Open to What is Possible
Ushering ourselves into the future
As December starts to wind down, we often take stock of the past year and plan for the year ahead. We look back and think about what went well, what didn’t, and what we want the future to be.
On a professional level, we use the therapeutic relationship to improve our ability to walk alongside our patients on their journeys. When we recognize what has meaning for us and gives us purpose we can help our patients discover the same for themselves. This therapeutic relationship facilitates recovery and is central to the “art” of psychiatric-mental health nursing.
The “science” of PMH nursing is activated in this process too. As we develop the therapeutic relationship, we incorporate new evidence and technologies. Our end goal is always to create “better practices” that fit the needs of the individual.
As our PMH nursing community starts this new year we can incorporate our recovery-based, person-centered values into new approaches and methods. We can also stay open to new opportunities to apply the “art” and “science” of what we do to foster care excellence.
Sending all my good wishes to you and yours for a happy and healthy New Year. I’m excited to spend the coming year with you, building the future of care and improving the quality of life for those we serve.
Joyce Shea, DNSc, APRN, PMHCNS-BC, FAAN
President
American Psychiatric Nurses Association
Published December 2024
