Now that we’ve had our costume and candy fun, what can Halloween teach us? How can we use this fun day to become better nurses? Halloween teaches at least three lessons: It teaches us that joy and fun are rather important. Life is short. Folks get more work done when they’re happy (an evidence-based assertion), It teaches a lesson in self-forgiveness for having eaten perhaps “too much” candy. Every year, it seems! And far most important, This year it reminds me of a fun way to get your work done a little faster & easier. It’s called Pretending. Pretending? Nurses should learn about PRETENDING?!?!? ARE YOU KIDDING ME?!?!? I imagine all you Serious Nurses out there grinding your teeth & muttering. How dare I waste your precious time with Pretending? It’s OK, grind away and mutter! I’ve been there. But listen a bit longer, folks, unless you find the idea of a little extra power beneath you. (Rather too many) years ago I learned that Pretending isn’t just for kids. It’s also a valuable survival skill and performance enhancer for adults. Clearly, most adults haven’t gotten the memo! Yet most nurses have already Pretended at work, at least at a [...]![]()
