Just living is not enough. One must have sunshine, freedom, and a little flower. -Hans Christian Anderson
Day 14 is simple reminders.
I know why I am a nurse, but every once in a while there will be a moment that truly reminds me the legacy that I have left for almost 25 years while working in the medical field. Man, do I have an amazing amount of stories!! Today I had a patient put her head on my shoulder, and give me a hug while we were talking, and asked me to give her a hug in return. We touched for a few moments and she said, “I really needed that hug, and I thank you for hugging me, Jen.” These moments do not happen very often on a locked down psychiatric unit, but when they do, it is an amazing feeling. Years from now she may not remember my name, but she will remember my compassion…
When I worked at the nursing home I became close to a number of the patients and kept in touch with one woman in particular sending her an occassional postcard, or notecard letting her know I was thinking about her. Sadly, my life has been so chaotic I believe the last contact I had with her was at Christmas last year…today I received a Christmas card from her with a note telling me how much she, and the other patients miss me, and to please stop in and visit. Each night I worked I did a rounding on all 48 of my patients. Some nights she would be awake watching the sports channel and we would talk about her day, how she was feeling…and unfortunately as she would describe it, “Jenny, I need to tattle…” some of the things she told me that she had witnessed/or overheard during the course of her day were sadly inappropriate, and some were horrifying to me as not just a nurse, but as a human being. I would remind her that she was not “tattling” and that I would look into the situation, and would report appropriately. Some nights she would be snoring away, and we would have our talk in the morning. Many mornings when she would greet me with a “Good Morning Sunshine!” she would tell me that she was able to sleep so peaceful knowing that I was working, and “guarding the facility.” I took the time to talk to look in on her, and I took the time to sympathize, and advocate for her when necessary…I left my legacy with her. Simple reminders to continue being the best nurse that I can be for my patients so my legacy will continue long after I am gone…
- PVT Bamford, will be flying home from bootcamp this weekend, and we found out tonight that all three of the kids will be home with us Christmas Eve, and Christmas Day.
- Finishing up the final requirements for my current Nurse Leader course and then I have a week vacation until my new course begins. A whole week of not thinking about reading responsibilities, research papers, and essays [insert sound of angels singing here!!].
- I’m thinking about 2012, and hoping to be better prepared, and better organized. Don’t laugh! Stranger things have happened.
Much more to talk about, and share, but it’ll have to wait as time is ticking. Here’s to a wonderful remainder to the week!
-Jenny