Nursing week!

It's Monday! Not a day typically celebrated, but for me, it means a day off! After a crazy string of 4 in a row, I am so pleased to see today roll around! LOL And what a crazy work week it was... I had a patient on hospice that ended up bringing me some insight. The family was having a rough time, understandably, and made the following comment... "I understand that you have other patients to care for, but she is the only one that matters to me." It's easy to not see things from others points of view. It's easy to get overwhelmed with all of the work that stands before you. And it is far too easy to avoid situations that make you uncomfortable rather than to meet them head on. I tried a new approach over the weekend. My patients stayed comfortable, their families relaxed, and the day seemed to flow. Not that I didn't have to hurdle some major obstacles, like a family who decided Saturday morning to discharge and didn't bother telling me till nearly too late, but still things got done, and I felt like I was making headway.

I question at times why I went into nursing, and the answer is this: At some point in my life, I will need a nurse. I will need someone to listen to me, to care for me, to ensure my safety, and to comfort my family when I am unable. And yes, there are other things that nurses do, but the good ones make it look easy, and still provide basic comforts and smile while they do it. And that is why I became a nurse. To make a difference and care about those entrusted to me.

Being a NURSE means you carry immense responsibility and very little authority. You step into people's lives and make a difference. Some bless you, others curse you. You see people at their worst and best. You see life begin and end. You see people's capacity for love, courage and endurance. ♥ IT'S NURSES APPRECIATION WEEK. REPOST IF YOU ARE A NURSE, LOVE A NURSE, AND/OR APPRECIATE A NURSE!!