See also Rachell Nguyen’s Blog Post “Nurses as Olive Trees”
The Lion’s Den
By Rachell Nguyen
As Daniel entered the lion’s den,
So do nurses who face looming atrocities.
Stepping out of the light of Zen,
Towards the gnashing of teeth and monstrosities.
Against the thrashing winds of doubt,
We push toward the eye of the storm.
Resilience we bear, battle cries we shout
Until the waters wash out the firestorm.
With courageous valor,
We enter the den to protect all.
We shield others from calamity
Standing unbroken and ready to fall.
About “The Lion’s Den”
As I reflected on my 20-year journey in nursing, I realized that without the challenges, emotional strain, and moral dilemmas I faced, I would not be as wise or resilient as I am today. After shifting from full-time direct patient care to education and leadership, I noticed many new nurses confronting the same struggles. I was inspired me to write this metaphorical piece to share a message of courage and resilience with my fellow nurses, who often demonstrate these qualities amidst the complexities of our profession. I want to honor them for their quiet bravery as they continue to grow and protect others, even when exhausted. Through adversity, they will keep growing stronger and stand tall, even in the lion’s den.
The Lighthouse
By Rachell Nguyen
In the darkness and still of nature’s wrath
The ship sails against the wind’s might
When all seems to be lost in chaos
Emerges the brilliance of a source of light
The lighthouse guides and shows direction
Among ships that face nature’s wrath
Beckoning souls lost in their route
Toward the straight and narrow path
Such as a mentor who steers the course
Evading the dangers learned before
With perseverance through thorns of trials
The student will spread its wings and soar
As the lighthouse gives much-needed light
A good mentor brings the student toward the path of right
About “The Lighthouse”
As I was taking one of my walks, I reflected on my nursing journey. Though various twists and turns challenged my balance, those experiences shaped me into a stronger and more courageous nurse. Since transitioning into an educator and leadership role, I have often seen newer nurses face similar challenges. I wanted to share a message of having courage and standing tall-this, too, shall pass. Since I was a child, I have found joy in creative writing. Even now, I express my thoughts better through writing. I hope these words will touch and uplift other nurses going through the struggles I did.
Meet Rachell Nguyen
I am a nursing professional development specialist and a board-certified family nurse practitioner with 20 years of clinical experience in various healthcare settings, including academic medical centers, community clinics, and specialty practices. My professional focus is on evidence-based practice (EBP), research, nursing practice, nurse empowerment and advocacy, and the management of chronic diseases, particularly diabetes, in underserved populations. I teach and facilitate system-wide nursing programs on EBP, research, and practice. My academic background includes a Doctor of Nursing Practice and ongoing Doctor of Philosophy studies in nursing. I am dedicated to advancing nursing practice through clinical inquiry, mentorship, empowerment, and interdisciplinary collaboration.