This week we had International Women’s Day. A day set aside to celebrate the women of the world. As we think about the global impact of women- mothers, sisters, daughters, aunts, friends, leaders, teachers, the imprint is deep.

Behind every strong woman is another strong woman. This is demonstrated nowhere finer than in the world of nursing. I have had many mentors in my career and all of them were women except one.

I was raised in an environment and time when “strong women” wasn’t a thing. There were loud, obnoxious, opinionated, feministic, un-submissive, and women who just took up too much space. I was raised that women, like children, were to be seen and not heard. All of the glass ceilings were firmly in place with double-panes. I learned to speak my mind, and expand it too, when I entered the profession of nursing. I was taught by women. I was trained by women. I have been held up and supported by women.

Because female nurses are just that, females, we circle each other at times, do our dance of competing and judging. As nurses we “eat our young” so to speak, by letting the new nurses have their trial by fire. But all the while we are swirling close by ready to find our way back to have their backs.

I used to run on an old dirt road past an alpaca farm. These alpaca were used to me running by; but every time I did, the big female fuzzy mama’s would start circling up. They would surround the young and get into formation and begin to move as one around the field. They followed me with their heads as they closed ranks and moved like a cloud of wool across the grass. Like female elephants, these Alpaca were ever vigilant for what the others in their herd/group might need. They shielded from perceived threats. Women are best when they are like alpaca or elephants. When women have each other’s backs, nothing is getting through that line of defense. Nothing.

My favorite thing to hear at work is “well good for her.” I love the acknowledgment that one of ours did something special and we are cheering and proud. Women, in general, can build each other up in our shared experience. We can be a voice for those who can’t speak and strength for those who are weak. Whether you are one of the strong ones out front leading the charge; or one of the strong ones behind saying “you can do this;” or one of the young ones watching and learning, take up too much space. Be seen. Be heard. Be brave. Be love. Nobody can do it like a woman (whatever IT is).

That is good for this nurse’s soul.