New Adventure

🗣 In fifth grade, my class had to memorize and deliver Patrick Henry's speech "Give Me Liberty or Give Me Death!" 💪

My friends hated the assignment—scared to death of public speaking 😨, but I was thrilled. Not only did I enthusiastically deliver the speech, I mimed Henry's action (stabbing himself for effect) 🗡️, and collapsed on my friend Landon's desk 😅.

Since that day, I knew God made me (in part) for public speaking 🎙️.

All of my jobs incorporated speaking and teaching. But now, I am all in.

After ten years in healthcare and twenty-five years in ministry, I am now a full-time speaker, writer, and consultant.

🌟 What do I do?

I make difficult conversations easier for people in helping professions.

In healthcare, my team responded to more than 15,000 deaths, and I've published three non-fiction books about death, dying, and grief. I speak on this topic because dying and grieving people deserve to be treated right. #griefawareness 🕊️

During my tenure, I navigated 500 ethics consults. I taught nurses medical ethics for years, and now I am a professor at Indiana University School of Medicine, teaching ethical decision-making. I speak on this topic because providers deserve support when they face their most difficult cases. #medicalethics 👩‍⚕️

In the fall of 2022, I burned out at work. My body, mind, and spirit gave out. I was depressed and anxious and under the care of multiple doctors. Something had to change. I speak on this topic to help organizations curb burnout and individuals recover from their own experiences. #healthcareburnout 🔥

I am excited (and a little scared) about this new adventure. 🚀

I quit!

📣 Announcement!

📓 This week, I close a chapter. 📅 My last day at Parkview Health is this Thursday, October 26.

🎭 After more than ten years, I feel many mixed emotions.

🙏 However, my primary feeling is one of deep gratitude.

I have worked with some amazing people and had some great leaders (Ben Miles, Ann Lantz, and Curtis Smith to name a few).

🙏 I can't begin to list every opportunity I had while at Parkview, serving as the Director of Dignity and the Ethics Chairperson. All I can do is reflect. And be thankful.

When coworkers learned about my departure, many sent kind notes. Sifting through them last night, I discovered themes to their compliments. They were primarily thankful for my 1) Support, 2) Compassion, and 3) Calm approach.

Here's the kicker.

👥 Anyone can display these characteristics. I didn't need special talents or training to be supportive, kind, or calm.

📢 What's next? I will be speaking and writing more than ever.

#Burnoutawareness, #Medicalethics, and #Griefsupport are the topics I am passionate about, and I can't wait to raise awareness about each of these topics.

Thank you, Parkview.

"And in case I don't see you; good afternoon, good evening, and good night." -Truman Burbank 😆

The humbling observation made by an attendee

🤔 "As a pastor, did your own hubris make it more difficult to identify your burnout symptoms?"

🙌 At a recent keynote in Memphis, an attendee got straight to the point with this question.

I stood up straight and looked past her for a moment.

😔 "Did my excessive self-confidence hinder self-awareness?" I rephrased her question.

"Perhaps," I said. "But not in the common sense. I've never been a pray-it-away person. Or a name-it-and-claim-it adherent to the #prosperitygospel. However, I subtly believed I was superior to people who have mental health concerns like depression, anxiety, and burnout. So, to answer your question with one word...

👀 YES

I am not alone.

Doctors and nurses can also play hashtag#healthcarehero and forget their own vulnerability.

🆔 These roles enmesh with professionals' sense of identity.

#Physicians are smart.

#Nurses are strong.

#Clergy are caring people.

But what if my smarts don't solve all the problems? Or my strength gives way to exhaustion. Or others take advantage of my caring nature?

😥 What if the helpers get depressed? Anxious? Burned out?

As our friends in AA know, the first step is admitting you have a problem. Recognizing the symptoms of burnout is a shockingly difficult task. Nearly impossible until we can no longer ignore it.

💓 I didn't recognize my burnout until I was cardioverted (shocked) in the Emergency Room at Parkview Health to reset my heart.

Then, I was diagnosed with depression and anxiety.

Online tests for burnout are varied and sometimes costly. However, online tests for depression and anxiety are easier to find. I recommend using the tools found on Mental Health America's site.

This week, I spoke twice for the Renal Healthcare Association at Peabody Hotels and Resorts in Memphis, TN.

The audience engaged wonderfully and was kind for two hours. And far and away, the reviews said that my vulnerability, and sharing my story, meant the most to them. 🙌❤️

Therefore, I will practice being vulnerable and honest about how #healthcareburnout has affected me. Hopefully, others will feel seen and encouraged, knowing they are not alone.

❓ Have you ever experienced burnout? How did you recognize it? Share your thoughts and experiences below. Let's start a conversation on #SelfCare and #MentalHealthAwareness.

Renal Healthcare Association Annual Conference—Memphis, TN

🌟 Exploring Ethical Dilemmas & Burnout in Renal Healthcare 🌟

Renal healthcare professionals navigate complex ethical dilemmas while often battling workplace burnout.

🏥 From nephrologists to nurses, they administer not only dialysis and meds, but compassion and discernment.

But, let's address the challenges:

💔 Ethical Dilemmas: Who is a candidate for care? Who decides when the burdens outweigh the benefits? These are heart-wrenching decisions.

🔥 Workplace Burnout: The relentless demands and emotionally taxing situations can lead to emotional exhaustion.

🌱 Solutions: Together, we can make a difference.

Join me at the Renal Healthcare Association annual conference in Memphis at the Peabody Hotel this week, where I'll discuss these critical topics.

https://lnkd.in/gCv75bXG

🤝 Let's advocate, educate, and recognize the invaluable work of renal healthcare teams. Together, we'll make a positive impact!

#RenalHealthcare #EthicalDilemmas #WorkplaceBurnout #HealthcareHeroes #Nephrology #RHA2023

School nurse conference

🩺👩‍⚕️ School Nurses are unsung heroes! 💪

🌟 It's crucial to address a topic that's close to my heart (and affects a staggering number of school nurses - Workplace Burnout. These dedicated professionals are a vital part of our education system, tirelessly caring for our children's health and well-being. 📚👧👦

🔥 Burnout is a real concern, and it's time we shine a light on it. 🕯️

🗓️ Mark your calendars for November 15th when I have the privilege of delivering a Keynote at the INDIANA ASSOCIATION OF SCHOOL NURSES INC conference at the Embassy Suites by Hilton Noblesville Indianapolis Conference Center. 🎙️🌐

Together, we'll delve into the challenges faced by school nurses and explore strategies to help them thrive in their roles.

Let's come together to support and empower these incredible caregivers. 🤗💼

Join me at the conference, and let's make a difference! 🤝 Check out all the details and register here:

Conference Event Page: https://lnkd.in/gRbQGQwN

#SchoolNurses #Burnout #Empowerment #IAmHereForYou #KeynoteSpeaker #INASNConference #HealthcareHeroes 💙💊