Nurses General Nursing
Published Jun 13, 2004
Tempestcayla
7 Posts
Over a decade ago, I had surgery for toxic megacolon (due to Crohn's). To be honest, I was wallowing in self pity. I felt that life was unfair, I was young and vain. Well to make a long story short. In the hospital, the ostomate nurse came in to help instruct and change the pouch. I was such a snot. I was crying and complained and and just carrying on. This is the truly special part. She calmly looked me square in the eye and said "May I ask you a question?" I said "yes".
She asked "What in the world makes you so special?" I was speechless. She had my attention and then calmly went on to explain she had an ostomy from the age of ten. That she went on to pursue a rewarding career, found love and married a wonderful man and had two children. She made me promise her that I wouldn't let my illness and surgeries be the only "special" thing about me.
Some may say that she over stepped her bounds. I say she saved my life. I have a wonderful husband, a very special daughter and I start my pre-reqs this fall. I also plan on volunteering with young ostomates.
Isn't it amazing what a little extra caring will do.
sharann, BSN, RN
1,758 Posts
What a wonderful and uplifting story! Thank you for sharing that:)
suzanne4, RN
26,410 Posts
Someone that I know went thru the same thing and she also became a nurse, one of the best ICU nurses that I have ever met.................
this is to her...... :balloons:
Tweety, BSN, RN
34,337 Posts
Thanks for sharing. :)
nurseygrrl, LPN
445 Posts
That's a nice story. Most times, our people skills are what makes a good nurse.
Dayray, RN
700 Posts
Beautiful!
Thanks for sharing