A Nurse's Hands

Nurses General Nursing

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  • Long Term Care Columnist / Guide
    Specializes in LTC, assisted living, med-surg, psych.

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Lately I've developed a habit of examining my aging hands and lamenting the changes I see in them. While fat tends to fill in the lines on my face, I can't say the same for my hands, which tell my life story in the thin skin and ever- multiplying wrinkles.

And then I think: these are hands which have held new life and comforted the dying.

They are hands which have given the first bath.....and the last.

They are hands which have been washed hundreds of thousands of times in the service of people I didn't give birth to.

They have administered the first feeding, and the last dose of morphine.

They have rubbed sore backs, dressed wounds, smoothed fresh linens over a feverish patient. They have fed, cleaned, stopped bleeding, performed CPR. They have also prepared the living for surgery and the dead for their final journey.

They are the hands of a nurse. I may not be one anymore, but my hands will forever bear the marks of the noble work they once did.

And that makes the wrinkles OK.

bagladyrn, RN

2,286 Posts

Specializes in OB.

Not sure why when I "liked" this post the system posted it as you and 5 others "unlike" this post. Despite the glitch I love this!

Specializes in Pediatrics, Emergency, Trauma.

As I look at my hands, I wonder how many wrinkles I will get along my travels. :D

Thanks for the reminder. ;)

iluvivt, BSN, RN

2,774 Posts

Specializes in Infusion Nursing, Home Health Infusion.

Every wrinkle,scar or surgical incision we have is part of the tapestry of a life.I look at these things on my body as telling my life story and can accept them as beatiful for I have lived well in the service of others as have you.This so reminded me of how I feel about all the imperfections that I have that reveal my story.

Specializes in Hospice.

Once a nurse, always a nurse Viva!

Specializes in Medical Oncology, Alzheimer/dementia.

My hands aren't as youthful looking as I would like them to be, but they have been through a lot. I grew up in a family of all girls. My dad worked me and my sisters like a bunch of men...hauling logs, hammering nails, pulling weeds, moving furniture, assembling all kinds of things, planting gardens, etc., all so we could be self sufficient women.

I've never worked in labor and delivery, so I don't know the joy of giving a newborn patient their first bath. But I certainly know the priviledge of providing care for the dying. I love this post, Viva!!!

People have always compliment me on my warm hands and soft touch. My kids and husband love my hands. That's all I need.

nurseprnRN, BSN, RN

1 Article; 5,114 Posts

I remember the day I looked at my mother's hands and saw they looked old, with wrinkles, muscle loss, and age spots. It was a shock to me.

Now guess whose hands look like that?

Damn sweaty eyeballs....

Looking at my hands, been thinking much along the same way.

My hands have helped many people. They still work just fine!

However, you forgot to mention the age spots and rheumatoid nodules ;)

BSNbeauty, BSN, RN

1,939 Posts

Beautiful hands they are.

Lev, MSN, RN, NP

4 Articles; 2,805 Posts

Specializes in Family Nurse Practitioner.
Once a nurse, always a nurse Viva!

My thoughts exactly!

CamillusRN, BSN

431 Posts

Specializes in CVOR, CVICU/CTICU, CCRN.

As a new nurse, I have a great appreciation for the wisdom and guidance of those who have paved the way. Some of us new recruits still have a sense of respect for veteran nurses, and I salute you!

Semper Curatio - hoorah! salute.gif

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