[PegRNBSN]

This is long.......
18 years ago, pregnant with my second child, working half time as a nurse in L &D, I had a conversation with a college friend. She had just received her masters and had a great job in the business world. She talked on and on about her job and then asked me what I was doing. I told her and she said, "my sister just got a job as an aide, it's crazy you are doing the same thing !"
I went home depressed, thinking I am just a part time nurse, full time mother. I graduated magna cum laude and this is all I have to show for it.
As I look back on that conversation, I reflect that I made wonderful career choice, especially for four reasons.
1. I saved my son's life. 37 weeks pregnant, working after being up all night with sick #1 son. He wasn't moving as much, I put myself on the monitor. Flat. THought he was sleeping. Monitored before I went home. Flat with decels, emergency c-section. Cord around his neck three times, around his shoulder and through his legs. Cord tore as they were delivering my IUGR 4#14 oz baby. My OB said he would have been dead if I had waited for my appointment in two days.

2. I have been able to have a part time career and be there for my kids. THe above friend ended up quitting her job two years later when she had kids because all she could work was full time

3. I can look at my work day and feel great satisfaction in truly helping someone through the joyous occasion that is the birth of their child. When things become tragic, we are there night and day for our patients, giving so much more than any other health care worker.

4. I have been at the delivery of my 11 nieces and nephews, asked by sisters and sister-in laws alike. They all expressed to me how safe they felt with me there and what an experience to see each little life come into this world. And yesterday .....
I delivered the twelfth one as the doctor missed the delivery (my sister was there for 14 minutes) and the resident was busy introducing herself and putting on a gown!!

Nursing is indeed a wonderful profession. It may not receive the prestige of others, but WE know and our patients know how important we are.

THanks for "listening" to this emotional aunt
Peg

[muffie]

nicely put peg

good for you and good for your family

[SmilingBluEyes]

Peg,this is a great post and a great reminder for some of us who may need it. Thanks so much and I am glad to see you feel this way. I bet you are a wonderful nurse.

[wickedrn]

WTG Aunt Peg!!

[rnmomtobe2010]

I love this post. I kinda needed the reassurance!!

[Jessy_RN]

Peg, thanks for sharing such positive view!

[earthlynurse2be]

Thanks for sharing that!