Advancing Empowerment: A Conversation with Elizabeth Smart

by Leslie Nikou

InitiateDeputy Editor, Society of Infusion Nurses

Like many moms, her typical day begins with a private wake-up call from her little daughter, caring for her son, a fast run with the dogs, after which tackling her every day to-do list. Sometimes this includes doing laundry and cleansing the home, and sometimes it involves teleconferencing, writing, or meeting with survivors of sexual assault and other forms of violence. Elizabeth Smart is a typical mom with an unimaginable story.

Kidnapped at knifepoint from her home in 2002 on the age of 14, then raped, drugged and abused for nine months, Elizabeth Smart’s story captivated the nation. Incredibly, after witnesses spotted Elizabeth walking together with her kidnappers on a public street, she was safely returned to her family in March 2003.
Elizabeth largely credits her parents with helping her recovery, making a sense of normalcy when she returned home. Although they were sensitive to her needs, they treated her no otherwise than her siblings and slowly guided her back to her teenage life. After completing her education, Elizabeth became a passionate advocate for change related to child abduction and in 2011 founded the Elizabeth Smart Foundation. She considers herself certainly one of the “lucky” ones not only because she survived, but in addition because she was capable of go home.

She wants to provide her voice to other victims and their families world wide by creating “something that will help shine a light on the brave work being done to fight crimes against children” (and) provide a spot of hope, motion, education and safety and prevention for kids and their families, wherever they’re.”¹ Elizabeth firmly believes that empowerment is a key element in survivors’ survival. He says that a traumatic experience can change the direction of our lives, nevertheless it doesn’t should define who we’re. Regardless of your background, upbringing, financial situation, or any major event you will have experienced, “there is nothing that another human being can do to you that will diminish your value as an individual.”

In addition to promoting the national AMBER Alert and other child safety laws, Elizabeth’s foundation encouraged her to take part in public speaking events across the country. Although the actual events surrounding her kidnapping have been chronicled in best-selling books and TV movies, Elizabeth’s conversations focus not only on what happened to her, but in addition on hope, survival, and recovery. It reminds viewers not to check themselves or their personal traumas to those of others because everyone’s situation is exclusive. There isn’t any universal formula for healing, but certainly one of the primary steps is learning to like yourself again.

Elizabeth Smart will deliver her inspiring and powerful words at INS 2018 this May because the event’s keynote speaker. Listen to our podcast in full at www.learningcenter.ins1.org/p/INS2018Keynote. For more details about Elizabeth Smart and her foundation, visit www.elizabethsmart.com.

Elizabeth the Intelligent Foundation. https://elizabethsmartfoundation.org/about/. Accessed: February 5, 2018

INS 2018 heads to the shores of Lake Erie and the bustling city of Cleveland, Ohio. This yr’s annual meeting will feature 4 days of thought-provoking educational sessions, peer presentations, roundtable discussions, and rather more! We brought together nearly 4 dozen speakers from all areas of the industry to present the newest evidence-based information in regards to the infusion specialty.

Highlights for participants will include the chance to check their infusion IQ in an interactive quiz, ask expert infusion nurses about 10 ceaselessly asked questions and answers, and collaborate during a 2-hour boot camp on immunoglobulin therapy. In addition to education, attendees will give you the chance to wander through a packed exhibit hall, attend a special event on the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, and revel in countless networking opportunities with colleagues.

Can’t make it to Cleveland? Take advantage of our virtual infusion education situated on the INS TRAINING CENTER. The INS Virtual Infusion Education platform is designed to deliver conference programs on to your house or office. The programs are presented to a live audience and streamed concurrently. The program is recorded and available on demand.

This yr’s virtual conference, “Infusion Nursing: Why We Do What We Do,” can be streamed survive Tuesday, May 22. Expert infusion nurses will participate and supply basic information on fluids and electrolytes and pain management strategies. The day will end with an affidavit from a mother in regards to the impact that infusion nurses have had on her family’s life.

Whether you propose to experience INS 2018 in person or virtually, this yr’s meeting is a must! Visit ereg.me/INS2018 for complete schedule and registration information. AND

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