As we approach the final months of the International Year of the Nurse and Midwife , in light of the pandemic, can I suggest that we use the first week of October (1st – 8th) to reflect through writing on what this has meant in the context of compassion. Highlighting the need to be sensitive to the needs of the people we care for, picking up on the subtle signs that allow the human touch, that is key to individualised holistic care. The need to use PPE and distancing has without question altered how we deliver care and interact and this has had a significant impact on staff. There has been some research undertake over recent years to look at the benefits of learning through poetry writing and the benefits this can have as a way of learning and developing to be better nurses, but applies to all care staff.

Can I invite anyone who is involved in health and social care to make the first week of October, ‘Compassionate Poetry Week’ so we can share, learn from each other, and decompress as part of our response to self -care.

Look forward to reading all your thoughts. I’ll kickstart with my contribution below.

 

Jacqui Neil

Transforming Workforce Lead

@TransformNurse