into this new phase of life. Taking the time and offering our
full presence in interactions builds the relationship and grows
understanding to develop a therapeutic care plan that meets
each person’s physical, emotional, and spiritual needs.
“...we (nurses) work within the great circle of
life - death. This reality recognizes that we all
share this common task of facing our humanity at
a deep level both personally and professionally”
(Watson, 2008).
The greatest personal and professional challenge I have ever
faced as a nurse was caring for my father, who was diagnosed
with lung cancer. Finding the balance in my dual role as
daughter and nurse was very difficult. Self-care was essential so
that I was in the best space to care for him. I set my intention
towards his healing, rather than curing, once we determined he
had stage 4 lung cancer.