Being
Yesterday was my two year graduation anniversary. I along with my family braved the chilly and very wet weather for a day of celebration as 13 of us were pinned as new nurses and received a Bachelor's of Science in Nursing degree from Berea College. I wouldn't trade my time at Berea for ANYTHING, and to have received my education there is a very pristine honor and privilege denied by many. So that was yesterday. Today begins the celebration of Nurses week and it ends May 12, none other than the birthday of Florence Nightingale. Her name is known around the world, as is her legacy for stream-lining seemingly "duh" concepts of nursing, such as fresh air in a crowded hospital doing wonders for healing of not only the body but mind as well.
Yes, I am a nurse. Though I am certain I will never measure up to what Florence Nightingale accomplished in her life as a nurse, I haven't won any major awards, nothing has been published about me, and my name will most likely be forgotten to everyone outside of close friends and family. I'm not trying to sound like a downer, but I'm just being realistic. But without a doubt I know I am doing my best to fulfill God's plan for my life, which is to be a nurse. I can't exactly pinpoint when I decided I wanted to be a nurse, but I knew for a long time that it was what I intended to do. As for developing a passion for mental health and recovering addicts, that's all God. God stirred something in my heart that made me realize how misunderstood and sometimes unloved these populations are. So He sent me because He knew I would rise to the challenge. I have been challenged, frustrated, inspired and humbled by the many patients I have cared for...lots of pauses in this post. Trying to eat my lunch as I write this. Sometimes, it still feels strange to call myself a nurse. Sometimes I'm like "wow, I really am a nurse." I can't put in just one word to describe what I do. Every day where I work is different, and that's the beauty and sometimes curse of it.
I think what is so often forgotten is that nurses are human beings, too. I've laughed with patients, cried with patients, sat quietly with patients, and given talking-to's with patients. Some say being emotional in this profession makes you weak; I would argue and say it's made me stronger. You just have to have a heart for people if you are going to last even one second in this job. I love what I do. I love being a nurse. I can't imagine doing anything else with my life. It's a unique and special calling, doing what I do. God has opened doors I never thought He would open, and has taught me some valuable lessons about what to do when doors get closed. It's such a blessing, knowing I am a very small part of something great and good. There's no greater feeling.
Yes, I am a nurse. Though I am certain I will never measure up to what Florence Nightingale accomplished in her life as a nurse, I haven't won any major awards, nothing has been published about me, and my name will most likely be forgotten to everyone outside of close friends and family. I'm not trying to sound like a downer, but I'm just being realistic. But without a doubt I know I am doing my best to fulfill God's plan for my life, which is to be a nurse. I can't exactly pinpoint when I decided I wanted to be a nurse, but I knew for a long time that it was what I intended to do. As for developing a passion for mental health and recovering addicts, that's all God. God stirred something in my heart that made me realize how misunderstood and sometimes unloved these populations are. So He sent me because He knew I would rise to the challenge. I have been challenged, frustrated, inspired and humbled by the many patients I have cared for...lots of pauses in this post. Trying to eat my lunch as I write this. Sometimes, it still feels strange to call myself a nurse. Sometimes I'm like "wow, I really am a nurse." I can't put in just one word to describe what I do. Every day where I work is different, and that's the beauty and sometimes curse of it.
I think what is so often forgotten is that nurses are human beings, too. I've laughed with patients, cried with patients, sat quietly with patients, and given talking-to's with patients. Some say being emotional in this profession makes you weak; I would argue and say it's made me stronger. You just have to have a heart for people if you are going to last even one second in this job. I love what I do. I love being a nurse. I can't imagine doing anything else with my life. It's a unique and special calling, doing what I do. God has opened doors I never thought He would open, and has taught me some valuable lessons about what to do when doors get closed. It's such a blessing, knowing I am a very small part of something great and good. There's no greater feeling.
Comments
Post a Comment
Questions, comments and concerns are always welcome, so long as they are pertinent to the content of the post, aren't rude or offensive. Thank you for reading and being respectful in sharing your thoughts! :)