Omaha, Nebraska registered nurse Cy Xayarath is encouraging individuals to take simple daily actions that improve communication, reduce stress, and support stronger healthcare experiences for patients and frontline workers.
Registered nurse Cy Xayarath has announced the launch of the “Be Present” Pledge, a personal initiative focused on improving communication, patience, and everyday respect within healthcare environments.
The pledge was inspired by Xayarath’s experiences working in patient care at CHI Health, along with lessons learned during his service in the United States Army. Rather than focusing on large institutional changes, the initiative encourages individuals to make small personal commitments that can improve healthcare interactions for everyone involved.
“A lot of healthcare comes down to trust and communication,” Xayarath said. “People are often stressed, worried, or overwhelmed when they walk into a hospital or clinic. Small actions and attitudes can make a bigger difference than most people realise.”
The initiative comes at a time when healthcare systems across the United States continue to face growing pressure. According to the American Association of Colleges of Nursing, the country is expected to face ongoing nursing shortages through the decade due to workforce burnout and increased patient demand. Meanwhile, studies from the National Institutes of Health have shown that communication problems contribute significantly to medical errors and patient dissatisfaction.
Xayarath believes the issue is personal as much as professional.
“You have to listen,” he said. “Sometimes people just need to feel heard. That’s part of the job too.”
Research also shows that healthcare worker burnout remains a major issue. A 2024 national healthcare workforce survey reported that more than 45% of nurses experience symptoms of emotional exhaustion linked to workplace stress and communication challenges. At the same time, patient wait times and staffing demands continue to increase across hospitals nationwide.
For Xayarath, these realities reinforced the need for a practical and personal response.
“I’ve always believed consistency matters more than anything,” he said. “If you keep showing up and doing your job properly, people notice over time.”
The “Be Present” Pledge is built around seven personal commitments that individuals can practise in daily life, especially during healthcare interactions.
The “Be Present” Pledge: 7 Personal Commitments
I will communicate clearly and respectfully with healthcare workers.
I will listen fully before reacting during stressful situations.
I will stay patient during delays or difficult moments in medical settings.
I will pay attention to details involving my own health and care.
I will support teamwork and accountability in my workplace and community.
I will make time to check in on the wellbeing of others.
I will stay consistent in small daily actions that help build trust.
Xayarath says the goal is not perfection, but awareness.
“People do not have to work in healthcare to make a positive impact,” he said. “Being present, paying attention, and treating people with respect goes a long way.”
Why the Issue Matters Right Now
The United States employs more than 3 million registered nurses, making nursing the nation’s largest healthcare profession.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects hundreds of thousands of new nursing openings each year through the decade.
Communication-related problems remain one of the leading contributors to preventable medical errors.
Nearly half of nurses surveyed nationally report symptoms connected to stress and burnout.
Patient satisfaction studies consistently show that communication and empathy strongly influence healthcare outcomes.
“Do It Yourself” Toolkit: 10 Free Actions Anyone Can Take
Pause and take a breath before responding in stressful situations.
Write down medical questions before appointments.
Listen without interrupting during conversations.
Thank healthcare workers and support staff directly.
Stay informed about your own medications and care plans.
Limit distractions during important conversations.
Check in regularly with friends or family members under stress.
Practise patience in waiting rooms and public spaces.
Create healthier daily routines around sleep, hydration, and movement.
Share positive healthcare experiences and encourage respectful behaviour online and offline.
30-Day “Be Present” Progress TrackerWeek 1: Awareness
Practise active listening once per day
Reduce distractions during conversations
Write down one daily reflection
Week 2: Communication
Ask clearer questions during appointments
Focus on respectful responses under stress
Encourage one positive interaction daily
Week 3: Consistency
Build one healthier daily habit
Check in with someone who may need support
Track moments where patience improved outcomes
Week 4: Leadership Through Action
Share the pledge with friends or family
Continue daily listening and communication habits
Reflect on how small actions changed interactions over the month
Xayarath hopes the initiative encourages people to think differently about leadership, communication, and personal responsibility.
“Leadership is not always about titles,” he said. “A lot of it comes down to setting an example and staying dependable.”
Call to Action
Readers are encouraged to take the “Be Present” Pledge, practise the 30-day tracker, and share the free toolkit with friends, family members, and coworkers. The initiative is designed to help individuals improve communication, reduce stress, and create stronger everyday interactions both inside and outside healthcare settings.
To read the full interview, visit the website here.
About Cy Xayarath
Cy Xayarath is a registered nurse based in Omaha, Nebraska. Originally from Grand Island, Nebraska, he served in the United States Army before earning his Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Nebraska Wesleyan University. He currently works with CHI Health and is focused on patient care, communication, and promoting consistency and trust within healthcare environments.
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