Good evening fellow students, friends, faculty, and family ...



Good evening fellow students, friends, faculty, and family: My name is Joanna Kallendorf, I am the EARN online class president. And with such an honor placed upon me...my award, public speaking!

As a nurse, the ability to make connections is inborn; an innate gift that exudes from with-in. Being in an online class presented challenges in making connections with my fellow students and instructors throughout this program. However, during the last year, we have been disciplined, motivated, and willing to make these connections primarily through writing.

While this has forced us all to channel our inner author, guidance we received from the EARN faculty pushing home the importance of our writing styles allowed us to form connections with each other through honest self-reflection. In turn, this self-reflection created growth and transformation took place.

We started this journey as caterpillars, gaining as much knowledge as we could. We have emerged from our cocoons as Monarchs, ready to be nurses who change the world.

I can hardly believe its been a year. Between APA, Evidence-Based Practice, and transformative learning we have come a long way.

I have been on this journey for quite some time, looking for something greater than I know myself to be. I know what I have found in God, my husband, and without fail my children...I have been blessed beyond words: thank you Honey. This is our 2nd nursing school graduation, don't worry though. It won't be our last. Thank you to our children who have adapted to me ALWAYS being on the computer, and knowing when I am, they had better go find Dad. I am so proud boys to be your mother, my daughter Kaylee, my best friend; you have been my biggest cheerleaders. I love you all.

In nursing though, it is Maya Angelou whose words have helped me find myself. She said, "They may forget your name, but they will never forget how you made them feel." These words epitomize what a healer should be and symbolize the qualities a nurse should have.

A nurse is a healer. One who embraces humanity, who nurtures it, who gives it dignity and respect. A healer is caring and open minded, compassionate and aware of the needs of others. But I see the most essential quality of a healer is to be present. I don't mean hourly rounding or passing meds, but truly being present. Opening your mind and your heart and creating connections.

To the traditional students, congratulations! It is my hope for you that you find yourselves in nursing. Don't get lost in your day to day routines. Embrace your profession with your whole heart. Know that it is good to form relationships with your patients, to hear their stories and to know their fears. Know that it is okay for you to cry when a patient takes their last breath, this only means you care. Always be humbled by your mistakes. They only make you human.

Nursing is a rewarding profession. But it is also long hours with tired feet and heavy hearts for those we meet. It is love encompassed in healing hands. The nursing profession is majestic. But, with this grand profession often comes doubt, you will find that there are times you question your choice to become a nurse.

However, when those moments come, remember this day. Remember what drives you. But most of all, remember that you are a healer. You are a nurse.

The next speaker is one I've grown to admire. She has been honest in her critique and encouraging in time of need, humble and sincere. Dr. Debbie Faulk, thank you for always knowing just what to say.

................
................

In order to avoid copyright disputes, this page is only a partial summary.

Google Online Preview   Download