Happy New Year to you. We hope this year brings you happiness, health, and success in all your endeavors. As always, Nursing Liaisons is deeply grateful for your continued support. Whether it’s following us on social media, sharing our newsletter with friends and family, or your invaluable word-of-mouth recommendations, your trust means the world to us. It’s because of your unwavering belief in what we do that we can continue to grow and provide compassionate care to those who need it most. Thank you!
The New Year often prompts reflection. Often, people re-evaluate their lives, considering where they’ve been, and where they want to go. Some use this opportunity to adjust, whether by adding positive habits or letting go of those that no longer serve them. Among the most popular resolutions are saving more money, eating healthier, and exercising regularly. These goals reflect a universal desire to live better lives. Do any resonate with you?
We’d love to hear about your resolutions. Whether you’ve decided to embark on a new journey or are choosing to stay the course, sharing your goals might inspire others to make meaningful changes as well. And honestly, if you’ve decided not to make any resolutions, that’s okay too! At Nursing Liaisons, we believe in focusing on being better—whatever that means for you. Improvement isn’t confined to a specific goal or timeline; it’s a continuous process. What “being better” looks like is unique to everyone, so as you move forward this year, remember to prioritize your health and happiness in a way that feels authentic to you.
As we enter this New Year, one topic Ellie and I want to highlight is communication, particularly in the context of caregiving. Recently, we cared for a patient recovering at home from chronic cancer. This patient was surrounded by love and support, with her family deeply involved in her care. With our help, she was able to make strides toward greater independence, which was the goal for both her and her loved ones.
However, during this process, we observed some challenges that stemmed from a lack of communication. The patient’s family was incredibly attentive to her needs, ensuring she attended her appointments and monitoring her progress closely. Their intentions were unquestionably rooted in love and care. However, changes to her schedule were sometimes made without consulting other team members, including us nurses, and some decisions were discussed without including the patient herself.
These actions were not meant to exclude or diminish the patient’s agency; rather, they arose from a place of wanting what was best for her. As caregivers, we often see the critical role communication plays in ensuring that everyone involved feels heard, respected, and informed. If you’ve experienced communication issues while caring for loved ones or being cared for, we have a simple suggestion that can make a significant impact.
At Nursing Liaisons, we’ve found that incorporating a journal into the caregiving process can be an incredibly effective tool for bridging communication gaps. This journal serves as a centralized resource where we document daily activities, vital signs, progress, and any changes in medications or care plans. It also includes a schedule of appointments and treatments, providing a clear overview of the patient’s journey.
By maintaining this journal, we create a space where all team members—nurses, family members, and other caregivers—can share information, ideas, and updates. It ensures that everyone is on the same page and that decisions are made more collaboratively and transparently. Most importantly, it gives the patient an opportunity to actively participate in discussions about their care. This written record also helps prevent misunderstandings and keeps the focus on shared goals. It’s a simple yet powerful way to foster open communication and ensure that the patient’s voice remains central in their care.
As we move into 2025, we encourage you to reflect on the role communication plays in your own relationships and caregiving responsibilities. Whether it’s through journaling or simply taking the time to have open and honest conversations, prioritizing communication can strengthen connections and improve outcomes for everyone involved. To help our dedicated community (that’s you!), “walk the walk” we printed a limited quantity of journals. If you’d like to use one to begin the New Year with a shared goal of being better at communication, please let us know!
Thank you for being a part of our journey and for allowing us to be a part of yours. Here’s to a year of growth, connection, and better health for all. Stay well, stay active, and enjoy the season!
Best, Lisa & Ellie,
Cofounders
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