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in our inner journey to peace and calm, which can be accessed whenever needed. Mindfulness practices are universal and secular, extremely practical and do not require significant time commitments. It is like building up muscle; it requires regular training and is one of the best exercises for mental awareness and clarity. Once your ‘self’ is awakened the world seems like a whole new place, however everything remains the same. The only difference is that you are looking at the world through a new lens, free of preconceived notions. Neuroscientific studies are constantly reminding us about neuroplasticity – the ability of the brain to change continuously throughout an individual’s life – through regular mindfulness practices. This is an opportunity for nursing and midwifery leaders to support nurses and midwives in becoming insightful and intuitive. It is a win-win situation for everyone. Happy and peaceful nurses and midwives are likely to be more productive and less stressed. Mind- fulness helps us wear a natural smile and embrace each moment as an opportunity to do our best for our patients. Although
to introduce wellness courses designed specifically for healthcare professionals, including mindfulness and yoga. These will be available at an affordable rate so that members can easily avail of them after a hectic day at work. Conclusion Compassion is a core skill for all health- care professionals and should be part of the day-to-day practice of caring for nurses and midwives. However, nurses and midwives have never been taught how to cultivate this compassion and caring. Mindfulness is not a magic solution to all the problems we face in our healthcare system. If nurse and midwife managers experience the benefits first hand, then they may feel confident enough to offer this service to their staff and patients. Let us take our hospital and community care towards a more holistic approach by embracing mindfulness. Aparna Shukla is a qualified nurse, midwife and yoga and mindfulness teacher with a master’s degree in nursing from Delhi University Reference Kabat-Zinn J.(1994)Wherever you go,there you are: mindfulnessmeditation in everyday life NewYork:Hyperion
Upcoming mindfulness programme
The next ‘Mindfulness and Meditation in Holistic Nursing and Midwifery Care’ programme will take place at the Richmond Education and Event Centre on Tuesday, November 19, 2019. To book a place, contact INMO Professional at Tel: 01 6640618 or visit www.inmoprofessional. ie Fee:€90 members; €145 non-members. See page 33 for further details.
hospitals are becoming increasingly high- tech, there is no replacement for a human
smile and welcoming eyes. Training opportunities
Let us give every nurse and midwife the opportunity to change without the burden of expectation and judgement. The good news is that stressed-out nurses and midwives don’t have to travel to the Himalayas or to a monastery to experience peace and joy. Instead they can do so during their normal workday. INMO Professional is eager to support nurses and midwives and help to improve their mental wellbeing. INMO Professional is planning
FREE ONLINE RESOURCE FOR INMO MIDWIFE MEMBERS
to RCM online resources including i-learn, i-folio and Midwifery Magazines.
Now available at www.inmoprofessional.ie/RCMAccess
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