Nursing Voices

Thursday, November 23, 2006

Give Thanks

It's a day to reflect on all that we are thankful for.

I am thankful for the calling to a noble profession dedicated to helping people.
I am thankful for the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of families every time I go to work.
I am thankful for the tremendous moment of birth when the ultimate outcome is truly out of our hands, that blink of an eye in which a tiny life begins... and is both completely dependent yet must breath and suck and pump blood all on its own.
I am thankful for the technology and advances in medicine that allow us to help sick moms and babes.
I am thankful that most deliveries require no such technology.
I am thankful for the team of dedicated nurses and other staff members with whom I work, the people who make work more than bearable, the ones who fill it with laughter, smiles and enjoyment.
I am thankful for the instances when there is no laughter or joy, when life is at its rawest and most real.
I am thankful that I can return to the loving, understanding arms of my family and a warm, inviting home.

Happy Thanksgiving.

3 comments:

Iris said...

That was very moving. Thank you for writing it. I have become rather jaded and cynical about my profession as a nurse. Often telling people how I would rather flip burgers than do what I do most days. I am a good nurse, I am good to my patients, I advocate for them to the fullest of my ability...I am a good nurse...I just do not care for the stress and strain that this profession puts on its members. Reading your post makes me see things just a little differently. Thank you

apgaRN said...

Iris, Burnout is so easy. I definitely feel the same sense of discouragement that you describe, at times. I hope you're able to refresh and renew, for your sake and the sake of your patients. Keep your chin up,
N

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