Collaboration as defined by Webster’s dictionary [2004] is ‘to work together in a joint intellectual effort,’ or the recursive interaction of knowledge and mutual learning between two or more people working together in an intellectual endeavor toward a common goal which is typically creative in nature. In a bigger picture, collaboration is also a process by which groups or organizations participate and work together to reach a common goal. I see how the American Society of PeriAnaesthesia Nurses (ASPAN) plays a vital role with international perianesthesia or recovery organizations such as BARNA and IARNA which strengthens the bonds between us.
We need to continually seek ways and methods to improve quality healthcare by using international collaboration among nurses, physicians and other healthcare personnel. Some good examples are sharing of standards, clinical guidelines, bylaws, research and evidence-based practices. We need to identify, evaluate and interpret what best practices suit our own countries, as we face our own dilemmas in dealing with the future of healthcare.
To be perianesthesia nursing leaders in this changing world, we must move toward a goal, also called a vision, our Big Audacious Goal (BAG) or a dream. In order to do this, we must embrace learning new knowledge and skills, tap those intellectual talents and seek opportunity for more cultural diversity. As we take our role of being an influential change agent seriously, perianesthesia nurses should manifest their actions by providing excellent quality of care and being the advocates for patients and families. We need to continue working together as one nursing voice because of our commitment and passion in advancing the future healthcare policy which advocates for safe nursing practice.
THE G.G.G.E. (GROW, GO, AND GLOW TOWARD EXCELLENCE)
G stands for GROW. Continue to GROW your organization. We need to provide innovative strategies such as mentorship and collaborative programs to solidify, strengthen and expand our membership. All of those members who are yet to become valuable entities will bring uniqueness, a flair of individuality and an air of freshness with them. Let’s mentor new and returning members. Mentorship takes time and energy, but it can be a daily reward in a nurse’s life. Encourage these members to be part of your committee or a board member. Respect them, embrace their differences, teach them the passion for perianesthesia nursing and encourage them to do their best.
G is for GO. We must constantly be moving forward in terms of knowledge and execution. Expand educational opportunities. Keep members stimulated with increased knowledge and new information regarding technology and research-based practices by offering diverse, flexible and advance educational programs.
G is for GLOW. Nurses need to shine in the eyes of our stakeholders: our patients, colleagues, and the general public. Each of our future journeys is to integrate clinical practices by validating standards through continuing research activities. The latest talk of the century is concerning safety for our patients, families and physicians. We need to assess and explore commonalities and come up with suggestions or solutions to provide a safe, healthy environment for everyone.
Our professional organization should work extensively in partnerships with other professional organizations. It is imperative to collaborate and work on the same ‘menu’ by better positioning ourselves through political partnerships with other organizations and by increasing our visibility. Our international alliance has only begun, and we need to continue our relationships with other countries to collaboratively move in the direction of excellence. We need to make the international alliances stronger than ever, networking, collaborating, partnering and extending perianesthesia nursing to the rest of the world! [Windle, Reference Windle2006].
The ‘winds of change’ have altered the world we know today and we need to continue our commitment to advance the ‘voice’ of perianesthesia nursing. My challenge to you is to be part of our international BAG, our dream, and our vision.
E is therefore, for EXCELLENCE! And what is excellence? ‘Excellence is … caring more than others think is wise, dreaming more than others think is practical, and expecting more than others think is possible.’
A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step. We all need to take that first step together. Let us GROW, GO and GLOW toward international collaboration and excellence!
