Letters to our Leaders 1.

(We hope this goes from our heart to yours)

Dear Esteemed Nursing Leaders,

As emerging professionals in the field of healthcare, we, the younger nurses in training, fresh graduates, and intermediate-level practitioners, come to you with a shared vision for a nursing environment that thrives on inclusivity, equity, and respect. However, with a heavy heart, we must address the prevalent issues of favouritism, bias, and bullying that tarnish the fabric of our profession and impede our ability to provide optimal patient care.

We understand that the demands of nursing leadership are multifaceted and challenging, but we cannot overlook the detrimental impact of toxic behaviours on our well-being and the quality of care we can deliver. So, we would like to ask you to listen to our voices, empathize with our experiences, and join us in effecting positive change within our healthcare institutions.

Here are the stark realities we face as the future of Nursing:

1. Feeling Disempowered and Undervalued: Many of us enter the nursing workforce with a deep sense of purpose, enthusiasm and dedication to making a difference in the lives of our patients. However, when favouritism and bias dictate opportunities for advancement and recognition, we feel disempowered and undervalued, despite our hard work and commitment.
2. Navigating a Culture of Exclusion: In healthcare settings where cliques and favouritism prevail, it can be challenging for new nurses to find their place and feel included within the team. This exclusionary culture stifles collaboration, breaks professional trust in peers and inhibits the exchange of ideas, ultimately hindering our professional growth and development.
3. Experiencing Mental and Emotional Strain: The insidious nature of what I'd like to call "corporate bullying behaviour" in nursing leadership takes a toll on our mental and emotional well-being. Whether it manifests as verbal abuse, intimidation, or passive-aggressive behaviour, the constant stress and anxiety undermine our confidence and resilience, leading to burnout and disillusionment.
4. Struggling to Advocate for Patients: As frontline caregivers, we are entrusted with advocating for our patients' best interests. However, when our voices are silenced or dismissed due to hierarchical structures and entrenched biases, sometimes in the presence of our patients or other members of the healthcare team, we find it challenging to fulfil this fundamental aspect of our role, compromising patient safety and satisfaction.
5. Yearning for Mentorship and Support: As young nurses, we sincerely crave mentorship and guidance from experienced colleagues who can inspire and empower us to reach our full potential. To us, you are the brave soldiers that have gone ahead of us, went through nursing at times which might have been more difficult than ours and with fewer opportunities, but still scaled through. We come holding so much admiration for you, eager to learn. However, when mentorship opportunities are limited to a select few based on personal connections or again conscious or unconscious biases, it perpetuates a cycle of inequality and deprives us of invaluable learning experiences that in turn hamper our growth.

Dear nursing leaders, we know leading others is never easy. It's a weight. And sometimes, it can be overwhelming, but we are not punching bags, we do not deserve to suffer what you have suffered.

We implore you to heed our call for change and to champion inclusive leadership practices that uplift and empower all members of the nursing team. We have been our own enemies for far too long, we can no longer afford to lose more members in this "civil war" of nursing.

Here's how we suggest you can make a difference:

1. Create Opportunities for Growth: Embrace a culture of meritocracy where advancement and recognition are based on competence and contribution rather than favouritism or tenure. Provide mentorship and professional development opportunities to support the career progression of young nurses.
2. Lead with Empathy and Compassion: Take the time to listen to the concerns and experiences of young nurses, and approach leadership with empathy and compassion. Foster an environment where all our voices are heard and valued, regardless of rank or seniority.
3. Combat Bullying and Harassment: Enforce zero-tolerance policies for bullying and harassment in the workplace, and provide resources and support mechanisms for those who experience such behaviour, even from you, not just outsiders. Lead by example by modelling respectful and supportive interactions with colleagues.
4. Promote Diversity and Inclusion: Champion initiatives aimed at promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion within the nursing profession. Actively recruit and retain nurses from diverse backgrounds, and create opportunities for cross-cultural collaboration and learning.
5. Be a Role Model for Positive Change: Lead by example by embodying the values of integrity, fairness, and transparency in your leadership approach. Advocate for policies and practices that prioritize the well-being and professional development of all nurses, regardless of age, race, colour, personality or experience.

Together, we can cultivate a nursing environment that fosters collaboration, innovation, and excellence in patient care. We may be young but we are committed to creating a future where every nurse feels valued, respected, and empowered to thrive.

With hope and determination,

Sarah Kumi. RN, RPON, BNSc.