Part 1: The Power in Your Hands

As nurses, it’s easy to underestimate the weight of what we do. The charting, the vitals, the handovers, the teaching, the countless small actions in between. They can feel ordinary, even routine.

But here’s the truth: nothing about your work is ordinary.

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Everyday Actions, Extraordinary Power

When you take a set of vitals, you’re not just ticking a box. You’re catching the first signs of decline. This happens before it becomes an emergency.

I still remember a colleague sharing a story about a simple pulse re-check. It helped catch a deteriorating heart rhythm just in time. She said, “I thought it was nothing, but I trusted my gut and checked again. That action saved a life.”

Or think about when you sit with a worried parent and explain a procedure in plain language. In that moment, you’re not just teaching — you’re calming fear and giving courage to face the unknown.

Noticing a reddened skin area may seem small. Acting on it, however, prevents unnecessary pain. For a patient, it also prevents possible long-term complications.

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This is Power

Not the kind that waits for titles or positions. Not the kind someone else has to hand to you.

It’s the power already in your hands, in every decision, every assessment, every word you choose.

As one nurse put it: “I don’t wear a badge that says ‘leader.’ I lead every day. I do this when I decide to do what’s right for my patient.”

Nursing isn’t about just doing a job. It’s about having the power to change a patient’s life. This change often occurs in ways you may never fully see.

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A Gentle Reminder

👉 The small act you do with care is someone’s lifeline.
👉 The skill you take for granted is someone else’s miracle.
👉 The presence you bring is the difference between fear and peace.

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💡 Reflection Prompt

This week, take a few minutes after your shift. Write down one action you did. It might have been more impactful than you realized.

Ask yourself:

• Did I notice something before it became a problem?
• Did my words or reassurance shift someone’s emotions?
• Did I take an action that prevented harm or brought comfort?

Keep this note in a place where you can see it. You can store it on your phone, in a notebook, or even tuck it into your badge holder. Let it remind you that the power you’re looking for has been in your hands all along.