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Motivational Nurses Week Speaker on Florence Nightingale

Nov18

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In prepping for a program with a healthcare client who was seeking a humorous motivational speaker for Nurses Week, I stumbled across an excellent short tome by Florence Nightingale – Notes on Nursing. What it is and What it is not. The book is available at Amazon.

What is Nursing?

She prefaced the book with a simple definition of nursing.

“I use the word nursing for want of a better. It has been limited to signify little more than the administration of medicines and the application of poultices. It ought to signify the proper use of fresh air, light, warmth, cleanliness, quiet, and the proper selection and administration of diet–all at the least expense of vital power to the patient……..

Disease: A General Principle

“Shall we begin by taking it as a general principle—that all disease, at some period or other of its course, is more or less a reparative process, not necessarily accompanied with suffering: an effort of nature to remedy a process of poisoning or of decay, which has taken place weeks, months, sometimes years beforehand, unnoticed, the termination of the disease being then, while the antecedent process was going on, determined?

The True Nurse Calling

If a nurse declines to do these kinds of things for her patient, “because it is not her business,” I should say that nursing was not her calling. I have seen surgical “sisters,” women whose hands were worth to them two or three guineas a-week, down upon their knees scouring a room or hut, because they thought it otherwise not fit for their patients to go into. I am far from wishing nurses to scour. It is a waste of power. But I do say that these women had the true nurse-calling—the good of their sick first, and second only the consideration what it was their “place” to do—and that women who wait for the housemaid to do this, or for the charwoman to do that, when their patients are suffering, have not the making of a nurse in them.”

More to follow from a truly inspirational lady who would I believe be delighted and surprised about the motivational aspects of Nurses Week.

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Conor Cunneen is a motivational humorous speaker to nurses, healthcare, oncology, nurses week and conferences. Conor is a two-time cancer survivor speaker whose objective is to leave his audience with a smile on the face, a spring in the step, a beat in the heart (as you know that is important) AND AND AND implementable ideas to reduce stress for nurses / healthcare professionals and create a better healthcare environment and patient experience.

Testimonials from Healthcare Professionals for Conor Cunneen – IrishmanSpeaks

Edward Elmhurst Healthcare, Elmhurst IL: Speaker for Cancer Survivors Day Celebration

Conor Cunneen was absolutely amazing! 

His presentation of “The Gift of GAB (Goals, Attitudes, and Behaviors),” set the perfect tone for our annual Cancer Survivors’ Day celebration. His talk was engaging, light-hearted and entertaining. Our cancer survivors and their guests were full of laughter and smiles and Conor helped make our event a huge success. Afterwards, he signed his book, For the Love of Being Irish: From A to Z, and generously took time to speak with all our guests making it the perfect end to a perfect evening.

Conor Cunneen was a pleasure to work with and I would wholeheartedly recommend him as a speaker.

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Winthrop-University Hospital, – Humorous Motivational Speaker for Nurse Symposium

Conor we can’t thank you enough for speaking at our Symposium. Everyone loved your presentation- how could they not!!!

As nurses we need a little laughter with our Symposium’s. Our lives are too serious. YOU ARE A GREAT OPENER!!!

We always try to add humor whenever we can…..even at work. We try to keep things light if possible, especially when it’s busy.

After all, what do we want our attitudes to be…..I heard that somewhere.

We can’t thank you enough for providing the humor that we need.

Women’s Health Initiative, Michigan.

I can definitely see us having you back, Conor.  Your presentation was the perfect blend of humor and education.  Loved it!

Binghamton Hospital NY: Speaker for Oncology Teaching Day

Mr. Conor Cunneen presented the Gift of GAB and Dancing on Mushrooms, at United Health Services 22nd Annual Oncology Teaching Day. He was without a doubt very entertaining, extremely thought provoking, and subtle but yet direct in moving the attendees to look at their behaviors, and their attitude at work, home and in their daily relationships.

He was EXCELLENT and received rave reviews- from nurses mind you, who are often very stingy with their compliments! I would recommend him very, very highly for your corporate or healthcare event.

Edward Hospital – Nurse Evaluations: Speaker at Appreciation Event for Nurses and Healthcare Professionals

Fantastic speaker on the Gift of GAB – much appreciated and taken to heart to be used when times can be difficult at home and at work. Thank you. I wish more of our staff nurses could experience it. We will have to take the message back.

AND

Mr. Cunneen should definitely come back. If there was a presentation to put in mandatory education – this is it.

Nurse Educator, New York

We want to thank you again for a wonderful presentation!!! The verbal evaluations were great!!! A hit!!! You are a natural. It was so nice how you met everyone at the tables- I never saw that before, from a speaker. You are truly a pleasure.

If you ever need an endorsement- don’t hesitate. In fact if you run for governor, send us a ballot!!!

FHN Freeport – Motivational Speaker for Cancer Fundraising Event

Charming, engaging and memorable. You struck just the right balance of Irish wit and smart business sense. Thanks for helping to make our event a success!

CGH Medical Center – Speaker for Staff Appreciation Day

We brought Conor into our hospital for the day to speak to all of the staff—anyone who could get away for an hour of fun, laughter and motivation.  Conor promised all three and goodness, he delivered!  We hired him to speak about the “Gift of GAB—Goals, Attitude and Behaviors.”  I was able to convince almost 400 employees to give an hour away from their work or their lives and it was definitely time well spent.  The feedback ranged from a smile and a thank you to the “over the top” exclamations of praise for the content AND the delivery.  Conor did four one-hour sessions for us throughout the day and he was as fresh and fun at the end as he was at the beginning of this long day.  I was more than pleased with Conor’s presentations and consider this money wisely invested.

Nurse Educator, New York – Speaker for Oncology Symposium

We want to thank you again for a wonderful presentation!!! The verbal evaluations were great!!! A hit!!! You are a natural. It was so nice how you met everyone at the tables- I never saw that before, from a speaker. You are truly a pleasure.

If you ever need an endorsement- don’t hesitate. In fact if you run for governor, send us a ballot!!!

Pulse3- Motivational Speaker for Women’s Health Conference

Thank you for taking the time to send such a lovely note of compliments!  You were an incredible speaker and such a breath of fresh air….just what we needed to save our restless crowd!!

It was a sincere pleasure working with you and hope to have the opportunity again in the future.

Anne Arundel Medical Center, Annapolis MD – Speaker for Cancer Survivors Day

Joy and hope, camaraderie and faith, and triumph over adversity was in “Living in Full Bloom” at Anne Arundel Medical Center’s Geaton and Jo Ann DeCesaris Cancer Institute’s Cancer Survivors Day.  With over 400 cancer survivors, their supporters and medical professionals in the audience, “laughter was the best medicine”. Conor Cunneen through the Gift of GAB, Irish wit, wisdom as a two time cancer survivor and as a gifted inspirational speaker, had them laughing for joy and longing for more.

We highly recommend Conor to inspire, delight, educate and entertain your organization regardless of the type of audience.

Adventist Midwest Health – Cancer Survivor Celebration Speaker

I want to thank you very much for providing your excellent presentation at our event on Sunday.    You were a hit with the audience!!    I knew you would be.    Based on the comments and evaluations, our guests felt our program was OUTSTANDING!!!   We had about 175 turned in at the event. At first glance at the evaluation scores, about 95% rated the program a “5 – excellent’.

Speaker for  Joliet Area Community Hospice

We were honored to have the inordinate pleasure of Conor Cunneen present at our All Staff meeting in February, 2012 for Joliet Area Community Hospice.  He presented the “Gift of GAB”.  His humorous approach to what we all should be doing naturally resonated throughout our community of employees.  Talking about goals, attitude and behavior can be a dreary topic if presented in the wrong fashion, Conor’s unique way of presenting this customer service presentation inspired the audience.  It was great to see so many smiling faces the next day as those who attended made a conscious effort to smile and have a great attitude.

 

Danbury Hospital Connecticut – Cancer Survivor Celebration Speaker

  • Excellent speaker. Humor is the best therapy.
  • This is the first time I have heard Connor and he is very good.
  • Very enjoyable and humorous.
  • Very humorous and enlightening.
  • Great message.
  • “A” for “attitude”.
  • He was a great speaker. Funny and great motivation.
  • Really Great
  • Helpful recommendations regarding facing problems
  • Conor is too funny
  • Heartfelt uplifting humorous!!!!
  • Very good enjoyed his sense of humor
  • Very entertaining & inspirational
  • He was terrific!!
  • One of the best motivational speakers I have heard
  • Very entertaining and inspirational
  • Very impressive speaker! Loved his message
  • He was very funny I love his accent
  • His sense of humor is awesome we couldn’t begin to meet this challenge without humor. He is an excellent speaker & a pleasure to listen to
  • I relate I’m an Irishman from NJ
  • He made one remind me of the gift of gab that I should do everyday
  • Changed my Attitude
  • Enjoyed the positive message to live by
  • Funny and excellent message. Well thought through
  • Loved him…never laughed so much!!!
  • Funny
  • Great speaker!
  • I’m really grateful for all these events. This makes this journey easier for the patient and the caregiver.  I have no words to thank all the support. God Bless you
  • I am married to a praise-miser. I hope some of your words made an impact on him.
  • Great
  • Humor helps with life’s stories
  • Perception of the Gift of Gab & mental triggers to use it in daily life
  • Thank You
  • An excellent gift of GAB
  • All- Took lots of notes

 

Secretary Sebelius Statement in Honor of National Nurses Week 2012

Dec9

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 4, 2012

During National Nurses Week, we recognize the tremendous contributions that nurses make to keeping America healthy. As passionate advocates, leaders and innovators for better health, America’s nurses have demonstrated their commitment to meeting the public’s health care needs.

The health initiatives called for by the new health care law, the Affordable Care Act, would not be possible without our nation’s nurses. By expanding investments in primary and preventive care programs in which nurses play a vital role, the Affordable Care Act strengthens the focus on keeping people healthy and managing chronic conditions. Through the law and other efforts, the Department of Health and Human Services is working to ensure that nurses get the support and training they deserve and need to do their job.

Since the beginning of the administration, the number of mostly uninsured or under-insured patients getting care at community health centers has grown by 2.4 million people, primarily due to funding by the Affordable Care Act and the Recovery Act. About 16,000 nurses now work at community health centers, an expansion of about 3,000 nursing positions. With continued support from the Affordable Care Act through fiscal 2014, the number of nurses at health centers will continue to grow.

More nurses are getting assistance in securing needed training or repaying educational loans, partly through an expansion of the National Health Service Corps (NHSC), under the Health Resources and Services Administration, which ensures that primary care providers practice in  underserved areas in exchange for receiving scholarship support or loan repayment. The Affordable Care Act allocated $1.5 billion over five years to expand the NHSC.

And recognizing that better training and support for nurses will mean higher quality care for seniors and other Medicare beneficiaries, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services recently announced a four-year, $200 million Affordable Care Act demonstration partnering certain hospitals with nursing schools and non-hospital community-based care settings to provide advance practice registered nurses with clinical training to help strengthen primary care across the country.

Please join me during this National Nurses Week in thanking our nation’s nurses for the critical work they do in bringing better care and better health to all Americans.

Secretary Sebelius Statement in Honor of National Nurses Week 2012

Dec9

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 4, 2012

During National Nurses Week, we recognize the tremendous contributions that nurses make to keeping America healthy. As passionate advocates, leaders and innovators for better health, America’s nurses have demonstrated their commitment to meeting the public’s health care needs.

The health initiatives called for by the new health care law, the Affordable Care Act, would not be possible without our nation’s nurses. By expanding investments in primary and preventive care programs in which nurses play a vital role, the Affordable Care Act strengthens the focus on keeping people healthy and managing chronic conditions. Through the law and other efforts, the Department of Health and Human Services is working to ensure that nurses get the support and training they deserve and need to do their job.

Since the beginning of the administration, the number of mostly uninsured or under-insured patients getting care at community health centers has grown by 2.4 million people, primarily due to funding by the Affordable Care Act and the Recovery Act. About 16,000 nurses now work at community health centers, an expansion of about 3,000 nursing positions. With continued support from the Affordable Care Act through fiscal 2014, the number of nurses at health centers will continue to grow.

More nurses are getting assistance in securing needed training or repaying educational loans, partly through an expansion of the National Health Service Corps (NHSC), under the Health Resources and Services Administration, which ensures that primary care providers practice in  underserved areas in exchange for receiving scholarship support or loan repayment. The Affordable Care Act allocated $1.5 billion over five years to expand the NHSC.

And recognizing that better training and support for nurses will mean higher quality care for seniors and other Medicare beneficiaries, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services recently announced a four-year, $200 million Affordable Care Act demonstration partnering certain hospitals with nursing schools and non-hospital community-based care settings to provide advance practice registered nurses with clinical training to help strengthen primary care across the country.

Please join me during this National Nurses Week in thanking our nation’s nurses for the critical work they do in bringing better care and better health to all Americans.

Observing 2014 National Nurses Week

Dec9

It is only fitting that the theme for this year’s National Nurses Week is “Nurses: Leading the Way.” After all, nurses lead the way in showing an elderly patient how to manage his or her diabetes. They lead the way in making sure their patients – children and adults – get the vaccinations they need. They lead the way in helping our young moms learn how to care for their infants. And they lead the way in conducting research to promote high-quality life for those with chronic illnesses, and to help all of us stay healthy across the lifespan.

And nurses, our trusted advisers on health issues, led the way in reaching out to their patients, neighbors, and families to make sure they enrolled in health insurance coverage through the Health Insurance Marketplace. Nurses, who are on the frontlines of health care, know firsthand how important coverage can be to their patients: to their health, their peace of mind, and their financial security.

We’re continuing to rely on nurses to help educate patients, some of whom had never had health insurance before, on how to use their newly acquired coverage to get the vital preventive and primary care they need. Nurses are also helping patients use new health information technology tools to manage their own care and ultimately improve their health.

That is why this Administration invests in workforce development, education, and training for nurses.

As a result of funding through the Affordable Care Act and other investments, the Administration has greatly expanded the National Health Service Corps and the NURSE Corps, two initiatives that provide educational loan repayment and scholarships in return for practice in the nation’s medically underserved communities. More than 3,680 National Health Service Corps and NURSE Corps nurses – including 1,889 nurse practitioners and 1,475 registered nurses – are providing care across the country to those who need it most.

In addition, during the 2012-2013 academic year, the Administration funded the training of 10,600 nursing students through advanced nursing education initiatives. These are just a few of the initiatives that support the education and training of nurses.

National Nurses Week culminates on May 12, the anniversary of the birthday of perhaps the most famous nurse, Florence Nightingale, the original nurse leader.  Please join me this week and all the weeks that follow in recognizing nurses across the country for following in Florence’s footsteps and thanking them for the critical work they do in bringing better care and better health to all Americans.

For more information on the Department’s nursing loan repayments, scholarships, and research grants, and to take part in Nurses Week activities including the #IAMANURSE social media campaign, please visit hrsa.gov/nursesweek.

Best Nurse Blogs

Dec4

http://www.rasmussen.edu/degrees/nursing/blog/nursing-blogs-you-need-to-read/

https://emedcert.com/blog/top-10-blogs-for-nurses

 

 

http://www.thenursingsiteblog.com/

Kathy Quan RN BSN PHN has been an RN for over 30 years. Most of those years have been spent in home health care and hospice where she has worked as a field nurse, a nursing supervisor, branch manager and in quality improvement. Today she works part time in hospice as a QI specialist.

She has always loved to write.  Her first book was The Everything New Nurse Book which now has a Second Edition . You can order it now from Amazon or  Barnes and Noble.

Drawing from her experiences in home health and hospice where Kathy has worked with a largely geriatric population lead to her writing The Everything Guide to Caring for Aging Parents. Kathy also writes a blog for those experiencing the sandwich generation: AboutAgingParents.com