"When we seek for connection, we restore the world to wholeness. Our seemingly separate lives become meaningful as we discover how truly necessary we are to each other" –Margret Wheatley

I love this quote gleaned from the book "The Heart of Hospice; Core Competencies for Reclaiming the Mystery" by Brenda Clarkson and Myra L. Lovvorn, which should be required reading for all Nurses!
After all, isn't making a connection at the core of the work of Hospice? Forming a bond of trust with our patients and their families, creating working teams built upon healthy interdependence with professionals who share our passion for the work, building balanced organizations stable and capable and willing enough to reach out to others in the extended community; these are cornerstones for sustainable hospice care; hospice as it was intended to be. The work of Hospice lives in the kind and healing words we choose to speak, and in the difficult but necessary conversations into which we invite our patients as they confront their own mortality, and in our unspoken shared vigilance at the bedside of our patients dying peacefully- free from pain and anxiety because we were there to set that tone. We choose to remain engaged in the work of hospice because we feel that connection; a connection that is at once personal and universal, and we know that we are a part of something great; great because it is good. As Hospice Nurses, let us strive to keep connected with each other because "a threefold cord is not easily broken!" Our Chicagoland Chapter has won an HPNA grant this year to hold our first retreat in Williams Bay, WI; minutes from Lake Geneva. As we put the final touches on the program before holding it up for you to consider, we invite you to save the dates of November 4th-6th and plan on joining us for a Drumming Circle, Mindfulness work, small group discussion from "Oxygen for Caregivers," and more. As recommended in the HPNA Core Curriculum, take time away from the clinical setting for reflection on the human element of hospice care, re-fill your cup amidst the beautiful scenery, cozy fires and plentiful walking trails, meet Hospice Nurses from around the Chicagoland area, and earn CEU's! Your presence will add to the experience for all of us. You will be missed if you are not there!Have a great year, and criminy, "y'all:" stay connected!Looking forward to meeting you at the retreat in November, and at our other upcoming HPNA events for the 2016-2017 year.
Peace,
Nancy