Photo courtesy of the author. All rights reserved.

Last summer, I embarked on a transformative 12-day hike through the rugged and breathtaking
French Alps. Over the course of 70 miles, I traversed daunting mountain peaks, serene valleys, and
unyielding landscapes that tested both my physical and mental endurance. But in addition to the
physical challenge, the journey provided me with invaluable insights that I now see reflect so many
of the trials and lessons faced by nurses every day.

The Steep Terrain: Critical Thinking in Action

As the trail began, the path was rocky and steep, each step demanding thoughtful precision. There were times when the ground beneath me seemed unstable, and the risk of a fall felt imminent. My choices—where I placed my feet, how I balanced my body, and when to adjust my pace—required quick, critical decisions. The physical landscape demanded that I pay attention to my environment, evaluating each move carefully, and I realized how closely this mirrored the work of nurses in the clinical world.

Every nurse, like a hiker on a treacherous path, must assess each situation with care and precision. A misstep—whether in clinical judgment or action—can have serious consequences. Nurses are continually balancing complex information, from lab results to patient behaviors, and making decisions that could affect lives. Just as I relied on my understanding of the trail to guide my every move, nurses must trust their training, knowledge, and instincts.

In an often-chaotic environment, focusing on what’s in front of you and staying present with each decision is paramount.

The Support System: Strength in Teamwork

While the trail was a solitary one at times, there were moments when it became clear that I couldn’t tackle the most challenging parts of the journey without assistance. Aside from the steady presence and occasional encouragement of my fellow climbers, my hiking poles, which I had carefully chosen before the trip, became my supports in moments of instability. In steep descents or moments of exhaustion, they offered stability and balance. Without them, I would have been at risk of injury or exhaustion far earlier than I actually was.

In nursing, the importance of a robust support system is undeniable. Nurses face some of the toughest situations in health care, and no one can or should navigate these alone. Mentors, colleagues, and supervisors are essential in ensuring that nurses stay grounded and strong. When the work becomes overwhelming, it’s often the people around you who give you the strength to continue. Just as my poles were there to stabilize me, fellow nurses, health care teams, and leadership can provide much-needed support, encouragement, and guidance in times of difficulty.

Asking for help is a strength, not a weakness—and it’s vital to remember that no one is an island in the health care field.

Self-Care: Nourishing Your Body and Mind

Every seasoned hiker knows that self-care is a nonnegotiable part of completing a trek, especially one as challenging as the Alps. I made sure to protect myself from the intense Alpine sun with sunscreen, wearing a hat to shield my eyes and face. I took care to hydrate regularly and eat enough to fuel my body, recognizing that a lack of self-care could halt my progress entirely. Without a steady energy supply, my body would quickly succumb to fatigue.

Nurses, too, must take care of themselves to provide the best care for their patients. The demands of nursing—long hours, emotional exhaustion, physical strain—are undeniable. Without the ability to nourish yourself, both physically and mentally, burnout becomes a real risk. Just as I couldn’t hike the mountains without hydration and rest, nurses cannot provide effective care without proper self-care. Taking time to rest, eat, drink, and reflect isn’t selfish; it’s essential to maintaining the stamina needed for the long haul.

Nurses who neglect their own well-being risk compromising their health and the quality of care they can provide.

Resilience: The Unseen Strength That Carries You Forward

There were moments on the trail when I felt the weight of exhaustion settling in. My legs ached, the terrain seemed endless, and the summit appeared farther away than ever before. I questioned whether I could continue. But in those moments of doubt, resilience became my most powerful ally. Resilience is not about pretending the challenges don’t exist or pushing through without pause—it’s about recognizing the difficulty and choosing to keep moving forward, no matter how small the steps.

In nursing, resilience is the bedrock upon which all great care is built. Every nurse has faced moments of doubt—whether it’s a difficult patient case, long shifts, or dealing with emotional stress. Yet, the ability to press on despite adversity is what makes nurses truly exceptional. Like the peaks of the Alps, some days will feel insurmountable. But with resilience, nurses find the inner strength to continue.

Each small, deliberate step forward is a victory in itself, and just like I reached the final destination of my hike, nurses too find their way through each challenging shift, one patient at a time.

Packing for the Journey Ahead: Essentials for Nurses

As I neared the end of my Alpine journey, I reflected on how the challenges and triumphs mirrored the experiences of nurses throughout their careers. The lessons I had learned along the trail, and the skills I had honed, were not so different from those that every nurse needs to succeed in their profession. And so, to all the nurses walking the path of patient care, whether just starting out or years into your journey, I offer these essentials for your pack:

  1. Critical Thinking: Just as I relied on my experience and awareness of the trail, nurses rely on their clinical knowledge to make crucial decisions. Every assessment is a decision, and every decision is vital.
  2. Support: The greatest journeys are not made alone. Lean on your colleagues, mentors, and team. Ask for help when needed and offer it freely when you can. Together, we are stronger.
  3. Self-Care: Care for your body and mind as you would your patients. Prioritize rest, nourishment, and time to recharge. Only when you care for yourself can you provide the best care for others.
  4. Resilience: Like the mountains, nursing can feel overwhelming. But the ability to dig deep, find strength when you feel depleted, and persevere is what defines a successful nurse.

Just as I learned on the trail, nursing is not a quick sprint but a marathon of persistence, compassion, and growth. The path will sometimes be challenging, but with critical thinking, support, self-care, and resilience in your backpack, you will find your way through even the most rugged terrain. Whether in the heart of the Alps or the halls of a hospital, the journey is one worth taking, and the strength gained along the way will make you a better nurse.

Victoria Niederhauser, DrPH, RN, PPCNP-BC, FAAN, is dean & professor in the College of Nursing at University of Tennessee Knoxville; and associate senior vice president for nursing academic practice partnerships, University of Tennessee Medical Center