5. Reflections on Unmasked: Profiles in Humanity and Resiliency.

Part 5: Reflections on the Unmasked: Profiles in Humanity and Resiliency series. Host Chandra Brown with Imana “Mo” Minard, Dr. Nicolette Louissaint, and Rasheda Hatchett. 

Chandra Brown turns the tables on series host Mo Minard, inviting Mo to reflect on her own definition of resiliency and review some of the perspectives shared during the earlier discussions. Mo explores how multifaceted resiliency is, how it is often tied into inner strength, but there are many other moving parts too. She discusses how the pandemic led to a rapidly changing world, particularly in the nursing field, where we found ourselves being forced to be still during lockdown. This stillness allowed many insights to surface and has opened up much needed opportunities for change. The group discusses how important it is to recognize that burnout in nursing is very real, and was a preexisting problem before being exacerbated by the pandemic.

Mo advises new nurses to focus on one thing at a time, so that they can avoid being overwhelmed by multitasking. She also shares with us how faith and spirituality are very important aspects of her own resiliency, as are her regular sessions with a therapist, and she shares how these sessions help her define coping strategies. Reviewing the previous discussions, Mo talks about the moments that were highlights for her, including linking opportunity to resiliency, not just bouncing back but bouncing forward, and the importance of taking the time for personal growth. In closing, she reiterates her concern that resiliency is a crisis that urgently needs to be unmasked, requiring us share support with each other, and aiming to be our true, authentic, organic selves. 

Concluding this 5-part podcast mini-series featuring five discussions from Imana “Mo” Minard, Dr. Nicolette Louissaint, Rasheda Hatchett and Chandra Brown – four health care professionals who share their personal insights and perspectives about the importance of being resilient despite any trials or tribulations. Sponsored by Johnson and Johnson, the podcasts are candid, transparent and deliver an authentic conversation on how resiliency lets us transcend surviving and move up to a level of thriving.

Our podcast host for the series is Imana “Mo” Minard, MSN-ed, RN, CENP, EMT-P, a Director of Nursing for Beaumont Farmington Hills in Southeast MI. She is Certified in Executive Nursing Practice through the American Organization of Nursing Leadership, an award-winning radio host and prominent nurse influencer in Metro Detroit.

Nicolette Louissaint, PhD, serves as Executive Director of Healthcare Ready, a non-profit organization that focuses on strengthening the United States’ healthcare supply chain preparedness and response before, during and after natural disasters and disease outbreaks.

Rasheda Hatchett, MN, RN, is CEO of Hatchett Media, a Coach, Entrepreneur, Author, Speaker and resilience expert. She has deep roots in leading and mentoring women to find their voice and hone their unique leadership vision.

Chandra Brown is Executive Director of Lifelines Counseling Services, an independent, nonprofit organization that partners with human service organizations worldwide to improve service delivery outcomes by developing, applying, and promoting appropriate best practice standards.