A Salute to Everett Worthington

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One benefit of being a healthcare professional is that access to academic literature is available and critical in guiding evidence-based practice. It is speculated that only some adult learners, readers, or lay people have access to the databases that universities, colleges, or healthcare institutions possess; moreover, reading journal articles is a pastime that the author of Palate and Pabulum enjoys. For this blog post, such an article is highlighted as a review that was stumbled upon during a database keyword search on forgiveness.

Interestingly, areas of study that pique the interest of this aspiring writer are the social sciences, particularly the study of human behavior or psychology and spirituality. As background for connection, recently, while trying to wrestle with Pauline literature, specifically the Epistle to the Roman Christians in the seventh chapter, the apostle describes himself in a state of duality, precisely describing himself as wanting to do good but not able to perform it (The Holy Bible, New International Version, 1999, Romans 7: 14-25).

To better understand the biblical text of this nature and difficulty, a commentary from scholars on Paul's letter to the Romans provided insight. According to Plumer (1979, p. 358), an eighteenth-century biblical teacher and theologian comments on verse twenty-five of the Epistle that Paul was in a condition of a mended, spiritually repaired state but acknowledges his person has still lodged and stained in his character a corruptedness telling of this dual nature that Christians can attest to and experience.

In other words, the great apostle of the Christian faith describes the conflict and internal struggle against what the natural self desires and what God's spirit desires; in another reference, Plumer (1979, p. 359) describes what Paul purports to be in a constant battle or struggle against his depraved nature that will never cease.  

As such, the scientific literature surrounding spirituality and religiosity is flourishing. When searching for journals discussing the idea of forgiveness, the journal Spirituality in Clinical Practice surfaced. The student can locate the journal through a library search of Ovid, a database of hundreds of academic journals.

The article's title in the June issue of the online publication stood out like a beacon: "How to grow experts in the study of virtue and religion/spirituality." The columnist of the article, a student of the teacher to which the column refers, conveys his insights from the man Everett Worthington. Mr. Worthington was and is an academic mentor to many, has recently retired, and has made great strides in studying forgiveness (Davis, 2024).

Be a Mentor and a Student

According to Davis (2024), it is essential to remember the power of mentorship. His article describes what Everette Worthington encompasses in his experiences working alongside him. For more on Everette Worthington's work, click here. Mentors have one job: to give valuable instruction and opinions to newcomers or recruits to help them fabricate new abilities and techniques in their field or career, which could be both professional and personal. On the other hand, the newcomer, essential to remember, commits effort, energy, and time to become gradually more proficient at a craft.

Davis (2024) further summarizes a few of Mr. Worthington's sayings that impacted him and others in his sphere of influence. His aphorisms strike the reader and are shared for others' benefit. The students with firsthand experience of the man are the sole inheritors of his impact, but the reach of Mr. Worthington's reputation through the article is far-reaching.

Shoot for Heterogeneity

Based on Davis (2024), Mr. Worthington was known for telling students to avoid performing something for a specific goal. Although others may not have a working knowledge of doctoral study under scholarly research and publication, the expressions that Mr. Worthington was known for saying need to be more evident. The interpretation of this expression could be that if something is performed or done, it is better if the outcome of that action could be applied and used at some point for interconnection, transferability, and integration on other projects. For example, learning how to perform self-care as a registered nurse can and should be applied to helping patients perform self-care as a superficial understanding.

Be Mindful of Critiques

Next, Mr. Worthington was experienced by others through his expressions of academic writing and research in the context of authors rereading and reviewing drafts of articles for publication. Davis (2024) writes that Mr. Worthington has a good rule of thumb: to avoid leaving remarks on another's work. In academic writing, according to Davis (2024), science can only occur in a group or thrive in the presence of teamwork. This is true in academic writing, where many authors participate in a study or publish research in conjunction with the primary author. Through proofreading and peer-reviewing, the article often needs revising. To eliminate the practice of marking up the work, the rule that Mr. Worthington was noted for saying was not to leave comments; instead, to communicate within the team to collaborate and refine the work together, for instance, a phone call or a brief email to discuss rough drafts of articles. As often is known, according to Davis (2024), in academia, sometimes senior academics are known for marking up preliminary drafts and then sending the comments back to the primary author, who sometimes is a budding scholar, making for additional hundreds of hours of work for the primary author. The apothegm from Mr. Worthington is self-explanatory.

Build Others Up

In sequence, Davis (2024) points out that Mr. Worthington expressed the need for people to decline and avoid the temptation to discredit others. This insight is difficult to apply to any industry, not just academic writing, and even more challenging in interpersonal relationships. Davis (2024) points out that Mr. Worthington firmly grasped the family systems theory, which became a part of his interpersonal relationships. An elementary definition of the family systems theory is available in the healthcare literature. It is based on the concept that systems operate with other elements within themselves in a shared manner, such as a family unit (Wright and Leahey, 2013, p. 26). When family system theory is applied to the health of organizations, for example, and the interpersonal relationship within, seeing the challenges in the units instead of the challenges with individuals themselves, attention to the whole is the focus for solving problems instead of isolating the part. Davis (2024) reiterates what he learned from his mentor, which can be applied to all: to avoid power manipulation, triangulating conversations, blaming, accusing, rumor milling, and suspicion.

Stability Requires Effort

Finally, Davis (2024) wraps up the article with a catchphrase that is apparent to most but goes without saying that Mr. Worthington had a background in nuclear physics before becoming a counselor in psychology, and that is: if organization is to be implemented, it will require effort.

In summary, the concepts of Mr. Worthington are penetrating and discerning but require practice and repetition and are rudimentary truths. If taken to heart, the article generously provided in the scholarly archives can be applied to any area in life, whether professional or personal. The take-home is first as a recap from Davis (2024), perform those things that will contribute to your pursuits in a compounding fashion; next, if you need to leave comments, be mindful of the hearer and address them directly and collaboratively to benefit the whole, next, make an effort to build others up and never tear them down, and finally if anything should resemble structure and assembly, it will require relentless effort.

References:

Davis, D. (2024). How to grow experts in the study of virtue and religion/spirituality. Spirituality in Clinical Practice, 11(2), 133–142. https://doi.org/10.1037/scp0000318

https://www.evworthington-forgiveness.com/

Plumer, W. S. (1979). Commentary on Romans. Kregel Publications.

The Holy Bible: New International Version. (1999). Cornerstone Bible Publishers. (original work published 1973)

Wright, L., & Leahey, M. (2013). Nurses and Families: A Guide to Family Assessment and Intervention (6th ed.). F.A. Davis. 

Two Types of Burden

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We can carry two types of burdens; regardless of our choice, both require effort. Ultimately, work is involved, and after work is performed, the rest follows. One kind of burden leads to sweet rest, while the other results in insomnia.

According to Peloubet (1901), the world imposes one burden on us. His scholastic commentary on Jesus' words recorded by Matthew describes this burden as selfishness, bad habits, worries, anxieties, regrets, depression, and a desire for wealth and pleasure. These burdens weigh heavily on us, leading to weariness and distress.

In contrast, if we give attention to the words of Jesus that great commentators such as Peloubet (1901) offer in his understanding of the gospel of Matthew, there is an alternative burden. Highlighting the invitation from Jesus to all of us who choose to follow Him to take on His burden (The Holy Bible, New International Version, 1999, Matthew 11:28-30), which consists of the responsibility to care for others, the commitment to prayer, the act of loving others, the endurance of long-suffering, the development of character, and the hard work required to become more like Him and His Father. 

Jesus' burden is lighter and more manageable than the world's burdens. The real challenge lies in choosing which burden to carry; ultimately, we will all have some burden to bear.

References:

Peloubet, F. N. (1901). The teachers' commentary on the gospel, according to St. Matthew. Oxford University Press.

The Holy Bible: New International Version. (1999). Cornerstone Bible Publishers. (original work published 1973)

Leadership and Influence

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Great thinkers of the 17th century, such as Immanuel Kant, are widely recognized for their contributions to philosophy, particularly regarding ethics and morals. It is said that some set their timepieces accordingly to learn from him during what is known as the Philosophers Walk, perhaps hoping to grasp his ideas (Hutchins, 1952). One notable concept comes from a German saying found in his work: “Nihil appetimus nisi sub ratione boni; Nihil aversamur nisi sub ratione mali.” from his work on Critique of Practical Reason (Hutchins, 1952, p. 315). In English, this translates to: “We desire nothing except under the principle of good; we are not averse to anything except under the principle of evil.”

To simplify this concept, this nurse leader interprets it as meaning that people generally seek what is good and tend to avoid what is evil. As often is the case, this nurse leader intentionally tries to connect these ideas with current leadership styles adapted from others and military experience to influence the healthcare delivery team in a cardiac services environment. Broadening the discussion comes from experiences. As a nurse leader, promoting beneficence while avoiding and extinguishing maleficience in healthcare delivery is a standard aimed wholeheartedly by all healthcare professionals.

Leadership has become increasingly popular in academia, and much information is available online. A simple Google search for “leadership” will yield countless resources. The smartphone and advances in social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok offer a variety of leadership advice and philosophies. As Christensen et al. (2018) have discussed, anyone born in the mid-nineties can attest that these platforms are well-known to younger generations who have grown up using these technologies. As such, it is postulated that the platforms influence how leadership is expected to look, especially for younger people.

Many individuals have valuable insights about leadership, and this nurse leader will only contribute to the ongoing dialogue and extensive pool of information on the subject. Should it provide practical insights to strengthen, encourage, and empower readers, whether in leadership roles or those aspiring to be leaders, that has yet to be discovered?

Distilling scholarly insight on leadership from other professionals will contribute to the discussion. Categorically, the leadership styles are as Marquis & Huston (2018) identified those who are born to lead or philosophies theorized by Aristotle, autocratic, egalitarian, and noninterference ways of leadership, to name a few. For context, the leadership style that best suits this nurse leader is the servant-leader approach to operation and organizational efficiency. More on servant leadership style and practice are to follow.

Recall that soda cans are frequently sold in six-packs. In that case, there are six critical areas for leadership and management in healthcare to spotlight: personnel, patients, products, competence, teamwork, and behavior. This hexad serves as a common framework for daily operations in a healthcare setting. These six areas will saturate the following paragraphs.

Personnel

The individuals who carry out the daily activities in healthcare are the heart and soul of our medical delivery system. In a department focused on cardiac procedures, professional team members who support patients include doctors, nurses, radiological technologists and cardiovascular technologists, dedicated licensed practitioners, nonlicensed personnel, administrative support staff, industry representatives, and hospital computer and information technology engineers. Everyone is vital in ensuring that healthcare services are delivered with care and skill. Recognizing the fortitude required to have all these dedicated individuals on site, ready to meet the needs of those seeking medical assistance, can not be minimized. Their presence makes all the difference for patients and families.

Patients

Patient care is the focus of healthcare delivery. Many areas of healthcare delivery involve numerous services available to patients. Cardiac specialty care is an area that this nurse leader has first-hand experience with, as mentioned uniquely, the cardiac services offered in the cardiac catheterization laboratory. Several treatments for patients with cardiovascular abnormalities can be performed in a minimally invasive procedure site, such as the cardiac catheterization lab, which is often a practical alternative to more invasive cardiac procedures involving surgical intervention.

Sometimes, seconds and minutes are the difference between life and death. In the cardiac cath lab, when treating life-threatening STEMI events (Suneja et al., 2020), patients in critical condition are rushed into the procedure room, where cutting-edge imaging technology reveals the inner workings of their hearts. Skilled doctors expertly navigate small catheters through blood vessels to restore vital blood flow to the heart muscle.

As the heart beats, electrical signals captured on the patient’s electrocardiogram reveal a chain of events within the ST segment, a crucial moment just after a heartbeat. When these signals surge above the baseline, it signals a grave cardiac event—the onset of what is commonly known as a heart attack.

Reperfusion is the process of regaining blood flow in arteries. Specialty-trained doctors who have completed fellowship programs have learned skills to perform artery-opening procedures, which restore circulation and instantly transform the patient’s condition. The cardiac cath lab is often a stressful environment. However, patients’ lives are saved when doctors can demonstrate modern medicine’s incredible power, medical professionals’ nurses’ resolute duty to others, and radiological technologists’ resolute duty to others.

Products

In the thrilling environment of the catheterization laboratory, a world of cutting-edge technology awaits as specialists deliver life-saving heart therapies. Dependable X-ray machines seamlessly integrated with advanced monitors can transform invisible heart details into real-time images. These monitors allow cardiologists to spot blockages and identify heart dysfunctions with remarkable clarity, significantly when enhanced by contrast medicine. The procedure table described by Sorajja et al. (2020) is where patients lie down, ready for the doctor to insert a small catheter in the veins and arteries near the patient’s groin. The patient is surrounded by technologically advanced imaging equipment that rotates around them in a 180-degree spectrum. The illusion unfolds as cardiologists capture the beat-by-beat visuals of the heart’s inner workings. While the patient remains immobile, doctors work to revascularize the patient’s arteries and veins.

Competence

In the fast-paced world of healthcare, competence is the driving force behind exceptional patient care, especially in the cardiac catheterization laboratory. Fineout-Overholt et al. (2019) believe clinical expertise is built upon a triad of medical knowledge, methodological skills, and managerial finesse. Healthcare professionals apply the triad by delivering top-notch care.

Teamwork and Behavior

Partnership is essential for the effective delivery of healthcare services. As a fundamental aspect of organizational leadership, industry experts like Steiner (2024) highlight leaders’ crucial role in uniting teams and fostering collaborative performance. Steiner (2024) articulates concepts that resonate deeply with individuals; it is not merely a suggestion that everyone has an inherent desire to feel valued within their team, to belong to a cohesive unit, and to receive recognition and praise for their contributions, which most people desire. These elements are vital for unlocking a team’s full potential. A better question to contemplate, which is widely debated amongst all leadership points of view, is whether the leadership style applies to fostering the goals of effective teams. The viewpoint and opinion of this nurse leader that we revisit without exaggeration is that the servant leadership style is consummate to bring about the desired results of great performing teams.

What is servant leadership? Academics specializing in team improvement recommend a “service over self” attitude and behavior that positively impacts team members, drives change, and fosters empowerment and engagement. Rose Sherman, a notable industry representative, and prolific writer, describes the qualities of a servant leader as someone who listens more and speaks less, prioritizes others, encourages self-care among team members, helps individuals view conflicts as opportunities, promotes personal and professional growth, and strives to unite others by finding common ground amidst differences (Sherman, 2019).

As we look ahead, the evolving healthcare landscape presents challenges and opportunities. The future promises to be complex and dynamic, like the insights shared here. Various leadership traits can be implemented in a leader’s toolbox.

Healthcare delivery has a paramount focus on developing and improving teamwork. Part of the daily challenges in delivering patient care is ensuring that equipment and supplies are readily available. In addition, using best practices and maintaining skills and sharpening abilities contributes to improved patient outcomes. Moreover, organizational citizenship behaviors will gain even more prominence as this nurse leader prepares to navigate and shape future experiences within the healthcare environment.

References:

Christensen, S. S., Wilson, B. L., & Edelman, L. S. (2018). Can I relate? A review and guide for Nurse Managers in leading generations. Journal of Nursing Management, 26(6), 689–695. https://doi.org/10.1111/jonm.12601

Fineout-Overholt, E., Long, L. E., & Gallagher-Ford, L. (2019). Integration of patient preferences and values and clinical expertise into evidence-based decision making. In Melnyk, B. M., & Fineout-Overholt, E (4th Eds.), Evidence-based practice in nursing and healthcare (pp. 219-232). Wolters Kluwer.

Hutchins, R. M. (1952). Kant. In Great Books of the Western World (Vol. 42, pp. 315). Encyclopedia Britannica.

Kern, M. J., Sorajja, P., & Lim, M. J. (2020). Kern’s cardiac Catheterization Handbook. Elsevier.

Marquis, B. L., & Huston, C. J. (2021). Leadership roles and management functions in nursing: Theory and application (10th ed.). Wolters Kluwer Health.

Sherman, R. O. (2019). The case for servant leadership. Nurse Leader, 17(2), 86–87. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.mnl.2018.12.001

Steiner, K. B. (2024). Team building in a multigenerational workforce. Nurse Leader, 22(4), 458–461. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.mnl.2023.11.019

Suneja, M., Szot, J. F., LeBlond, R. F., & Brown, D. D. (2020). DeGowin’s diagnostic examination (11th ed.). McGraw Hill.