One Nurse at a Time

While "story gathering" for Kaplan Publishing's upcoming, Caring Beyond Borders I met a spunky nurse, Sue Averill, who works half the time internationally; the other half as an ER nurse in Seattle, Washington. Sue and her friend, Stacy Kelly formed the organization One Nurse at a Time. What a concept! It is a non profit created by these two nurses who are passionate about giving back to their local and global community through volunteer and humanitarian medical pursuits. They are dedicated to assisting other nurses enhance their profession as they too, look for opportunities to serve locally, nationally and internationally.

You really must check out their website and email Sue and Stacy with your questions. The website is www.onenurseatatime.org Check it out! It's a very worthwhile place to put your donationsdollars to work to do something good.

Slideshow from San Miguel de Allende

Press Release !

Wever, Iowa nurse practitioner Nancy Leigh Harless’s story, “In God’s Palm,” has been included in the latest anthology, New Lives. published by Kaplan, a publisher of a broad range of educational and consumer books by and for healthcare providers. The book, New Lives is a compilation of stories from real nurses -- Stories about babies during their first year of life can be the most inspiring, touching, and heartbreaking tales. Nurses who care for these littlest of people collect multitudes of stories that touch the hearts of everyone, from those in nursing to anyone who simply enjoys stories of hope and inspiration. New Lives contains these stories in fascinating first-person narratives. All types of nurses, from hospitals, private practices, and in-home health care, tell their stories about the babies they’ve delivered and cared for. In turns joyous, humorous, and heartbreaking, these neonatal and prenatal nurses, midwives, labor and delivery nurses, pediatric nurses, and others share what it’s like to care for these small wonders at the very start of their lives. Edited and introduced by a registered nurse, this collection of stories will be treasured by those who love stories of survival.

How Sweet It Is by Alice J. Wisler

Working Beyond Borders

It's been almost nice years since I worked on a Maternal Child team in Kosovo, post the Balkan War. Memories of these proud young people working to rebuild their lives and their country are among my fondest memories.

Do you have a story about working abroad? I would love to read it. Send it to me at beyondborders@lives.com for consideration in the anthology, Beyond Borders: Nurses Stories About Working Abroad.

Beyond Borders - A Call Out for Stories

This is the book I am presently working on with Kaplan Publishing. Kaplan wants nurses from all over the world to reveal what it’s like to practice nursing outside of your home countries. Whether confronted with unfamiliar cultural norms, new medical language, or greater or fewer resources than you would experience at home, your story will open a window into the commonalities and cultural differences in how the art and science of nursing is practiced around the globe.
Do you have a story to share? If so please email it to me at beyondborders@live.com. And if you don't have a story, but know a nurse who does - please share this information with her or him.
Thanks! I look forward to reading many tales from the art and science of nursing around the world. I look forward to reading YOURS!
~ Nancy

INTERNATIONAL WOMAN'S DAY

I shortened it a bit, but the following is an article taken from www.internationalwomansday.com

International Women's Day has been observed since in the early 1900's, a time of great expansion and turbulence in the industrialized world that saw booming population growth and the rise of radical ideologies.
1908 -Great unrest and critical debate was occurring amongst women. Women's oppression and inequality was spurring women to become more vocal and active in campaigning for change. 15,000 women marched through New York City demanding shorter hours, better pay and voting rights.
1909 - In accordance with a declaration by the Socialist Party of America, the first National Woman's Day (NWD) was observed across the United States on 28 February.
1910 - A second International Conference of Working Women was held in Copenhagen. A woman named a Clara Zetkin tabled the idea of an International Women's Day. She proposed that every year in every country there should be a celebration on the same day - a Women's Day - to press for their demands with unanimous approval International Women's Day was the result.
1911 - International Women's Day was honoured the first time in Austria, Denmark, Germany and Switzerland.More than one million women and men attended rallies .However, less than a week later on 25 March, the tragic 'Triangle Fire' in New York City took the lives of more than 140 working women, most of them Italian and Jewish immigrants. This disastrous event drew significant attention to working conditions and labour legislation in the United States that became a focus of subsequent International Women's Day events.
1913-1914 On the eve of World War I campaigning for peace, Russian women observed their first International Women's Day on the last Sunday in February 1913
1917 - On the last Sunday of February, Russian women began a strike for "bread and peace" in response to the death over 2 million Russian soldiers in war. Opposed by political leaders the women continued to strike until four days later the Czar was forced to abdicate and the provisional Government granted women the right to vote.
1918 – 1999 - Since its birth in the socialist movement, International Women's Day has grown to become a global day of recognition and celebration across developed and developing countries alike . 1975 March 8th was designated as 'International Women's Year' by the United Nations. Women's organisations and governments around the world.
2000 and beyond - IWD is now an official holiday in China, Armenia, Russia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Bulgaria, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Macedonia, Moldova, Mongolia, Tajikistan, Ukraine, Uzbekistan and Vietnam. The tradition sees men honouring their mothers, wives, girlfriends, colleagues, etc with flowers and small gifts. In some countries IWD has the equivalent status of Mother's Day where children give small presents to their mothers and grandmothers.
The new millennium has witnessed a significant change and attitudinal shift in both women's and society's thoughts about women's equality and emancipation. Many from a younger generation feel that 'all the battles have been won for women' while many feminists from the 1970's know only too well the longevity and ingrained complexity of patriarchy. But, the unfortunate fact is that women are still not paid equally to that of their male counterparts, women still are not present in equal numbers in business or politics, and globally women's education, health and the violence against them is worse than that of men. However, great improvements have been made.
Annually on 8 March, thousands of events are held throughout the world to inspire women and celebrate achievements. A global web of rich and diverse local activity connects women from all around the world. So make a difference, think globally and act locally !! Make everyday International Women's Day. Do your bit to ensure that the future for girls is bright, equal, safe and rewarding.
Make it a great day! ~ Nancy

Nursing in Australia

While sending out 'Calls for Nurses Stories," via the Internet I 'met' the nicest woman - Charmaine Hernadez. Charmaine is originally from the Philippines, now an Australian citizen helping nurses from the Philippines, and other countries, to get their licenses to work in health care.

Charmaine shared with me that many nurses immigrate to the USA to find work, then find challenges obtaining a nursing license or a 'green card' to allow them to work. Not so in Australia. I would like to help Charmaine 'spread the word,' so I'm posting an excerpt from her note to me in hopes that YOU too will help 'spread the word."

From Charmaine - "We want to spread the word out there that you don't have to go to another country and work illegally. Unlike the US education system that governs Intl Students, Australia offers International Students not only their study rights, but LEGAL working rights for them and their dependents to enter the country.Applying for permanent residency and citizenship processing is quicker or less time compared to the US."
Go to www.aucec.com.au for the details.

Carpe diem! ~ Nancy

No Hesitation Here

One huge difference I noted on my recent visit to India when compared to other countries that I've visited is how readily the mothers are to have their children photographed by this white-skinned-granny from across the ocean. I didn't get turned down a single time when I asked for 'one snap please ?' And, they certainly DO have beautiful children!

Home and Back At It !

India was wonderful - a truly amazing, colorful country full of contradictions. Modern cities - frenetic with activity and then a camel prods down the middle of the highway; women dress to the nines in modern western wear, or gift wrapped in beautiful silk sari's - that amazing 9 yards body drape. My sister and I enjoyed all the sights, sounds and smells we could take in and found we feel especially in love with southern India where the pace is slower, the crowds smaller and smog non-existent. Photos to follow of the lovely Indian women and children. Soon!

On the Mend & the Move !

My step-daughter, Mary, called this evening concerned because she had read on my blog that my shingles had really gotten me down. Sweet women - she was concerned because she's been through Trigeminal nerve pain and empathizes. Her call made me realize that I haven't updated here for a long time.

So, know that I'm on the mend! I still hurt, but not like I did and it gets better every week. And, in answer to the other question I've been getting asked often - YES, I'm still going to India - shingles be d--med, saber-rattling be da--med. I am going to India and will be there to celebrate my birthday!

For those who check this blog and would like to follow my India adventure with my sister , you can join us at wwwpostcardsfromindia.blogspot.com Don't put a period after the www, or you'll end up at some else's blog!

Womankind promotion remains on the back-burner. I am co-editing an anthology of stories gleaned from healthcare providers' experiences working in disaster areas. It fills every spare minute until I leave. My co-editor, Kerry Ann Morris of Kingston, Jamaica will take care of it all while I'm traveling.

So, I'm on the mend and on the move and looking forward to yet another grand adventure.

WOMANKIND for Christmas

Don't forget if you'd like signed copies of Womankind mailed to you for Christmas gifts be sure to get your order to me by December 18th!

Chicken Soup Re-Heated

I recently heard from the Chicken Soup folks that three of my stories have been chosen to be included in a new series they are putting out in large print, 'for the older folks.' I can't decide if this is a compliment....or if it's like being offered the 'Senior discount' at Hardy's for my coffee.

Teachers Book Club of Brooklyn Park, Minnesota

Oh my Goodness! Today I received a photo and note from Jan Schultz of Brooklyn Park, Mn. I was there in October and visited with her Book Club. She has a great group, by the way - all teachers and they meet right after school. Now how practical is that? We had a wonderful discussion, not only of the women of Womankind, but of ALL women of the world. I am so pleased each time that happens as that was my intent of writing those strong, brave women's stories - to shed light on women's lives everywhere!

My facial pain from Shingles continues and, along with it, an increasing loss of zest for life. "Lady Depression has returned for a visit and I think she'll be staying a while. "She's brought a lot of baggage with her." * All prayers, positive thoughts, Reiku and other energy will be appreciated.

*Quoted from my dear friend and poet, Rich Hanson

Rain Song

Four years ago I received the wonderful gift of spending time in northern Minnesota at a writing retreat called Norcroft. For three weeks while the leaves turned from green to gold, orange and blazing red I wrote like a wild women. That is where Womankind was born.

I recently connected with a fellow Norcroftie on-line and read her book Rain Song. See the review I wrote and consider Rain Song for your holiday gifts for friends, sisters, mothers and anyone who enjoys a good read! It's available at bookstores and the usual web stores too.

Rain Song by Alice J. Wisler makes a delightful weekend read. This appealing narrative takes place in Mount Olive, North Carolina and like so many stories set in the South, is chock full of quirky, charming, characters. You can’t help but like grandmother, Ducee, and her wise, yet eccentric, words of advice. Pretty cousin Grable struggles to cope with her fraying marriage and at the same time care for her daughter Monet, a special needs child with behaviors as unusual as her name. Their side story adds level of depth to the already interesting primary story about Nicole Michelin, a school teacher, who avoids airplanes, motorcycles, and all things Japanese. Nicole is given the chance to deal with her demons, and the gift of hope for a different future, when she forges an Internet friendship with Harrison, a man met through her website writings about tropical fish. Wisler’s book is a light read with a fresh narrative that will be appreciated most by those who enjoy a story with characters real enough to be a neighbor next door, or your own family members. Rain Song breathes hope into our troubled world.

Story in Collection

The following is excerpted from the local newspaper, The Hawk Eye and was written by Bobby Riggs :

"Please Let My Son Not Die," a story by Nancy Leigh Harless of Wever, is included in "Reflections on Doctors: Nurses' Stories about Physicians and Surgeons."
In the collection of nearly two dozen provocative essays edited by Terry Ratner and published by Kaplan Publishing of Canada, readers are taken behind the closed doors of the operating room, the emergency room and other venues where medical situations are exceedingly intense.
The account by Harless is about the kindness, compassion and respect a "Doctor Drita" showed a frightened new mother, and how her behavior during a simple newborn baby exam gained all the medical staff's trust.
Harless is the author of "Womankind: Connection and Wisdom Around the World," based on her experience as a women's health care practitioner.

Achieving a Healthy Balance

Achieving a Healthy Balance - that was the theme for the Women's Conference in Waconia, MN on Saturday. I am thinking that maybe I need to work on doing that in my own life.

I managed to get to the conference and speak - albeit a rather rambling, shuffling talk it was. I had been up most of the night before experiencing horrible pain in the left side of my face. Really weird pain - I had no idea if it was the sinus infection of the century, or a really bad abscess tooth that was sending shocks of electricity across my face and into my jaw bone. And, of course, I didn't connect the dots and realize that the 'cold sore' that had appeared on my lip had anything to do with the excruciating pain. Long story short - I have shingles involving my Trigeminal nerve! The good news is the truly disgusting pustules didn't pop out all over the left side of my face until after my presentation for Achieving a Healthy Balance. At least i didn't scare everyone in the room!

We left immediately following the conference and came straight home. Today is my first day out of bed. It has been a true learning experience (not to mention a good lesson in vanity) and I am truly beginning today to work on achieving a healthy balance in my own life. Sadly, one of my first steps was to cancel my book events for November.......well, maybe not all....maybe I'll be able to at least to the Anna Parker book clubs 100 birthday Celebration Party next week. Send me your positive thoughts, prayers, reiki and anything else you might call it. I'll take all the help I can get!

Reflections on Doctors

One of Womankind's stories, Please Do Not Let My Son Die, has been included in anthology of nurse’s stories about Physicians and Surgeons. Here are some excerpts from the Press Release -
"Anyone who has been a patient or visitor to a hospital knows that the long-time image of nurses as helpful ladies in white who administer IV’s and wake patients every four hours to take their temperature, is not the role of modern-day nurses. Coming from varied educational paths and scopes of practice that place them side-by-side with doctors, nurses are no longer the “obedient handmaidens” to doctors that they once were perceived to be. If they disagree with doctors’ orders, nurses today can and do refuse them. The relationship and power dynamic between nurses and doctors has evolved with nurses now trained to ask questions and seek answers.

Through nearly two dozen provocative essays REFLECTIONS ON DOCTORS: Nurses’ Stories about Physicians and Surgeons (Kaplan Publishing; September 2008; $14.95 Paperback/$16.95 Canada), readers are taken behind the closed doors of the OR, the rapid pace of the ER and to many other venues where medical situations are exceedingly intense, and the integrity of the intertwined relationship between nurses and doctors is consistently challenged.

As REFLECTIONS ON DOCTORS’ editor Terry Ratner, RN, MFA says, “The nurses of this anthology represent a spectrum of voices and perspectives, reflecting upon their work alongside physicians. The majority of these nurses have witnessed revolutionary changes in the nurse-physician relationship over time. They are our messengers, our heroes and our scribes.”
....

Many of the essays in REFLECTIONS ON DOCTORS provide readers with clear-cut explanations of various medical terminologies, interesting history of the nursing profession and glimpses into its future. The diversity of all the essays is appealing to both new and seasoned nurses, as well as to someone simply interested in understanding the importance and ever-changing relationship between nurses and physicians. Further topping off this collection of engaging essays is a reader’s guide designed to, says Ratner, “stimulate meetings of the minds and begin crucial conversations in hopes of understanding the nurse-physician relationship.”

MEDIATIONS ON HOPE

Nursing is a time honored profession with unique challenges and unique rewards as illustrated in MEDIATIONS ON HOPE: Nurses’ Stories about Motivation and Inspiration (Kaplan Publishers; On sale: October 7, 2008; Trade Paperback Original; Price: $14.95). Depending on the area of one’s practice “hope” can hide behind the harshest moment or appear in the most innocent of situations. In more than twenty personal stories, readers are treated to the richest range of emotions, events and experiences as nurses write about what has nurtured their own spirits and professional lives.

This collection of inspiring firsthand accounts from every area of the nursing profession including hospitals, private practices, and home health care, heralds special moments that have helped sustain and bolstered the faith of many committed men and women in the nursing profession. In The Peaches, Nancy Harless, tells a story of humor, hope and healing in the post-war Balkans. In My Life of Hope, Doris Urfer shares how the special relationship between her daughter and a pediatric practitioner not only brought a touch of humanity to a sterile medical wasteland but actually inspired her to become a nurse herself. Madeleine Mysko’s cantankerous patient in Mr. Bunyan makes a non-verbal peace offering by sharing a sun-warmed tomato from his balcony garden in a moment when the patient realizes he’s not the only one having a bad day. MEDITATIONS ON HOPE shares these and many more gripping and inspiring moments filled with the human drama that is an integral part of the nursing life, and moves these stories from the oral traditions of previous generations and showcases the diverse talents of the people who now populate the profession.

High Expectations

It's going to be a busy week! On Wed I'll be the keynote speaker at the Women of Excellence Conference in Council Bluffs, Iowa. The keynote - YIKES! Here's what the brochure says -

"In her book, Harless retains an innocent writers voice. She reveals a facet of her own good will in the light of each story. Even in dire circumstances, Harless finds her own hope at the bottom of the proverbial box of chaos. She provides readers with an orderly, digestible view of the world differences through her lens of tolerance for now and hope for later."

Wow! Like I said....high expectations. I sure hope I don't let them down. Next we're off to Maple Grove, MN for a Book Club discussion on Thurs, and on Saturday I'll be one of the speakers at another women's conference - "Achieving a Healthy Balance" sponsored by the Ridgeview Hospital Foundation in Waconia, Mn. 250 attendees!

But, the best part of the week will be after all the book events are over, when we'll travel back up to Maple Grove, MN to celebrate 'Octoberfest North' with our kids and grandkids. Nov 1sdt
(Dia de Muertes) is also Becky's ( daughter # 3 as Norm numbers them) birthday so we've an extra reason to celebrate this trip! We'll visit and eat and , of course play lots of gmes. I've warned them all that I'm coming with my'game face' on. Like i said - it's going to be a busy week and we all got high expectations!

Women of Unity

We took a road trip to Overland Park, Kansas this weekend to meet with the Women's Group of Unity Church of Overland Park. Turnout for the event was small - perhaps the beautiful sunny day called others outdoors. I know Norm and I were certainly tempted to skip church and go to the park! But, even though the crowd was small, interest in 'Womankidn" and in Casa de Los Angeles was great! I spoke about this wonderful project that provides daycare and so much more for the mothers and children of San Miguel de Allende, Mexico. Several women expressed interest interest in becoming involved through both volunteering and through financial support. Check this fantastic project out and consider joining us in our support of www.casadelosangeles.org. Note the adorable children of 'Casa' to the right.

ISPAN Conference in Dubuque

I traveled to Dubuque, Iowa last Friday to be the keynote speaker at the ISPAN nursing conference. Fall colors are coming and it was a gorgeous ride along the Mississippi River. An amazing group of 45 bright, enthusiastic perianthesia nurses attended the conference. The theme was 'The World of Perianthesia Nursing. I really learned a lot by attending the all day conference myself, not to mention that I picked up 8 continueing education credits too!

I was the last speaker of the day - a position that I always dread because I know how everyone is anxious to leave for home by then. Sometimes at conferences I've even seen folks sneak out before the last speaker. but not this group! I don't know if they were simply being 'Midwest nice' , or truly interested in hearing the women of Womankind's stories. I'd like to believe the latter. Several spoke with me afterward about finding their own volunteer projects to do in the world. Many purchased their own copy of Womankind - some more than one!

All in all Dubuque was a very good weekend. Now I'm off to Sabula, Iowa this week to meet with a Book Club and to Overland Park, Kansas on Sunday to meet with the Women's Group of Unity Church. They both should be beautiful trips. I wish everyone could see the midwest in the Fall. It's my very favorite time of the year. Glorious!

Summer Vacation is Over !

After spending almost 6 weeks in Mexico I have returned to the Midwest ready to start again with Womenkind's promotion. My Fall schedule kicked off last week with the Medical Partners of Iowa City Book Club. Next week, midweek I'll be speaking to Tri-State Delta Kappa Gamma, a teachers sorority at Jerry’s Restaurant in Mount Pleasant, Iowa, then on the weekend I'll be the keynote speaker at the Iowa Society of Peri-Anesthesia Nurses Fall Conference in Dubuque. Whew! It looks like it's going to be another busy year! Watch for the details and pictures of "Womankind" book events as well as of my Mexico adventure to follow.

Baby Monk

Baby monk with almond eyes,
Do you miss your mother?
Sent so young, so far away,
called to live with others.

Baby Monk with cherry cheeks
Worn rough by air-thin mountain
Family chosen at age three,
blessed yak butter flowing fountain.

Baby monk in crimson drape,
street begging is your earning.
Sandaled feet trudge ancient streets,
pray wheel clockwise turning.

Baby monk your quiet smile
touches me like no other.
Baby boy with almond eyes,
do you miss your mother?

Off to Minnesota !

We're off to Minnesota this morning....good Lord willing and the creek don't rise. These floods of the Midwest have reeked havoc in everyone's lives. I guess having to take a longer, alternate route to take the grandkids back to Minnesota is small potatoes in the big scheme of things.

We've enjoyed Bradly and Hannah for a week now - potato guns, motorcycle rides, golf and 'goofy golf'. They must have beaten me 100 times at Rummie-Cube. We've canoed and kayaked and they even worked the paddle boat around a friends pond. We've played with clay, painted and made creative things out of paper and wood. We've lazed in hammocks and spent a lot of time laughing at grandpa's silly sayings. There was very little television this week - only one movie and a couple episodes of 'Sponge Bob Square Pants." I am so happy that my grandkids would rather read or play than watch the 'tube!"

So, we're off for 'up North' this morning. I'll be meeting with a Book Club at the Barnes & Noble in Maple Grove on Monday and that is my last book event scheduled for the summer. Whew! Granny is tired and ready for a break. so, it's gardening and reading and writing through July, then off to San Miguel de Allende for the month of August. Ahh, life is good.....