From Birth to Death

[Staragate, ADN, ASN, RN]

These last few weeks in clinicals, I've been taking care of brand-new moms and babies. Brand new beginnings and patients who are full of life. It was wonderful. I loved the excitement of a new family. I got to have more practice using my nursing skills. I loved being part of the magical experience that is the birth of a human being.

As a student, I was able to become a CNA and gain some real healthcare experience. I've mostly worked with the Alzheimer's patients. I care about every one of them.

Yesterday, a resident passed away. The housekeeper was cleaning rooms and her eye's bugged. She called me over to the room. I took one look and I thought "oh boy." I told the nurse and she went right over to check her out. She confirmed it and I asked to perform the postmortem care.

I didn't know her very well, but I wanted to give her my best. I said a little prayer in my head for her. I cleaned her up and found the prettiest outfit that I could find. I looked for jewelry and found a matching necklace. She looked very nice by the time I was done. I didn't know if family was going to come or not. If they were, I wanted them to see her looking nice.

...as I went through the rest of my day, I was fine... until I was driving home. It just hit me that I experienced life at both ends of the spectrum this week. I teared up a little and thought about it. This is why I'm trying to become a nurse.

[ProudStudent]

Your story is inspiring. Nursing is awesome and a great field to get into for those of us who enjoy caring for others. I am doing CNA clinicals now, in a nursing home with some of the most wonderful residents. Every single one of them have an amazing story and sometimes they just need an ear to listen. Good for you for considering the family and the wishes of your expired resident, it sounds like you will make a great nurse!

[sandanrnstudent]

Thank you for reminding me of the awesome responsibility it is to be a nurse and to reminisce on what great opportunities this progression gives to us.

You are going to make a great nurse!

sandanRNstudent

[Staragate, ADN, ASN, RN]

I showed this story to my mom and she told me that she got chills reading it. I must say that I was very unsettled by this, just because it was my first time. Her passing was expected and she was checked on within an hour of being discovered. I am a very emotional person... I cried a little this morning just watching the news! I seem to be able to put on the "shield" so I can take care of business. I wanted to say Nurse Hat, but I'm not a nurse yet!

[Esme12, ASN, BSN, RN]

"i didn't know her very well, but i wanted to give her my best. i said a little prayer in my head for her. i cleaned her up and found the prettiest outfit that i could find. i looked for jewelry and found a matching necklace. she looked very nice by the time i was done. i didn't know if family was going to come or not. if they were, i wanted them to see her looking nice.

...as i went through the rest of my day, i was fine... until i was driving home. it just hit me that i experienced life at both ends of the spectrum this week. i teared up a little and thought about it. this is why i'm trying to become a nurse."

:hug: bless you honey, you did just fine. to give someone kindness, respect and dignity and your heartfelt prayer is the gift that nursing brings to us. you have joined the ranks of those who serve and you have behaved beautifully. it is the reason we do.

being a nurse means…

you will never be bored.

you will always be frustrated.

you will be surrounded by challenges.

so much to do and so little time.

you will carry immense responsibility and very little authority.

you will step into people’s lives and you will make a difference.

some will bless you. some will curse you.

you will see people at their worst… and at their best.

you will never cease to be amazed at people’s capacity for love, courage, and endurance.

you will see life begin…and end.

you will experience resounding triumphs. and devastating failures.

you will cry a lot. you will laugh a lot.

you will know what it is to be human and to be humane.

[color=#c5b77d]melodie chenevert[color=#c5b77d] rn, mn, ma