You do not have to be caring for a child with disabilities or complex needs — or be a caregiver for that matter — to learn something from this episode that you can apply to your own life. Pediatric critical care nurse Colleen Breen is one of those people who approaches everything in her life, including the very ill children she’s cared for over the past 41 years, with openness, curiosity, creativity, and hope. She is eager to learn something from every person she meets: no matter how big or how small; whether beginning life or transitioning from it; from the sick and the suffering and those filled with life. She is a strong advocate for the patients she has treated over the years and their families, and there's no doubt she’s left an indelible mark on every single one of their lives.
Colleen joins Brenda for a conversation about finding joy and meaning in such challenging work. She also shares what it takes to enjoy the most meaningful “career” instead of settling for the comfortable mediocrity of just "doing your job." While she may have recently left pediatric intensive care after 41 years, she’s nowhere near finished. She is spreading her wisdom through teaching and is now inspiring future nurses to open their minds and their hearts to use a whole lot of imagination, common sense, and endless compassion to treat all patients with dignity and love. Colleen continues to support others by creating memories and support as an end of life doula for children who are living with dying and their families.
Caring Conversations
Caring Conversations features the voices of those who care. We share stories, perspectives, and insights about the caregiving experience. In our current season, we’re following the journeys of those raising children with disabilities and complex needs, from childhood to adulthood. Your host Brenda Blais Nesbitt has navigated this road for over 28 years raising her daughter, Nikki who is severely disabled and medically complex. Brenda is an expert in caregiving and is very passionate about sharing the wisdom she has gained on her journey with her daughter.
Hosts
Brenda Blais Nesbitt is a master in advocating and navigating the confusing world of disability. Her personal experience has enhanced her ability to help others navigate the complexities of the healthcare system and excel in the challenging journey of caring for and loving those with complex needs. Beyond the lessons that motherhood and caregiving has brought into her life, Brenda is also a Board-Certified Patient Advocate, Peer Health Navigator, Certified Caregiver Consultant and Coach, and Certified Life Coach. Brenda has learned to embrace and adapt to the uncertainties that come with loving a family member with complex disabilities. She finds joy in sharing this wisdom via one-on-one and group coaching and consulting, speaking engagements, podcasts, and interviews through her business Coaching for Caregivers Canada. Her passion for all that she does was celebrated in 2019 as she was awarded the Caregiver of the Year Award through caregiving.com.