Leading TCNS During Turbulent Times by Rebecca C. Lee, PhD, MSN, RN, PHCNS-BC, CTN-A, FTNSS, FNAP, Transcultural Nursing Society President
Greetings fellow TCNS members! As I begin my term as your President, I have engaged in deep reflection and fond reminiscence as I think back across my own transformative transcultural nursing journey. This has also been a humbling time of soul-searching as I prepare for the daunting task of leading this organization that I love by looking back at our previous Presidents. I am truly following in the footsteps of transcultural giants who have held this office before me. I can only pray that I am blessed with their wisdom, compassion, and grace as I navigate the challenging times in which we find ourselves and our organization.
The society in which we live today often seems in direct opposition to the mission of our organization, “to enhance the quality of culturally congruent, competent, and equitable care that results in improved health and well-being for people worldwide.” We are bombarded by hateful words, encounter dangerous beliefs, and witness harmful actions fueled by hatred that are incongruent with our foundational beliefs in the value of caring, compassion, cultural competence, and the sanctity and human rights of all people. These are the times that surely challenge our souls; however, I would suggest that these are also the very times for which the members of our organization are uniquely equipped to guide others and serve as a light in the darkness.
During challenging times, it is important to maintain a clear vision of the purpose of our organization and a sense of your own unique purpose as a TCNS member and a transcultural nurse. Look deep inside yourselves. We must step up and lead by living our values in both our professional and personal lives, in our homes, workplaces, and society. Recognizing that our organization’s mission, vision, values, and goals are aligned with the needs and expectations of society is never more important than in times of crisis. This knowledge can renew your sense of purpose and remind you that we are united on a just path.
It is also critical in times such as these that we seek and maintain connection with caring others within our organization. It is said that the Giant Redwood trees of California reach their towering height despite a shallow root system because they intertwine their roots with the roots of others. Thus, they draw support and sustenance from one another and are able to weather the storm through interconnectedness. In connecting with others, stretch yourself beyond your comfort zone. Perhaps you have been a member of TCNS for many years and have been blessed to form lasting friendships. Cherish those relationships and lean into them. But also, be sure and reach out to members with whom you might be less familiar. Stretch yourself! And finally, while it is peaceful to commune with kindred spirits who share similar beliefs and values to your own, I would challenge you to also reach across the “divide” toward those who seem vastly different than yourself. Share with them the wisdom that is TCNS with conviction and pride, but then be willing to respectfully listen as they share their own viewpoints. We must show empathy and grace to one another and have the courage to engage in crucial conversations, even with those with whom we disagree, if we are survive.
In closing, please join me in allowing the strengths of our organization and our members to guide our path as we move forward with resolve into an unknown future. Thank you in advance for all of your caring, support, and inspiration which I know sustain me over these next two years of my leadership journey.
With caring, Rebecca C. Lee, PhD, MSN, RN, PHCNS-BC, CTN-A, FTNSS, FNAP