For Nurses
I'd Still Be A Nurse Because...
My mom was diagnosed with breast cancer when I was 8 years old. At that time there was little chance of survival for women who had breast cancer, but she was referred to an attending physician at Highland Hospital. Even though my mom's prognosis was poor, it was decided that she would have a mastectomy and receive chemotherapy.
As my mom got sicker and sicker, she spent more and more time in the hospital. It would be almost impossible for me to visit her, as back in those days, children were not allowed in the hospital. I spent lots of time in the front lobby waiting for my dad as he would make quick visits as much as possible. However, there was one nurse who just loved my mom and thankfully adored me. Whenever she was on duty and knew I was waiting in the lobby, she would come and get me and sneak me up the back stairway to my mom's room.
Hospital can be a very scary place for kids, but she always tried to make me feel comfortable. She would make me a cup of hot chocolate or spoil me with candy. I would watch and admire how she took care of my mom and the other patients in her room. I remember her friendly smile, her touch, and most of all her compassion.
My mom only lived about 15 months after her diagnosis but this particular nurse attended her funeral, sent me a Christmas present, and kept in touch with me and my dad for many years. I personally will never forget her and I know that it was her care and love for her patients that inspired me in my desire to become a nurse.
As I am coming up on my 24th anniversary as a nurse at Highland Hospital, I often reflect back on those days. I can only hope that I can or have helped someone as much as this nurse helped my mom and my family.
