As a leader and a nurse, Devon Berry, RN, PhD, prior Executive Associate Dean at the OHSU School of Nursing in Portland, Oregon, believes that art is an important way to enrich life. This is especially true for nurses who have described their practice as being part art and part science. For the nurse, according to Dr. Berry, appreciating art can inform practice and alleviate some of the secondary suffering that healthcare providers often experience.
Fortunately, the city of Portland is rich with a large variety of engaging cultural opportunities. In Portland, you can find everything from monthly art walks, to live storytelling, to film festivals, to museums and exhibitions. The Portland Art Museum is a favorite of many locals. Complementing this large venue are many smaller art galleries with high quality exhibitions such as the Russo Lee Gallery and Nationale. The performing arts are also well represented in Portland. Several fine theatres, such as the Keller Auditorium and the Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall are regularly hosting top notch theatre companies such as Portland Center Stage and the Imago Theatre. Add to this a wealth of music scenes and venues, and the local or visitor can always find a way to get in touch with the restorative power of the arts.
As a nurse, Devon Berry notes that taking time to appreciate and engage the arts can be an important element of a healthcare provider’s self-care plan. As a leader, he believes that learning to find and celebrate beauty in the world is a key skill for strengthening organizational culture. Whether nurse, or executive leader, or both, Devon Berry recommends scheduling time to get out and enjoy the cultural expressions of your community. It is good for you, those you care for and work with, and for your local artists.
Devon Berry 