relinquish the need to problem solve, over share, or prove you are listening.
3. Silence: Cultivate silence so that others can self-reflect.
- Practice selective self-sharing – sharing just enough about yourself to help establish a trusting relationship.
4. Trust: Trust the insight and wisdom in others.
- Remind others they aren't alone and that you have their best interest in mind.
- If comfortable, offer up the second question: What activity in your day would you eliminate?
5. Empowerment: Allow others to make their own connections.
- Consider responding with honest and open-ended follow up questions that invite others to make deeper connections.
- Perhaps ask, "why is that?" or "wow, do you mind saying more about that?"
6. Not Knowing: Make friends with uncertainty.
- Give yourself permission to be comfortable with not knowing, or not having all of the answers.