[SteveRN21]

Hi all,

I worked a few overtime shifts last month in my hospital's PICU, where I usually pick up extra time 1-2 days a week. While there, I cared for a 17 year old 230 lb, 6-4 guy who had been in a serious car accident. Luckily he was my only pt that shift, and I ran my tail off giving meds, hanging new drips, working with PT/OT, taking him to CT/MRI, changing dressings, etc... I was ragged by the end of the shift, and tired of dealing with the constant stream of visitors totally disregarding visiting hours to come gawk at this helpless, comatose boy. I finally sat down at my desk to chart around 4:30pm, when I looked up, and saw his dad come out of his room and up to the nurses station with tears in his eyes. "I just wanted to come up and shake your hand, and thank you from the bottom of my heart for taking such great care of my boy...." I had to fight back my emotions as this big tough guy broke down as he shook my hand in front of the nurses station full of my coworkers, manager and physicians.... I felt like floating away after that. The busyness and stress of the day just didn't matter anymore.

[donster]

Nice story. Makes it all worth it sometimes, doesn't it? I'm going to try to remember this on those days I want to give up.

[sgregory0020]

It does maake the difference I am a CNA and when I have a resident that tells me that they love having me and tell me how they appreciate me! We could be short of help that and I will forget all about and it just makes my day!

[aubreysgranma]

I work in a nursing home and it is always so nice to have a family recognize what we do. On a really busy day or one that everything seems to happen all at once it is nice to have a family member say thank you.

[OTA student]

That's a nice story. It is always a good warm feeling inside when someone thanks you. Unfortunately it does not happen enough.

[nursenpnk]

What an awesome story, I am getting ready to start in the PICU and i hope i have positive experiences with pts families like you have had! Thanks for sharing your story :-)

[flaerman]

Great story, to me that is what nursing is all about(doing our best possible care for our pt's) and it's what got me to decide to go into nursing in the first place 28 yrs ago... I strive to be the best I can everyday and with every pt. So keep on with the good fight and great care that you do....

[muffie]

good for you and yes nice story

[hlfpnt]

Very nice storey...made my morning!
I work in LTAC & there's this one family that always asks me if I'm the nurse for the day. Just out of curiosity I asked why they kept asking me this...their reply, "Because we know Mom's well taken care of when you're her nurse & besides, you're the only one that can make her smile anymore." That melted my heart on the spot!

[traumaRUs]

Aw you guys are awesome! Makes me so proud to be a nurse.