For Nurses
I'd Still Be A Nurse Because...
Every day I marvel at the kind of nurses that I work with. I watch while one of them holds a patient's hand because they are scared, and I watch another nurse laugh and share stories with her patient. The nurses that I work with love what they do, displaying empathy and care in all they do. Each and every one of them is a remarkable person and I am so proud to work with them.
Last Fall, my husband had a Mitral Valve repair that should have been pretty routine. Instead, the one surgery turned into five with multiple complications and setbacks. He spent 33 days in the hospital and thanks to my coworkers, I was able to spend every one of those days with him.
The wonderful people I work with set up a network of care for me that was more than remarkable. They called me with encouraging words every day. They made meals for my family every day and they donated vacation hours so I could remain at my husband's side. Every one of them contributed in some way to help me out during such a stressful time. They prayed for me; they cared for me; they loved me. Never once did I feel pressure to come back to work before I was ready.
When people ask me what I like about nursing and why I stay in nursing, I never hesitate to answer. I tell them that I love the patient contact and I love knowing that I can make their stay a little more positive. However, what keeps me coming back to work every day are the people I work with. I am proud of every one of them and I am proud to be a nurse with them. They continue to touch my life and my heart every day in so many ways.
