CLARIFY — Monday Motivational Meditation #398 — 2019-03-25

“Mentoring is about listening to people,
helping them go over what the issues are and
how to clarify ways to deal with any problems that may arise.”

Mildred Dresselhaus, 1930-2017

Known as the “queen of carbon science”, was an Institute Professor and Professor Emerita of physics and electrical engineering
at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

CLARIFY

There is ambiguity in life and healthcare, and part of my work is to do all I can to clarify the issues. Helping my patient to get clear information on plans and procedures brings comfort to them. I know the process begins with listening and my ability to hear what questions those I am serving have. It requires that I let go of all those things that can preoccupy myself and keep me from being present. I want to see the issues in all their dimensions, height, width, and depth. I want to see their problems in 3D.

That means of course that I’m going to have also to be clear about what my patients are feeling. Clarifying the fears, loss, and desperation that they may be feeling is critical to getting an accurate picture of how they are. My work is about helping them find some freedom from confusion and to revive their hope. I know I can help.

I do the work of clarification with others. Unafraid to talk to other doctors or specialists, I will courageously seek to clarify the path for others with those who can help me. It will mean at times that I will have to be vulnerable and accept that sometimes I don’t know the answers.

Loving Presence, fill me with confidence to seek light amid darkness and find peace during times of chaos. I know that with persistence I can make explicit things that seem confusing especially for those whom I serve and love. Give me courage. As a leader on a journey of hope, help me make things clear for others. AMEN.

ACTION: Consider your system of clarifying issues for patients. What are the steps? Where did you develop your methods? Is there someone in this place that you want to reach out to at this time? Do so!

Alex Jones: Do you want to see something exciting? Click on the link under the photo and see the rock formation in 3D. “Clarity” is the name of this series and these photos will be provided for viewing in three dimensions and will help us mark these reflections. Nursing Heart would like to thank Alex Jones for inviting us to the incredible virtual world that he is creating with his art and science.

Alex is currently working in collaboration with a professor at Rice University. He writes the following about the project:

“André W. Droxler, Ph.D., is a professor in the Department of Earth Science and the director of the Center for the Study of Environment and Society. His research has focused on studying the morphology of and the sediments accumulating on slopes and basin floors surrounding coral reefs and carbonate platforms.

He and I are currently working on a project documenting microbial reefs and outcrops in a private ranch in Mason, Texas which are around 500 million years old. We are using a process called photogrammetry. It’s the of process where one takes dozens, hundreds or thousands of photos (depending on the size of what you are documenting) in a very specific manner at specific angles, and patterns and then, using special computer software, you can turn them into a 3D model which people can rotate and zoom in and out on their computers, phones and tablets, as well as using virtual reality and augmented reality to walk around said documented piece.”

Nursing Heart Friends,

The University of Minnesota nurse practitioner students did tremendous work here in Guatemala through this past week. They saw almost 500 patients and even more importantly provided a care that the members of these communities rarely receive. They served the community of Simajhuleu on Monday and Tuesday, and were in El Hato, high above the city of Antigua, Thursday and Friday.

Weeks like this really help these communities to find hope. One of the leaders of the community in Simajhuleu remarked to the group in the closing ceremony, “Because you go through all you did to be here to provide the clinic, you inspire us to keep working for better health in our community.” Hugo, the leader, himself is a nurse. He actually studied nursing here in Guatemala with our clinical director, César Santos. His words were inspiring to us.

This week has really brought into focus the phrase that we share with all the groups who join us. “Si has venido aquí para ayudarme, estás perdiendo el tiempo. Pero si has venido porque tu liberación está ligada a la mía, entonces trabajemos juntos.” “If you have come here to help me, you are wasting your time. But if you have come because your liberation is bound up with mine, then let us work together.” Lilla Watson (and aboriginal activists, Queensland, AUS, 1970s).

Today we make a quick turnaround to welcome our friends from Northern Arizona University. They will return to their work that started some five years ago in Santa María de Jesús. We are looking forward to a great week. We pay our doctors and translators fairly and the costs are many. Your help is greatly appreciated. Donate now. We are grateful to you for your support. I’ll share more about these two weeks next week.

Peace,

Founding Executive Director

Take the time to and understand the patient’s story.
We learned so much this week through compassionate listening.

Katelyn Pedersen, RN
DNP-FNP Student
University of Minnesota
Minneapolis, Minnesota