Nursing

Well, here I am at 5:11 AM bright and chipper (not) - the life of a nurse working the night shift! I'm surprised at how well I function on nights actually - I just wish I was able to sleep better on days after a night shift! Maybe I need to invest in one of those eye masks and heavy duty ear plugs :D. I enjoy my job... most days. But then I'll be faced with a new/scary/unfamiliar situation and I'll feel stressed and ill-at-ease and wonder why I ever became a nurse in the first place! Why don't I have a low-key, low-stress job at Walmart?? Or why didn't I become a health-care aide? At least their jobs are not stressful. But it's the relationships with patients and support of colleagues that make the job worth it in the end. Shift work does suck at times, when you're working the weekend and then have off all week when your friends are at work - but I must say I enjoy having the stretch of days off that allows me to take short trips to the States (such as this weekend)! :) The nice thing about nursing also is that there are SO many different areas you can go into! Since graduating I've worked on a Burn Unit and have just recently switched to a NeuroSurgical Floor. I don't think the learning will ever stop!

Sometimes I feel like this:

I'm Sorry In Advance

by Linda Leeson

Your beds not made today
But I have a patient here
Those chest pain won’t go away
I’m sorry in advance
You’re not happy with your meal

Dietary does try hard sir,
To give it some appeal
I’m sorry in advance
Your morning pills are late
I’ve a patient climbing out of bed
That I must try to sedate
I’m sorry in advance
Your mattress isn’t soft
We do need some new beds ma’am
But these things do cost a lot.
I’m sorry in advance
I didn’t get to comb your mothers hair
I’ve a patient with emphysema
She’s scared, she can’t get air
I’m sorry in advance
Your fathers still in pain
I’m trying to reach his doctor
I’ll have to try again
I’m sorry in advance
Your dressings aren’t yet done
But a patient has just passed away,
I offered solace to his son,
I’m sorry in advance
I’m not cheery as a bird
I’ve worked 12 hours, my feet ache
I asked for help, but no one heard
I’m sorry in advance
I’ve only two hands and two feet
I’m trying to care for you, patient
Your needs, I want to meet
My 12 hours now are 16,
No replacement could be found
My aching feet they cry out
My head begins to pound
I’m sorry in advance
I cannot meet your gaze
My eyes are filled with tears
Your face is just a haze
If I could sit down for a minute
And maybe grab a bite
Phone my kids to say I love them
And I’ll be late again tonight
I’m sorry in advance
I didn’t do all that must be done
If I worked any faster
I’d soon begin to run
When I do get to hold your hand
Or wipe your furrowed brow
Please understand, dear patient I care for you
and how I see your pain, I sense your fear
Your anger in a glance,
Our health care service is failing you
I’m sorry in advance.

But it's my prayer to have this attitude!

A Nurse's Prayer
Unknown Author

I dedicate myself to thee, 0 Lord, my God, this work I undertake
Alone in thy great name, and for thy sake.
In ministering to suffering I would learn
The sympathy that in thy heart did burn.
Take, then, mine eyes, and teach them to perceive
The ablest way each sick one to relieve.
Guide thou my hands, that e'en their touch may prove
The gentleness and aptness born of love.
Bless thou my feet, and while they softly tread
May faces smile on many a sufferer's bed.
Touch thou my lips, guide thou my tongue,
Give me a work in sermon for each one.
Clothe me with patience, strength all tasks to bear,
Crown me with hope and love, which know no fear,
And faith, that coming face to face with death
Shall e'en inspire with joy the dying breath.
All through the arduous day my actions guide,
All through the lonely night watch by my side,
So I shall wake refreshed, with strength to pray,
Work in me, through me, with me, Lord, this day.