We were lucky to catch up with Janette Moreno recently and have shared our conversation below.

Janette, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Was there a defining moment in your professional career? A moment that changed the trajectory of your career?

In April 2017, my organization, Stanford Health Care supported me to join the Caritas Coach Education Program (CCEP) by Dr Jean Watson, a nurse theorist who created the Theory of Caring Science. The intention was for me to integrate the Theory of Caring Science into the professional development programs I oversee for nurses. Well, I said “that’s easy peasy – I am an excellent program manager, just give me the facts, and I can easily implement it.”
So off I went to Boulder Colorado for a weekend retreat, the start of a 6-month intensive program, Two days later, I was in profound realization: I came to Boulder thinking, I was going to implement and integrate the Theory of Caring Science into the professional practice environment at Stanford. I journeyed back home with my heart and mind rewired with deeper insights and reflection, “If I want to successfully integrate Caring Science into my programs/projects, I need to start with myself, love myself, and acknowledge my self worth. Here’s a poem of reflection I wrote as I journey back home:

How Can I Help? (by Janette Moreno, 4/27/2017)

Who am I and how’d I get here?

I question my purpose, I ponder with fear.

I clearly thought I know why I got here.

I have a plan, I have no fear.

I am here to fulfill the need of everyone –

My peers, my leaders, all my loved ones.

I knew Caring Science is what everyone needs

To fill the missing gap in the care we give.

I knew self care is priority, to achieve healing of society.

I was very clear, I was purposeful.

I’d come to Boulder, and head back with a cup full.

But alas, it clearly didn’t turn out that way.

Didn’t realize there’s more, I was blown away.

I didn’t realize I had to start somewhere…

Somewhere within me, and not elsewhere.

I was so drained, and so exhausted.

I had to start with me, where else would I be?

How can I give my best, I am in pain, how can it be?

For three days, it dawned on me – I am in pain, how can it be?

I thought I was strong, I am resilient.

I grew up tough, brave, and experienced.

“To the stars, through all difficulties” –

Words from my father, echo in resilience.

As difficult as it maybe, I have to reach the stars and be free.

I can’t fail him and my mother, I have to win, and winning it will be.

I thought I was destined to help everyone and that’s how it should be.

I didn’t know I need help, I don’t think so I do.

But I journeyed back home, thinking…I need help too…

Fast forward to 7 years later (2024), I proudly stand in front of my audience introducing myself as the CEO (Chief Enthusiastic Officer) of my personal and professional life. My purpose in life is to inspire one person everyday, living and breathing my favorite quote from Dr Jean Watson’s, “Maybe this one moment, with this one person, is the reason why I am here on earth at this time.”

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

My bio: Janette Moreno, DNP, RN, NEA-BC, NPD-BC, and Caritas Coach®, serves as a Senior Nursing Consultant at the Center for Education and Professional Development at Stanford Health Care. She held significant leadership role as the Director of Professional Development and Education at Stanford Childrens (2017 – 2020) and Cedars-Sinai Medical Center (2020 – 2024). Her influence extends beyond Stanford, as she actively serves on the Board of Directors for the Association of California Nurse Leaders in the South Region and acts as a Board Liaison for the Health Work Environment Committee. Additionally, she holds an Executive Board Member position and chairs the Education Committee for the Philippine Nurses Association Southern California, West Los Angeles Chapter.

Moreno’s dedication to nursing excellence and professional development is evident in her multifaceted roles and contributions to various organizations. Her leadership in advancing professional practice and fostering a healthy work environment underscores her commitment to improving patient care and empowering nurses.

At the height of the pandemic, I started sharing my poetry during leadership huddles at work and also share them on my social media posts. Japanese haiku became my on-the-go mindful practice in the morning to clear the chaos in my mind. The haiku poetry resonated to quite a few and they were encouraging me to publish. I finally published the book: Human Caring through Healing Haiku: Mindful Journaling for Healthcare Providers. It is a journal book that offers simple ways to improve your sense of wellbeing and emotional/mental health, which in turn impacts your physical health. These spill over to everyone your life touches. Day by day, engage in the gentlest of practices which cost nothing, but pour refreshing life into yourself and those around you through:
» Brief quotes from Dr. Jean Watson’s books about the Theory of Caring Science
» Micropractices which apply theory to your personal and professional life
» Healing haiku to calm and bring you into the present moment, allowing past-related regrets or future-related anxieties to drop away
» Questions for reflection that give space for noting the life-giving moments experienced

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

I migrated to the US from the Philippines in 2002, along with 5 other experienced Filipino nurses . We were treated like celebrities when we first arrived in San Francisco. Our first 2 days were chronicled by prominent TV newsrooms – from walking into the hospital unit up to opening our first bank account for direct deposit. It was all exhilarating and so unreal, we were on every evening and late night news – apparently, little did we know that Governor Gray Davis signed into law the AB394 mandating the nurse patient ratio law and for the first time, San Francisco hired international nurses anticipating shortage of workforce.

10 days later, my colleagues and I were out on the streets of San Francisco looking for a job – we haven’t received our first paycheck yet, no employment history, no credit history. Who in the world is going to give us a job in America? Apparently, the nursing union called for a 10-day strike notice and they have to cancel the ‘less experienced nurses’ as they prepare to close down departments. I spoke to the HR director who directly recruited us from the Philippines – he said to talk to the union representative because as nurses, we are part of the union. I spoke to the union representative, they said that we are not past 30 days yet so we have to refer our concerns to those who hired us directly. During this time, not really understanding what I signed up for when I accepted the job in this foreign country, I armed myself with lots of research and spent hours in the library learning about the California Nursing Practice Act and Immigration laws and regulations.
I held on to my father’s words of wisdom, which kept me going during this chaotic and uncertain times.
He has instilled in me core values of professionalism, excellence and courage – “to the stars through all difficulties” – the only way out of poverty is education and excellence in everything you do.
The next call I made was to HR – when no one wanted to talk to me, I told them that the next phone call I will make was to the Immigration Services, knowing that as my immigrant employer, they have an obligation to financial support us if they hired us directly from another country. The following day, we got our jobs back and they scheduled us to work in a sister hospital.

Putting training and knowledge aside, what else do you think really matters in terms of succeeding in your field?

Beyond the essential foundation of training and knowledge, several key attributes contribute significantly to success in the healthcare.

Authenticity: Being genuine and true to oneself fosters trust and builds strong relationships with patients, colleagues, and other healthcare professionals. It allows for open communication and creates a safe space for vulnerability and healing.

Courage: The nursing profession often demands difficult decisions and advocating for patients even in challenging situations. Courage empowers nurses to speak up, challenge the status quo, and champion the best interests of their patients.

Calm amidst Chaos: The healthcare environment can be fast-paced and stressful. Maintaining composure and a clear mind enables nurses to prioritize tasks, make sound decisions, and provide effective care even in the most demanding circumstances. It also helps to instill confidence and reassurance in patients and their families.

These qualities, alongside a strong knowledge base and clinical skills, are crucial for navigating the complexities of the nursing profession and making a meaningful impact on the lives of patients and their families. By embracing authenticity, courage, and the ability to remain calm amidst chaos, nurses can truly excel in their field and contribute to a culture of compassionate, patient-centered care.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.healinghaiku.net www.janettemoreno.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/janvmoreno/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/janvmoreno/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/janvmoreno/
• Twitter: Janette Moreno (@janvmoreno) / X
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@LoveandLearnJM

Image Credits

https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisajpeterson/ – Lisa Peterson Creative Director of Studio 6 Sense LLC who created the book design and the social media graphics.