As I said goodbye to 2023, I asked myself did I do my best, did I genuinely treat everyone with respect, with care and with equity? I hope so.
However, whilst sitting down to write this editorial I reflected and relived certain situations, and it became clear that I could have done things differently. That doesn't mean it was wrong but doesn't mean it was right either.
As we head into 2024 we must all remind ourselves, to be kind to ourselves - we did the best that we could at that time, we reflect, we learn, and we do it even better the next time, when we are faced with the same situation.
So be kind to each other, a smile, 5 minutes of your time to listen, appropriate laughter, always letting your friends and colleagues know you care and a thank you goes a long way. If just one of these acts could make a difference imagine what doing these acts daily could do!
I'm sure I don't need to tell you the physical and psychological effects when your actions make you feel good, so why not give it a go?
Together we will make 2024 the year of the GPN, and together we can make the changes we want to see (and be).
Please share your experiences, we would love to hear from you.
Practice Nursing provides nurses working in general practice with the tools to reach their full potential and deliver the best possible care to their patients. Our monthly journal informs and inspires by providing up-to-date, evidence-based clinical articles, highlighting key professional issues and promoting the latest research in general practice.
I would like to start the new year by congratulating all of the nurses reading this on passing another year as the cornerstones of the NHS with flying colours. In particular, I must congratulate our Editor-in-Chief Debbie Brown, who was appointed as an MBE for services to nursing in the New Year's Honours List. The award is much deserved and highlights Debbie's commitment to nursing in general practice.
2024 promises to be another turbulent year for the NHS, starting with junior doctors striking, and likely ending with a general election that will dictate the direction of the health service for the next decade or so. No matter who wins, it is vital that the next Government finally recognises the challenges facing nurses and the wider NHS, or else we will have another wasted decade on our hands.