I have discovered a talent. For so long I assumed everyone had this talent, so it wasn't a talent. But as I have grown and learned more about people I have come to realize that some have this talent while others do not. It is the talent of caring. I know that may sound cheesy and even boastful, but we're supposed to discover and cultivate our talents, right? Besides I could write about a hundred of things I am not good at or could/have royally screwed up or the discouragements I've had (this month alone), BUT it gives me a boost to know I have a talent. I have discovered that caring is something that makes me feel good and I am actually very good at it. That is why I love my job!
It is a very vulnerable experience when a person comes into the hospital for surgery. They must take all their clothes off and wear what is a poor excuse of a "gown", lay in a stretcher with side rails like a crib or a cage (you pick), be poked with needles, be asked several repetitive and sometimes personal questions, to know they will be CUT into while they are not awake, and be subject to the doctors, nurses, and others who will care for them while they are given medication/anesthesia that will make them unaware or unable to normally respond to what is going on, what has gone on, or what will happen next...all for the sake of aiding a pain or ailment that they have no control over in the first place.
When these people come to the hospital they are at the mercy of those caring for them - and all they want is for someone to really CARE about and for them. I love the moments I get with my patients to give them a boost or help them feel comfortable in a totally uncomfortable situation. Where I can do some of the little things that help one person feel like you are their only patient and priority. I love connecting with people - surprisingly a lot of people open up when they are in these vulnerable positions. I love that I have the knowledge to give them to help them and their families to care for themselves when they get home. I love that I can look people in the eye and they know I understand and that I am there. Then there are moments, not as often, when I get to hold someones hand who is frightened or undergoing a painful procedure while awake. Or when I get to cry with someone who is scared, who has a long road ahead, or experiencing a loss - physical or not, or when there is no one else who cares.
THAT is why I LOVE my job.
3 comments:
I cannot tell you what a wonderful gift that is. Last year I wondered many times why some people went into the medical field- they were so unfeeling about the patients, it seemed. Whenever I felt that way, though, there was one who stepped in, usually a nurse, and smoothed things over. I was so grateful for those who did. This is definitely a gift!
I think everyone who knows you could tell you that you have that talent. I'm so glad you are able to use it to make a difference in your career.
My two experiences in the hospital having Carson and Abby couldn't have been more different (one was positive and one not so much, but the result was just as wonderful!) and the difference was the nurse assigned to me. Both times I was at good hospitals, with good doctors, but one time the nurse left us alone, hardly talked to me and scared me, and the next time I had a nurse that cared. It was night and day.
I'm glad you are one of those caring nurses. We had a lot of experience with them while Jayden was in the hospital and ever since I have had a huge appreciation for what you do. We've had several surgeries and hospital experiences in our family, and you guys really do make a huge difference and any time I can tell a nurse she/he is appreciated I do. So keep it up, we appreciate it.
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