As I nurse, I find myself always assessing my environment and looking for opportunities to grow and support the nurses I lead. When attending a recent volleyball game for my daughter, I witnessed this quote in the hallway while en route to the courts:
“Today I will do what others won’t, so tomorrow I can accomplish what others can’t.” — Jerry Rice.
This quote inspired me and sparked the idea for this article.
As infusion nurses, we are called to embody this powerful philosophy every day. Our role requires not only technical expertise, but also a profound sense of commitment to our patients, our profession, and the standards that guide our practice. When we choose to go the extra mile, whether it’s perfecting a challenging infusion technique, educating our colleagues, or advocating for our patients, we are not simply doing what is required. We are setting the stage for what is possible in the future.
Rising to the Challenge: Navigating a Complex Landscape
The journey of an infusion nurse is often not an easy one. We work under pressure, handling complex and high-stakes situations, while ensuring patient safety and well-being. Our tasks may seem routine—administering medications, fluids, and other infusions—but the reality is that each infusion we manage is an opportunity to make a significant difference in someone’s life.
In today’s health care environment, our challenges are manifold. We face shortages of essential supplies like saline, and we are working amid nursing shortages that add strain to our already demanding roles. But despite these obstacles, we stand ready to serve. As infusion nurses, we remain steadfast in our commitment to our patients and colleagues. We know that doing what others won’t, whether it’s going the extra mile to ensure a patient’s comfort or stepping in to educate a peer, sets us apart.
Leading Through Adversity: Education is Key
One of the most important ways we can “do what others won’t” is through education. Infusion nursing requires specialized knowledge; knowledge that not all nurses may be exposed to during their formal training. The standards of practice in our field are continuously evolving, and it’s our responsibility to ensure that our colleagues are not only aware of these standards but also confident in their ability to implement them.
When we take the time to teach our peers the best practices in infusion therapy, we are building a stronger, more competent nursing workforce. This is not just about following protocols; it’s about creating a culture of excellence in patient care. We lead by example and show others the importance of ongoing education. We ensure that every nurse we work with understands the nuances of safe, effective, and compassionate infusion nursing. This commitment to education will pay dividends not just in the care we provide today, but in the care we’ll be able to provide in the future.
Advocating for Excellence in Infusion Nursing
We must also be fierce advocates for the resources and support needed to uphold our standards. Whether it’s a persistent shortage of supplies, issues with staffing, or the challenge of implementing new technologies and techniques, the infusion nursing community must be vocal and proactive. When we advocate for the tools, training, and recognition that our profession deserves, we help pave the way for better outcomes for our patients—and for our profession as a whole.
Every infusion nurse has the power to create change in their facility. Whether it’s addressing gaps in knowledge, pushing for updated protocols, or leading initiatives that improve patient care, we are in a unique position to make a significant impact. But it starts with each of us. Patrick Buggy said it best in the article, How to Create Positive Change That Actually Lasts: “When something isn’t right in your world, it’s on you to try a new approach [emphasis mine].” We must be willing to do what others won’t by speaking up, stepping forward, and sharing our expertise.
Call to Action: Becoming a Leader in Your Facility
I challenge you to reflect on how you can “do what others won’t” in your own practice. As infusion nurses, we can be the change-makers in our institutions. Take action to ensure your peers have a solid understanding of the standards of practice for infusion nursing. Offer to lead educational sessions, collaborate with other departments to update protocols, or simply be a resource for the nurses around you.
It’s not always easy, and the road ahead may be filled with obstacles. But remember: by doing what others won’t, you are helping to build a future where our patients receive the highest quality of care and our profession continues to grow and evolve in ways we can’t yet imagine.
Together, we can accomplish what others can’t. Let’s lead with courage, passion, and an unwavering commitment to the standards of infusion nursing. Our patients—and our profession—deserve nothing less.
Take Action Today:
- Reach out to your facility leadership and offer to conduct or participate in infusion-related educational sessions.
- Mentor and support new nurses, especially those working in infusion therapy, to ensure they are well-versed in best practices.
- Advocate for the tools and resources necessary to deliver optimal care, even during times of shortages.
- Stay committed to your own professional development and encourage others to do the same.
- Register for the INS 2025 conference to further your education and network with like-minded individuals.
Let’s be the nurses who do what others won’t, so that we can accomplish what others can’t.
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