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Sources of inspiration are all around us. Sometimes they’re larger than life and breathtaking like the Grand Canyon.

At other times, they’re delicate and speak to us in a whisper like the leaves on a tiny daisy. And sometimes we find our inspiration in other people, as did Lynnel Rosier, RN, BSN, ONC, during the Greater Chicago Nursing Excellence Awards Gala on May 7 sponsored by the Johnson & Johnson Campaign for Nursing’s Future.

“I was hugely inspired. Just being here and hearing what all these people do is amazing,” said Rosier, who was the winner in the Community Service category at the annual event held in Oakbrook Terrace, Ill.

Rosier herself is a great inspiration — her community service efforts have touched patients around the world — and she is on target about finding encouragement in the work of other nurses.

The nurses being honored at the gala all had qualities and achievements that could enhance any nurse’s personal and professional life.

Some stated their values before every meeting to guide them when making decisions about patient care or staff needs. Some created clear visions to help unite differing nursing staffs. Some used humor to help fellow RNs cope during times of change.

Our Nursing Excellence honorees are not the only sources of inspiration out there. Look at the nurses who work side by side with you every day. Notice their good qualities and find things about them you admire.

Maybe they’re pursuing a master’s degree and furthering your own education is something you’ve always wanted to do. Or perhaps you like the way they reach out to students and new employees. And, every unit has its go-to person who can answer any clinical questions that come up.

Seek out and identify the nurses in your life who are sources of inspiration. Tell them what you admire about them, then ask them to help you incorporate their qualities into your own nursing practice.

Modeling excellent nurses will make you an excellent nurse yourself. And your own outstanding practice will inspire other nurses to excel in their jobs as well.

I hope that as you look for, and find, these professional role models, you also consider nominating them for the 2010 Nursing Excellence Awards. This year, we had more than 100 submissions for our recognition program. But I know there are thousands of wonderful nurses in the Chicago area, and we’d love to hear about each and every one.

Jennifer Thew, RN, BSN, MSJ, is National Nurse Editor for Nursing Spectrum.

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