Who are your teachers?

I can learn something from anyone, but I can't learn everything from
just one.

I don't remember where I heard that quote, but I find it very
applicable in my life. I love teaching, not because I feel I have so
much to share, but because I get to learn so much. I learn something
from every group that I present for; at lunch, at breaks, and before
and after the seminar. Questions from participants and just general
discussion about nursing care often bring to light issues and
problems that I had never thought of and unique solutions from our
greatest troubleshooters – the nurses at the bedside.

I found I can learn something from everyone. Whether that nurse has
one day of experience or 40 years of experience, regardless of where
the nurse works, or what shift they work I can learn something from
everyone.

But, I need to keep an open mind!

If I think I have more knowledge, experience, or skill than other
people, then I will not remain humble enough to receive the lesson
when it comes. As you venture forth into your teaching this week
remember that you can learn something from anyone.

But you can't learn everything from just one. This is why it's
important that we have mentors. The further you get in your career
and the more you know and the better you get at your skills the more
mentors you need. I have mentors in every area of my life. This
helps me to grow in many ways. Who are your mentors? If you're
lacking mentors in any area of your life, maybe this is the week to
look for them. Let them help you grow so you can help others grow.

You can learn something from anyone, but you can't learn everything
from just one.

Best wishes,

David W. Woodruff, MSN, RN, CNS, CEN
President, Ed4Nurses, Inc.
www.Ed4Nurses.com