Those of you who know me well, know without a doubt that I am a STRONG, INDEPENDENT woman!  Notice I put that in capital letters.  With this being said I want to just openly disclose to you that I struggle—really struggle—to ask for help or support of any kind.  It is a very vulnerable experience for me.  My guess is that it might be a very vulnerable experience for many of you too.

This month, I would like to reflect on the subject of asking for help and support.

In the fast-paced, demanding world of healthcare, it is easy to slip into the mindset that we need to bear the weight of our responsibilities all alone. We are conditioned to be the caregivers, the fixers, the doers, the one who supports others, the ones who show up no matter what.  However, sometimes our reality is as we pursue serving others, we often neglect our own needs, fearing that asking for help or support will make us appear weak or incapable.

The truth is, asking for what we need is NOT a sign of weakness.  It is an act of self-love.  It is an acknowledgement that we are human, that we require care too, and it shows that we are taking responsibility for our overall-wellbeing.

Let’s further explore the thought that asking for help makes us weak.  Yes, without a doubt, vulnerability is uncomfortable.  It forces us to confront our fears of judgment, rejection, and inadequacy. Many of us have been taught that being strong or having strength is about self-sufficiency, that needing help or support is a character flaw.  However, strength is not about suffering in silence, it’s about having the courage and pushing through the vulnerability to acknowledge when some help or support is needed.  True strength lies in recognizing our personal limits and advocating for ourselves before we reach a breaking point or the point of no return, such as facing burnout, emotional exhaustion, compassion fatigue, etc.

Here is another truth to mention: Taking responsibility for our own well-being is not just an individual act; it’s actually a professional obligation.  When we refuse to ask for what we need, we are not only harming ourselves, but also those who depend on us.  It impacts our colleagues, our departments, our teams, and ultimately can impact patient care outcomes too.

Collectively, we all are responsible for fostering a culture where it is acceptable to ask for help and support.  In doing so, we create a healthier, more sustainable environment for all.  Accountability plays a role here too.  In our work environments, it is not enough to just recognize our needs; we must also take action to address them.   This means setting boundaries, communicating with our teams, and being honest about what we can and cannot handle.  It also means holding space for others to do the same, as we foster a culture where seeking help is normalized and encouraged.

The final truth to mention today is we are not meant to do life alone.  Human connection is essential.  We thrive in environments where we feel supported, understood, and valued.  By embracing the power of asking for what we need, we break the illusion of isolation and strengthen our bonds with those around us.

So, to every healthcare worker reading this: Give yourself permission to ask for what you need.  In doing so, you give others the courage to do the same.

 

Refueling our hearts and asking for what we need is not a luxury---it is a necessity!  Ask away... 

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Contact me: 
chartline@rwhc.com
608-644-3235

Cella Janisch-Hartline, RN, BSN, PCC Professional Certified Coach, Nursing Leadership Senior Manager for Rural Wisconsin Health Cooperative has been involved in various healthcare industry leadership positions for the past 40 years. The majority of her career has been spent working in an acute care critical access facility for nearly 25 years. Throughout her work experience, she has learned most of her leadership skills and techniques through the school of “hard knocks”. Cella’s passion for teaching leadership tips and techniques earned her the 2018 Outstanding Educator Award through the National Rural Health Association. She is well-known for her humorous, engaging and personable facilitation style.