Another semester down and I'm in the post ictal phase, which means I stare blankly at walls and have issues with the most basic functions. The truth is I don't know what to do with myself when I'm not running around franticly glued to my planner. Now that I'm sitting in traffic on the way to the beach I have alot of time to reflect on the fact that in two semesters I will be a nurse.
It's really easy to lose focus on the WHY of this journey. Instead of getting caught up in the grades, papers and GPAs of nursing school I have to go back to the fundamental reason why I chose this profession in the first place. Thankfully I am reminded of that every time I walk into work.
I step unto the unit eyes glazed over investigating the patient board. I'm assigned my six patients for the day, receive report, clean the vitals machine and embark on my twelve hour shift. Most days I'm lucky to squeeze in a 20 minute lunch break or a post coffee pee. By the end of the shift my brains are mush, my toes are numb and my back is aching. And I'm not even the nurse! So imagine how they feel.
My patients are the reason I love this job. Some are wonderful sharing with me the most intimate details of their accident. Some really just want what they need and send me packing, which is fine too. I'm just honored to take care of them and be a step along their recovery, even if they don't remember my name. My heart is full when I can brush and braid hair, wipe glass from bloody knuckles and just be present for those who are alone.
I pray that in the hussle and bussle of hospital nursing I remember these moments frozen in time engraved in my memory that will guide me throughout this journey. In the end these are the qualities that produce an excellent nurse and when I walk across that stage come May 19th I will hold them dear to me.
And of course I'll have my Kate's voice exclaiming, "B's get degrees" in back of my mind. 😉
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