Celebrate your nursing narrative during Black History Month
Black History Month's theme is reclaiming narratives and should inspire nursing staff to share their heritage story with others and celebrate authentic voices
Reclaiming narratives is the theme of October’s Black History Month.
Mindful of the importance of inclusion and the vibrancy of diversity, nursing colleagues are encouraged to reclaim their narrative by sharing the story of their heritage so their authentic voice is heard and celebrated, so that others may learn.
As we celebrate, reclaiming stories, listening and learning, two of our articles by Jacqueline Harley and Ali Richards encourage all of us to reflect on our stories as nurse leaders.
Leadership: why self-awareness is important and fostering a climate of psychological safety
Developing self-awareness for effective nurse leadership helps us to focus on the importance of self-awareness as a leader.
In the article, Dr Harley emphasises how, through recognising our own strengths and limitations and managing our own emotions, nurse leaders can role model ‘relational leadership’ helping to foster a supportive and collegiate team.
Similarly, in Concerns about practice: supporting staff by fostering a climate of psychological safety Ms Richards stresses the importance of promoting and ensuring safe and effective care.
This requires leaders who are willing to admit their own errors while challenging suboptimal practice through constructive and supportive tough conversations and creating a just culture for all.
A safe environment allows good nursing care to be delivered
In a safe environment, colleagues can be honest about their strengths and limitations so that good nursing care can be delivered.
As we celebrate and learn during Black History Month by talking to our colleagues and actively listening, we can reflect and ask ourselves how we want our legacy as nurse leaders to be remembered.
