Chapter 12: Transformed and in Service: Creating the Future Through Renewal

Abstract

A reflection on becoming a nurse and the importance of renewal in professional life. " Personally, and professionally, I believe reflection is a means of renewal. My logic goes something like this: as self is renewed, commitments to service come forward more easily. Renewed commitments to service require attention to mindfulness and reflective practice. Mindful reflective practice begets questions that support inquiry. Such inquiry guides knowledge work and evidence-based care giving. Care giving supports society as knowledge, values, and service intersect. Knowledgeable people and especially knowledgeable nurses provide care that society needs. Creating a caring society is the spirit work of nursing. Creating a caring society starts with nurses caring for themselves and becoming, through reflection, more conscious and intentional in their being, thinking, feeling, doing, and acting. Reflection is a form of “inner work” that results in the energy for engaging in “outer service.” Reflection in-and-on action supports meaning-making and purpose management in one’s professional life."