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• Cindy Lewis, MSN, RN, ACNS-BC

It is again that time of year to reflect on what we have accomplished and where we are going. Many of you no doubt have been instrumental in implementing best practice initiatives, redesigning your care practices and responding to the need to be productive, efficient and cost-conscious, and yet maintain and improve safety and quality for our patients. Quite an undertaking! However, in this time of economic uncertainty, it is vital that we provide our customers with informed, patient-centered and systems-minded care.

The primary goals we all have been working toward over the past year are improving our ability to deliver high-quality care. Many of you are measuring and reporting your outcome performances to understand where gaps in quality may be occurring. It is vital that we collaboratively align ourselves for changes in practice, processes and systems. As we streamline our actions, we will also be better able to help our patients understand their role in managing their healthcare needs. Times have changed. We have less time with our patients, and patients have less time to give to us. Therefore, we must use the time we have with our patients, our peers, and our families wisely.

I find that as I prepare for this holiday season and year's end, a quotation that I have always appreciated comes to mind: “Yesterday is history. Tomorrow is a mystery. Today is a gift. That's why it's called ‘The Present’ Cherish it.”¹ I find this quotation to be extremely powerful. Spencer Johnson has written many best-selling books that provide inspiration through insightful stories of work and life, including one titled The Present. In it, Johnson tells the story of a young man's journey to adulthood and his search for “The Present,” a mysterious and elusive gift he first hears about from a wise old man. This “present,” according to the old man, is “the best present a person can receive.” This story focuses on the importance of living in the Now—the present moment. The basic lessons learned in “The Present” are:

In this issue of our Journal, we share with you practice innovations, improvements and research-supported statements. As we end this year and move into the New Year, I ask each of you to wrap your presents, enjoy your presents, and share your presents. Please review and reflect on the successes and challenges you have dealt with in your organizations, in your work, and within our Society. Share your “gifts”—your success stories, evidence-based practice changes, and research findings with us through our Journal. Just as in The Present, we must provide our patients with high-quality care in the present and in the future. We are changing our systems, processes and practices to implement evidence-based care initiatives. In doing those things, we are planning and preparing for future improvements in health care. Let us share our knowledge as we live in the present and prepare for our future. I look forward to hearing from you!

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References 

1. Keane B. Available at: www.quoteworld.com. Accessed September 15, 2008.
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2. Johnson S. The present: the gift that makes you happy and successful at work. New York: Doubleday; 2003;
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